OKC Thunder in the news: Kanter on defense and Russ extension, Sen Inhofe: KD still welcome in OKC
Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Sunday August 6, featuring topical daily news on your favorite team.
Sunday is here and with it TI offers the hottest OKC Thunder news for your consumption. Today’s column features an Enes Kanter interview, praise for Ferguson and Senator Inhofe says Durant s still welcome in OKC.
Enes Kanter Q & A:
Arguably the most popular OKC Thunder players are Russell Westbrook, Nick Collison and Enes Kanter. The latter due to his humor, presence in the OKC community and his partnership with fellow Stache Brother Steven Adams.
Kanter’s summer has been anything but normal. To wit, his detention at a Romanian airport due to his political views and vocal opposition of Turkish president Erdogan. Still, he was on hand in New York to celebrate Westbrook’s MVP win. While his Enes Kanter Light Foundation tour had to be put on hold he’s remained upbeat refocusing his efforts on improving his game.
Fred Katz of the Norman Transcript interviewed the lovable center and learned he’s been working hard this offseason to improve his game. Most notably Kanter is trying to work on his (hold your hats) defense. Kanter details the defensive slides he’s focusing on as well as attempting to improve his 3-point shot. Katz also asked him about Westbrook and the extension. Though Kanter didn’t provide an affirmative or negative he did give some reason for optimism saying no location (team) could love him more than OKC.
"Katz: What’s your workout regimen when you’re alone in New York?Kanter: I work on the stuff I don’t do during the season too much. So, I work on my 3-point game a lot, face-up game. I’ve been really focused on the defensive stuff.Katz: How do you work on defense when you’re just you? What do you do?Kanter: You put down the cones. You go slide to one cone, touch it. You go touch the other cone. Come back and do some drills. Just shuffle and just chop steps…It’s about the legs."
Terrance Ferguson potential star?
Nicolas Gonzalez of Sir Charles in Charge offers an intriguing article on Terrance Ferguson. Stating the obvious he points out Ferguson has been lost in all the hoopla surrounding the additions of Paul George, Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton.
While Thunder fans anxiously await their first glimpse of Ferguson, perhaps the fact he’s got zero pressure on him to succeed may offer the best reason for him to in fact exceed expectations.
"Even putting up average stats in his rookie season in Australia, Ferguson showed out at the combine and warranted the Thunder to select him. The reason I am so high on him is simple. He is a 6-foot-7 wing who has the complete package. He can shoot as seen in his highlight tape above, his frame makes it very easy to defend along with his quick feet too.Lastly, his bounce is INSANE. You can check out some of his dunks below."
Senator Jim Inhofe says Durant is welcome in OKC:
Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report offers an article referencing Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe who says Kevin Durant is welcome in OKC. Inhofe cites KD’s philanthropic efforts. Zucker uses the parallel of LeBron James and Cavaliers fans saying they forgave James. Although accurate, the reason he was forgiven after “the Decision” was he returned to Cleveland and won a championship. Let’s see how happy Cav’s fans are with James should he exit stage left next summer.
The inference is K.D. may emulate James – win a few titles and return to OKC. Not sure that’s logical or realistic, but stranger things have happened.
For now cupcakes have been the main weapon for both sides and will likely continue to the ‘weapon of choice’ moving forward.
"In an interview with TMZ Sports, Inhofe said Durant “would be welcome back in Oklahoma any time he’s willing to come.” Inhofe also praised Durant’s charitable efforts when he was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.Thunder fans may not be willing to receive Durant as warmly as Inhofe—at least until the emotions from his departure last summer aren’t quite as raw."
Kevin Pelton misses mark on OKC 2017-18 projections:
As noted, Kevin Pelton (using his RPM statistics) has a highly efficient and successful prediction rate. Yet, every season there are also misses, because let’s face it if games were won on statistics alone every squad would simply employ players with the best stats. Rather, intangibles like heart, team chemistry, the right strategy and health can change the odds of stats.
Yesterday, I offered reasons for why Pelton’s low rank and win total for the Thunder may be effected by the latter.
"This season the additions are all veterans (outside of rookie Terrance Ferguson). So, the core of Westbrook, Roberson, Adams and Kanter will benefit from consistency. As will all the youngsters. Yet, there are other tangible factors which lend greater credence to building the argument for why the OKC Thunder will over perform Pelton’s RPM projections. ….While RPM says OKC’s reserve unit will take a hit there is reason to believe the addition of Patterson specifically will improve the Thunder. Although Patterson is presumably starting he’ll also likely get minutes alongside Kanter. Further, defensive minded Josh Huestis should get serviceable minutes likely with Kanter. Felton, doesn’t have great numbers, but he’s a step up from Christon. More importantly he can run an offense so he and the youngsters should benefit from his presence."
That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for August 6. Enjoy the last day of your weekend and be sure to make OKC Thunder, In the News is part of your daily fix.