Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 124-114. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Name one thing that you’ve been particularly encouraged by this summer.
Woods: Either the Singler re-signing or the fact that Durant hasn’t stated that he is leaving. I’m not high on the team’s acquisitions in the summer. Payne wasn’t the player I wanted to see the Thunder take – he’s a small guard that needs the ball in his hands to be productive – I’ve spoken enough on the Kanter deal and the team made no other additions to the roster (admittedly, their options were very limited). I know the team will be elite if healthy
Lea: Coach Donovan is already working with his star players. He’s in the gym with Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka. It’s a great sign to see, getting on the same page as a team is beneficial during the postseason. To see these guys all putting in work during the offseason reminds me of the story of the “Ant and the Grasshopper.” The Thunder is clearly being like the Ants and preparing for the season. Let’s just hope San Antonio is being like the Grasshoppers.
Van Sant: Summer League attendance. During the Thunder’s run in the Orlando Summer League during June, Durant and Donovan were shown on the sidelines, watching the young prospects showcase their talents and possibly talking about how they could be implemented and best utilized in Donovan’s new offense.
Lambert: Durant’s increased leadership. He was at Summer League cheering on the young guys and bonding with the new coaches and a few weeks later he helped organized team practices in Los Angeles with most of the players and coaches. You can tell Durant is just itching to play.
Livingston: All the players just hanging out. If there’s anything I’ve noticed about the Golden State Warriors besides their immense talent is their obvious camaraderie. Seeing these OKC players trying to build something like that with voluntary practices and other team hangouts. The way the players are coming together around the improved leadership of Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka shows a dedication to a championship.
Riggs: The voluntary mini camp in Los Angeles. The footage of Durant working out with Westbrook was encouraging for Thunder fans. Most of the team has been involved in the workouts, including new head coach Billy Donovan and new assistant coach Monty Williams. Talent is not the question next season, but how the team will gel with each other and the new coaching staff is. So it’s great to see the team and coaches bonding and, of course, improving.
Hutto: I love all of the freewill practicing going on right now. Our guys have a huge chip on their shoulders and I cannot wait to see how they take it out on the Western Conference this upcoming season. A healthy Thunder squad equals the NBA’s worst nightmare. I’ll definitely be watching!