We’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news – it’s Monday. The good news – this is your OKC Thunder daily in the news column, where we serve up topical stories about your favorite team.
Today’s offerings include details about how Russell Westbrook made his way into the NBA Finals, an update on Steven Adams’ summer, and a prospect preview of Zach Collins.
Entertaining Chants:
During Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers fans took the opportunity to remind Kevin Durant just how great Russell Westbrook is. When Durant stepped up to the free-throw line, Cavs fan began “Russell Westbrook” chants.
In an article for SBNation, Matt Ellentuck said:
"“It’s a big insult for the Finals MVP-to-be if the Warriors win this series. Durant and Westbrook have had beef for almost an entire year. Oklahoma City doesn’t like him anymore, and the shouts are a harsh reminder of that. It’s nothing he hasn’t heard, but the chants haven’t really been heard in non-Oklahoma City arenas like that.”"
Of course, the chanting may change tonight when Game 5 returns to California. But at least for now, OKC Thunder fans can find hope in knowing other teams feel the same way we do.
Steven Adams Returns to New Zealand:
Traveling home to New Zealand is typically on the big man’s summer agenda, and this year is no different. According to reporter David Long, Adams has been spotted around his home country:
"“New Zealand’s NBA star Steven Adams is back in New Zealand and has been seen hanging around with the women’s Otago Gold Rush basketball team..…the Gold Rush have put a picture of Adams with a group of their players, revealing that they were out for lunch while in Wellington for a double headers of games when Adams asked if he could have his picture taken with them.”"
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Read the rest of the story – and see the picture – here.
Draft Prospect Series Continue:
Thunderous Intentions isn’t done sharing draft prospect reviews of the top 60 players expected to go in this 2017 NBA Draft. The latest installation features an in-depth look at Zach Collins. Writer Tamberlyn Richardson suggests:
"In the point guard rich 2017 NBA draft Zach Collins may well be the first center to get plucked in the lottery. Most draft boards place him as the top center, but the Gonzaga big may be better suited for the power forward position. This due to his ability to stretch the floor and defensive potential particularly at guarding outside the paint.Like all bigs who can play either the power forward or center position he suits the postion-less NBA and movement to small ball."
Read the rest of Tamberlyn’s review here.
Enjoy your week! And, be sure to make OKC Thunder ‘In the News’ a daily stop to get up to speed on the latest and greatest about your favorite team.