OKC Thunder in the news: year 5 expectations and fish tales for Adams
Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Sunday September 17, featuring topical news on your favorite team and players.
OKC Thunder in the news September 17 focuses on new jersey announcements, fishing tall tales and Steven Adam’s role this season.
Season 5 for Steven Adams brings expectations:
Much has been made of the contract Steven Adams received when the OKC Thunder renegotiated his contract. Last season there was regression, but how much of that was due to the personnel surrounding him? At his best Adams is a rim protector who offers Westbrook the perfect pick and roll target offensively. The problem last season was there simply weren’t enough floor spacers to allow Adams the same space he’d previously functioned with.
Those issues were addressed in the offseason with the addition of Paul George and Patrick Patterson. Still for Adams to be recognized as earning the big contract dollars OKC doled out he’ll need to emulate (if not improve) upon his 2015-16 playoff production.
Erik Horne of News OK provides a great read on this very subject:
"The Thunder’s floor spacing stands to improve with the addition of four-time All-Star Paul George and Patrick Patterson. Even with defenses focused on shutting down his path to the rim in the pick-and-roll with Westbrook, Adams wasn’t awful offensively last season. According to SportVU tracking, Adams scored on 54.5 percent of his rolls to the basket, a better percentage than offensively-skilled bigs like Nikola Jokic (53.2), Anthony Davis (53.1) and Blake Griffin (48.4)."
Adams responds to his expectations:
“There’s much bigger things we have to do and worry about other than ‘oh I’m getting paid this much, I have to shoot this much,’ or whatever it is,” Adams said when asked if his increased salary factors into his personal expectations. “Everyone’s goal is the main goal. You have to make any sort of sacrifice, anything you have to do for the team.
“I might be wrong, mate, but that’s pretty much my mindset.”
Fish Tales for Adams:
Sticking with Adams, the one thing Thunder Nation can rely on is his amazing personality. OKC Thunder fans are spoiled with Adams consistently serving up some of the best sound bites in the NBA>
Upon his return to OKC Adams wasted no time reminding fans and the media throng of that sense of humor. TI detailed the interview of the one that got away.
In case you missed the original article check out the video and be prepared to laugh."Talking with the assembled media crew Adams tells a story of his fishing trip this summer. In his usual gregarious manner Adams has reporters howling with his fishing tale. But, this epic had more to do with his explanation of the experience rather than the typical “one that got away” tale."
OKC Thunder introduce new Statement jersey series:
Paul George joined 29 of his peers to model the OKC Thunder Statement jersey. It’s the third in the four new uniforms the NBA and Nike are introducing this season.
Though the navy is preferable to the light blue I’m not sure about the OKC lettering. It’s askew and meant to signify the roar of the Chesapeake Energy Arena crowd.
showcased the unveiling.
That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for September17. Make Thunderous Intentions a daily stop and we’ll keep you primed as we build toward season start.