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OKC Thunder in the news: Presti Presser, George amped for season start

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 21: Oklahoma City Thunder general manager and executive vice president Sam Presti addresses the media on September 21, 2016 at the Integris Health Thunder Development Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 21: Oklahoma City Thunder general manager and executive vice president Sam Presti addresses the media on September 21, 2016 at the Integris Health Thunder Development Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Saturday September 23, featuring topical news on your favorite team and players.

OKC Thunder in the news September 23 focuses on the launch of the OKC Thunder tenth year as a franchise. Sam Presti met with the media to launch the season. And with training camp set to begin next week be prepared for copious predictions articles. TI has an interesting take below.

OKC Thunder 2017-18 Prediction Articles Begin:

Sir Charles in Charge writer Rashawn Wong serves up one of many analysis articles expected in the next few weeks. Wong pinpoints three factors to keep an eye on this season. Specifically, he notes three story lines to watch:

  • Whether Westbrook will continue to average a triple-double
  • How Westbrook and George will mesh
  • With Westbrook now MVP and Kevin Durant now a champion how will their matchups play out this season.

"With the additions of George, Patrick Patterson, and proven backup point guard Raymond Felton the Thunder will have a rotation that can compete in close games come playoff time. This is essential because the Thunder lost in the first-round last season because of the simple fact that had no rotation.For 39 minutes per game when Westbrook was on the floor, the Thunder outscored Houston by 4.9 points per 100 possessions. It was the few minutes (46-minutes total out of five game series) he was on the bench that they would be outscored by 51.3 points per 100 possessions. Absurd. Adding these players will (hopefully) take the huge burden off Westbrook and create more efficient results come playoff time."

Sam Presti Preseason Presser:

The annual preseason presser occurred yesterday with Sam Presti addressing a myriad of questions. Tops on reporters minds was the arrival of Paul George and how he’ll fit with Westbrook. Reporters also asked about Kevin Durant’s shade, changes to rules (hello Mr. Harden you might not get to the line as much this season), among others. TI covered Presti’s presser which you can catch here.

"Expectations for how George and Westbrook will mesh:Asked if Westbrook will have an easier go with George having already played with a super star (Durant), Presti was quick to say there will still be a feeling out period. However, the GM did cite how many qualities George brings to the court. Presti further noted how well the two complement each other and the similarities they share like both possessing a killer instinct. Other things Presti noted was the myriad of tools George possesses, he almost said George is under appreciated but he backed off that statement to take the high road (ever the diplomatic Sam)."

Media Day Monday, Paul George is amped to start:

Notably, Monday September 25 is the official Press Day in Oklahoma City when all team members will be on hand. Certainly, excitement is high as this iteration of the Thunder offers a far more competitive squad than last season. Hence, fans will be eager to meet new players Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Raymond Felton and rookie Terrance Ferguson. Furthermore, for those wondering how excited Paul George  is to begin the season, his instagram post sums it up perfectly.

That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for September 23. With Media Day and training camp just around the corner make Thunderous Intentions a daily stop.

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