With Media Day upon us, the OKC Thunder are set to hit the podium today, first up head coach, Billy Donovan takes the questions from the media.
Billy Donovan spoke to the media today bringing excitement, energy, and almost giddiness for the upcoming season. While there was plenty to discuss, head coach Billy Donovan brought his usual strong coach words to the podium.
The first question was about the new-look Thunder and how they’ve changed the roster so close to training camp. Donovan talked about learning to play as a team on both ends of the floor. He described this season as a journey.
When it came time to discuss the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, Donovan talked about the fact that these guys have been in the league for a long time. He also noted that Anthony and George have had individual (as well as team) success in their respective careers.
The head coach posed the question: How do we as a team make guys better?” He not only meant for Russell Westbrook, Anthony, and George but the rest of the team as well. He called Anthony more of a position-less player in his estimation and believes that is important in this era of basketball. The other asset Donovan spoke about was Melo’s vision on the court citing his ability to read the floor and see it well. This was an under respected quality of Anthony’s game Donovan plans to take advantage of.
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Donovan also addressed losing Enes Kanter and gaining Melo. Donovan had high praise for Kanter saying Kanter was a great guy and he’s quite possibly the best offensive rebounder in the game. You could tell that Donovan, as well as the rest of the team, will miss Kanter and his presence in the locker room.
Naturally, most people wanted to know about the situation involving Kevin Durant and his recent Twitter comments. Donovan addressed the question by saying that he and Durant have communicated since the tweets. “We did communicate, I felt like Kevin and I had a good relationship and there’s really nothing more to say.”
Donovan echo’s most of the teams ready for the upcoming season. Stay with Thunderous Intentions for the latest on all things Thunder
Other Media Day Insights:
Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook hints extension is inevitable
Carmelo Anthony: Carmelo Anthony thrilled to join OKC Thunder and form new ‘Big 3’
Paul George: Paul George expects OKC Thunder to be top defense
Steven Adams: Steven Adams delivers expected humor at Media Day 2017
Patrick Patterson: Patrick Patterson updates on knee, movie suggestions
Andre Roberson and Reserves: Media Day: The squad speaks
Sam Presti:Sam Presti talks Carmelo Anthony addition on Media Day 2017