Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day: The squad speaks

After the big guns left the podium the remainder of the OKC Thunder players had their moment offering plenty of interesting sound bites.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has plenty of buzz surrounding their 10th media day. What’s interesting is the addition of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. The two All-Star players will team up with the NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. This will be an electric season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Once the likes of Westbrook, Melo, George, and Adams took the podium, the rest of the squad added their thoughts about a variety of topics.

Andre Roberson:

Andre Roberson took the podium and expressed his thoughts on the addition of Anthony. He talked about how it shows that the owner is invested in the team and that they are invested in Westbrook’s future. Roberson was also asked if he felt that the Oklahoma City Thunder was a super team. He responded by noting the three All-Star’s that are on the roster, adding that the caliber of players definitely makes OKC a super team.

Roberson says he was out with Doug McDermott when they learned Melo added OKC to the list. He will miss both Enes and Doug. As for Enes, he says it’s always hard when guys get traded. But, he understands it’s a business, and as much as he talks trash on twitter he was a great team guy and an amazing person.

Roberson says Billy Donovan will put them in a great position to succeed. Added that the team is all versatile on both ends and expects the players to complement each other well and now it’s a matter of developing chemistry. His individual goal is to get first-team All-Defense and improve his overall game.

Raymond Felton:

Raymond Felton took the podium having played with Melo during his time in New York. Felton said he didn’t pay attention to the rumors; however, once it was official, he was excited. “I was excited, I gave him a call right after and talked to him. It’s going to be a special team I’m excited.”

You could tell Felton likes Oklahoma City, he loves the family atmosphere and is excited to play in OKC. “Everything is different. What he will say is it’s been wonderful and amazing. It’s been nothing but A1 since he joined. He has nothing but respect for every team he’s played for.”

Felton also weighed in on head coach Billy Donovan this season. “We are all grown men – so at the end of the day, it’s all on us to do what he needs us to do. The biggest thing they need to learn is sacrifice.” He said.

At the end of the presser, Felton added that this team is so deep. You going to need everyone on this team it’s not about the first unit or second. You’re going to need everybody. It’s all about getting better.

Jerami Grant:

Jermai Granted echoed a lot of the same thoughts when it came to Enes Kanter. He loved Enes and is going to miss him. However, Grant quickly added that he knows Anthony personally and is excited to be playing with him and Paul George.

Once the notion of the Oklahoma City Thunder is a super team came up, Grant had no trouble referring to OKC as a contender.

Nick Collison:

Nick Collison approached the podium with a spring in his step. He still didn’t officially say this is his last year, He did say that he would consider coaching and think about his future after this season. Collison talked about how he has a lot left in the tank. He’s ready to compete when his number is called.

When asked about Melo and George, the question was worded differently. The question called for a comparison of Russ, Melo, and George to Russ Kevin Durant and James Harden. Collison noted that the talent level is similar, however, the 2012 team was younger than the guys on the team now.

Some players were asked about the President’s tweets. He wishes the President would use his platform to bring people together instead of trying to divide them. He believes sports offers a unique platform to try to unify the country.

Alex Abrines:

Alex Abrines looked bigger this year. He started a new workout that caused him to gain 10 pounds of muscle. He said he had to add muscle to play with the guys in this league. He also touched on being more than a three-point shooter. So, depending on who he is on the court with, he has to work on non-ball movement and with other players. He talked about how he has to work on distributing more.

Abrines also talked about playing with the Spanish national team, calling it a great learning experience. He named the Gasol Brothers and Rocky Rubio by name and enjoyed learning from those players.

Terrance Ferguson:

Terrance Ferguson first talked about how he feels it’s a blessing to join his home team. Being from Tulsa and Oklahoma it’s been a blast to be playing for this team. He also talked about how he can’t wait to learn from George and Anthony. Ferguson has spent the summer working on his game, from shooting to staying in shape.

Ferguson also noted that he wasn’t sure where he’ll be playing whether with the varsity team or G-League team. He’s not worried he’ll just do his best to compete.

Dakari Johnson:

Dakari Johnson was excited to be on the Thunder roster after spending two seasons in the G-league. He said being humble has been important and he is excited for his hard work to pay off as he joins varsity team. Steven Adams is helping him with defense as he feels he can bring a lot to the table.

He’s excited to learn from Russ, Melo, and PG as he talked about taking full advantage of the opportunities that he was given by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Josh Huestis:

Josh Huestis opened by talking about how close he was with Enes Kanter and Dougie McBucketts, He said they helped him a lot on his journey last season. However, he added that George and Melo make this team so much better.

When asked about how he heard about Melo, Huestis said that GM Sam Presti works in silence and is a magician. So, I guess even the players feel like that about Sam. Huestis is a well-spoken person, he offered his thoughts on the protest saying he was proud of the NFL players for doing what they think is right.

Kyle Singler:

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Kyle Singler is really happy and excited about Melo. He claims this team has a chance to be special. Once he was asked about his role he indicates that it’s about the team and not the individual. Although, he did say apart of him thinks about his role.

Singler was asked about guarding Melo when he played for Detroit. He said that Carmelo was extremely difficult to guard. There’s a lot of excitement with the team to see Anthony on a day-to-day basis. Singler was also asked if Melo-Russ-PG qualify as “super team” – says they are all similar aggressive, competitive and they all seem to have a great chemistry already.

Semaj Christon:

Semaj Christon is also excited to learn and play with Melo and George on the Oklahoma City Thunder. He calls it a great opportunity. Christon doesn’t expect for his role to change on the team. It’s likely he’ll be the team’s third option at the point guard position. This doesn’t bother him, he’s ready to do whatever is asked of him and he’ll be ready whenever his number is called.

Overall, I believe this team is riding high after the Melo signing. They all appear ready and willing to work together to compete for an NBA Finals appearance and championship. Thunder fans, this is going to be a fun season. Stay with Thunderous Intentions all season long for the latest in Thunder news.

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

Sam Presti:Sam Presti talks Carmelo Anthony addition on Media Day 2017

Billy Donovan: Billy Donovan thoughts for 2017-18 season

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