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Summer love: OKC Thunder preview for 2018 NBA Summer League

By Rylan Stiles

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 7: Dakari Johnson #44 and Mark Bryant of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk on the bench during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the Orlando Summer League on July 7, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 7: Dakari Johnson #44 and Mark Bryant of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk on the bench during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the Orlando Summer League on July 7, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The NBA Summer League will heat up for the OKC Thunder Friday night. Let’s preview the summer gathering.

The NBA Summer League is a lot like spring training in Major League Baseball. The nerds like myself will pump both of these meaningless events directly into their veins. As I pen this article I am watching Trae Young‘s NBA debut at the summer league level. Even though Jaren Jackson Jr. Is stealing the show with 13-points at halftime and a half-court buzzer beater.

Understandably so, that lifestyle is not for everyone. Most NBA fans, don’t care about Summer League, or do not have the time to invest in July basketball after a grueling 82-game–not including the playoffs–grind of a season.

Fret not, Thunderous Intentions has you covered. For those who may not want to, or have time to follow the OKC Thunder throughout their summer league journey, this is the place for you. With up-to-the-minute updates on twitter, and post game recaps all Summer long.

The Schedule:

For the first time ever, the OKC Thunder will be in Vegas for the NBA Summer League. Before this year, they tipped off in Orlando every year of their existence. Now, Vegas is the mecca for Summer League ball, hosting all 30-teams for summer game tilts starting July 6th, and rolling all the way through July 17th. Here you can see when the OKC Thunder will hit the hardwood.

  • Friday July 6th, vs Hornets 4:30 (ESPNU)
  • Saturday July 7th vs Nets at 7:30 (NBATV)
  • Monday July 9th vs Raptors at 2:30 (NBATV)

The OKC Thunder will have two more games that are to be determined, they depend on how things shake out in Vegas.

Note: All times listed are Central.

What to Watch for:

I know what you’re muttering to yourself right now, I hear you. “Okay crazy guy writing this Summer League article. Why on earth should I take time out of my summer to watch rookies and misfits play meaningless basketball?”

The NBA Summer league offers a glimpse at the future. All of the big name rookies will be on display sporting their new NBA threads for the first time. That alone is exciting. Headline match ups like DeAndre Ayton vs Marvin Bagley awaits summer league fans on Saturday.

Specifically for the OKC Thunder:

The progression of Terrance Ferguson.

As I mentioned I’m sitting at my desk watching the Memphis Grizzles take on the Atlanta Hawks in a wire-to-wire summer league match up as I slave over the keyboard to bring you this great Summer League content.

John Collins is on the floor for the Hawks, and has played the majority of this game. After spending all of last year at the NBA level you can really tell the seasoning has paid off. The OKC Thunder hope the same thing will happen with Terrance Ferguson.

He improved rapidly during the second half of the season, finding his groove from deep. He can jump out of the gym, so that is always fun to watch. One under the radar aspect: Is this a showcase for other teams? Could Ferguson be displaying his talents for other teams and possibly be on the move via trade? I do not think so, but it’s yet another thing to watch.

Related:

Daniel Hamilton coming out party?

Daniel Hamilton led the G-League in triple doubles last season. Sound familiar? The 6’7 guard from the University of Connecticut is 22-years old. With Devon Hall brought into the fold, it is now or never time for Hamilton who needs to take that leap to the next level.

In an ideal world, Hamilton earns his way onto the 2018-19 roster and Devon Hall takes Hamilton’s spot with the OKC Blue to refine his craft. While it will be interesting to keep tabs on Hamilton all summer, keep a close eye on him Friday. The OKC Thunder take on the Hornets and 2nd round pick Devonte Graham who I truly believe in at the next level.

Is Dakari Johnson ever going to be able to play in this league?

More from Thunderous Intentions

Dakari Johnson will log minutes in his fourth NBA Summer League on Friday. The 7’0 center is still just 22 years old, and saw some action in OKC last year. He played very well in one game against the Clippers, but that was due to his matchup not quite being a new aged NBA big.

Many have lost faith in Dakari Johnson including myself. He just is not athletic enough to play at the next level. His competition gets even tough after the OKC Thunder signed Nerlens Noel Monday afternoon.

Related: 2017-18 player preview: Big man on campus

The Rookies

The NBA Draft came and went, and the OKC Thunder made two selections. Sam Presti pulled the trigger on Devon Hall, and Kevin Hervey. Shortly after the draft, Presti traded for Hamidou Diallo who will officially be a member of the Thunder on Friday and hopefully can log some minutes this summer, getting his feet wet.

These are all second round prospects taken at the earliest 45th overall. It is hard to envision these guys playing meaningful minutes for the Thunder this year, but fans should keep an eye on them for the future.

Related: Rookie Profiles

Summer lovin, happens so fast

‘Summer lovin’ had me a blast, Summer lovin’ happened so fast, Summer days drifting away to those Summer nights‘. If you did not bust into song reading those famous Grease the musical lyrics, something is wrong with you. Nonetheless, let’s talk about who this summer love will be.

A summer love in the NBA Summer league is a player fans fall in love with who have only a little chance to pan out, or even just a long shot. In the past, my summer loves have included Josh Huestis, Mitch McGary and Marcus Pagie. Who is my projection for this summer’s love?

P.J. Dozier.

The second year player out of the University of South Carolina made headlines last year. After inking a two-way deal with the OKC Thunder, Dozier elected to wear the number 35. That was the first time any player has donned that history laced number since the departure of Kevin Durant.

On the court, Dozier was fine. Spending most his time in the G-League, he only played in a pair of games for the Thunder last year. He certainly hopes to make a leap this season, and it can all start Friday.

The OKC summer league roster is not fully known as of now, but keep locked in to myself, and Thunderous Intentions and we will bring you the news as soon as it is released.

Next: Profiles of top 60 ranked prospects entering draft

Here is what we know the roster to look like as of now

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