OKC Thunder: Schroder, Luwawu-Cabarrot delighted to play with favorite NBA players

New OKC Thunder team members Dennis Schroder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot express delight in joining new squad.

The OKC Thunder began the 2018 offseason in somewhat of a precarious position. Topping the list of concerns was re-signing star Paul George and determining how the franchise would proceed with Carmelo Anthony.

Fortunately PG13 wasted precious time erasing Thunder Nation’s angst announcing his intention to return minutes before the moratorium began. Anthony’s situation however seemed destined to saddle the franchise financially for years.

As one after another the handful of teams with enough cap space to absorb Anthony’s contract signed free agents the list dissipated and it appeared the Thunder were destined for a Melo buyout.  But, losing faith in Sam Presti isn’t wise given his track record and Thursday, July 19th the GM added gravitas to his growing magician status.

The trade with Atlanta wiped removed the necessity of a buyout, yet Presti managed to nab two assets who can contribute and fill gaps in the roster. Dennis Schroder can serve as the backup point guard in a manner unfulfilled since Reggie Jackson’s exit. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot offers another youthful talent with playoff experience and untapped potential.

In recent days player trades elicited negative reactions such as DeMar DeRozan and Kawhi Leonard swapping teams. Fortunately for the OKC Thunder the two new additions lie at the other end of the spectrum and are delighted with their change of address. In fact, both players cited OKC’s two superstars as their favorite players.

Schroder anxious to join OKC:

Thunder beat writer Royce Young noted Schroder’s reaction to the trade as one of excitement. For those curious about roster fit Young also cleared that up via the same tweet. Schroder is aware he’ll fill a reserve position That’s not to say the point guard couldn’t spend time on the court in later game situations or in clutch time.

Given OKC’s anemic reserve production the German point guard offers an opportunity to gain some ground in this area. As a starter last season Schroder produced game averages of 19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Like most OKC players Schroder isn’t overly efficient from deep, shooting 29.0 percent from behind the arc.

Turns out Schroder’s favorite player is none other than new teammate Russell Westbrook.

Luwawu-Cabarrot favorite player is now his teammate:

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was the surprise element of the trade as he joins the Thunder via the exchange of Muscala to Philly. The youngster’s initial reaction was humorous as he simply posted a thinking emoji.

However, further digging unveiled like Schroder, TLC’s favorite player is on his new team.  David Pick’s tweet noted Paul George is his favorite player. The wing man is giddy about joining the Thunder and we’ll hope he gets over his fandom of PG quickly. Often when a younger player cites a star as their favorite they’ll find themselves becoming spectators as they hit the floor.

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Fortunately Schroder and Luwawu-Cabarrot won’t have to worry about this too much since they’ll both have bench roles.

For a small market the fact players are excited to come to Oklahoma City speaks to the franchise’s reputation. Certainly, Russell Westbrook and Paul George contribute to the eagerness of players to become teammates.

And, the fact the squad is competitive also plays a factor. Still, that’s not a given as Toronto topped the east and San Antonio is a perennial contender (see Leonard and DeRozan).

Ultimately, the fact Sam Presti moved Melo’s contract to avoid becoming the NBA’s first $300 million team is massive.

Adding players who fill gaps in the roster and offer value is another win for Presti. But, the fact both players are delighted to don their new jersey speaks to the franchise, team potential and yes the Oklahoma City community.