OKC Thunder in the news: best roster since 2016, Canadian rookie Westbrook fan
The OKC Thunder roster is the best iteration since Durant’s departure and could surprise critics this season.
Welcome to September and with it just a few weeks until training camp. OKC Thunder players like every squad will amp up efforts in preparation for camp. But, as they arrive this season there will be an even greater focus on a deep postseason run.
OKC Thunder poised to prove critics wrong:
Since Paul George re-signed with the OKC Thunder a common refrain here at Thunderous Intentions is the team might shock everyone. With each move General Manager Sam Presti made this offseason TI scribes has amped up the volume.
As of this week the removal of Kyle Singler has us almost reaching that song’s crescendo. Turns out TI writers and fans aren’t the only ones who are signing this song.
The Ringer writer Paolo Uggetti believes the OKC Thunder could be greatly underestimated. Albeit, this is a series the Ringer is examining. Still, Uggetti’s analysis is no less relevant. A definite must read Uggetti outlines a few reasons why OKC aren’t viewed as highly as they should be along with some growth area potential.
"Adams, who made a career-high 62.9 percent of his shots last season, continues to provide a strong presence in the paint on defense as well. He might not have the reputation as a rim protector like Clint Capela, but he allowed a lower percentage around the rim than Capela or Dwight Howard last season. He’ll never get enough credit for embracing the unglamorous aspects of basketball (setting the perfect screen, boxing out on missed shots) that allow his more offensively inclined teammates to shine, but all those little things add up to an invaluable star on the team."
Canadian rookie fan of Westbrook:
Jovan Buha writer at The Athletic interviewed Toronto native and Clippers rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since the Athletic is a subscription site I can’t let the cat out of the bag but suffice to say Westbrook is definitely on the Canadian’s radar in more ways than one. I’m a subscriber so I’m not even sure what the teaser to the article is. If you are a hoops head however, the Athletic is money well spent given the breadth of talent on the site and in depth articles.
ICYMI: I interviewed @shaiglalex on his offseason training, eating habits, LA vs. Toronto, fashion, sneakers and Instagram for @TheAthleticLA: https://t.co/GvR9JLV7jm
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) August 25, 2018
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
As for SGA he’s someone I’m earmarking to be a stand out this season in the rookie crop. Like Donovan Mitchell Gilgeous-Alexander is a player mature beyond his years. He quickly adapts to lessons learned and his height is going to cause nightmares for opposing guards. Slight of frame SAG will have some issues with muscular guards but mark my words this kid is the real deal.
OKC Thunder 30 for 30:
Lawrence George’s series continues as he examines one player from every NBA who could improve the OKC roster and fits from a financial and logistics standpoint. The three recent offerings provide a range of talent who could shift this iteration of the Thunder higher up the ladder:
Next. Ranking top 50 dunks in Thunder franchise history. dark
That wraps up in the news for September 1, as we near training camp make sure you bookmark Thunderous Intentions as the team prepares you for the season. Enjoy your Saturday.
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