OKC Thunder in the news: Schroder best Westbrook backup ever? HOF ceremony highlights

OKC Thunder in the news for Saturday, September 8 features the debate over Dennis Schroder being Westbrook’s best backup, Hall of Fame highlights and much more.

A busy weekend for hoops heads as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducts 13 new members including OKC Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks. Closer to home in Tulsa the official opening of the Gathering Place including Terrance Ferguson, the Thunder Girls and Rumble.

Prior to diving into those items an interesting debate will wage this season as to whether Dennis Schroder will become Russell Westbrook‘s best backup ever.

With that let’s dive into today’s In the news column….

Schroder potentially Westbrook’s best backup ever?

HoopsHype writer Bryan Kalbrosky dove into the OKC Thunder backup point guard debate. More specifically, if Schroder is potentially the best option Westbrook has ever played beside. While James Harden played shooting guard the fact he spent a season as the primary ball handler in Houston does give credence to TI’s argument he was a defacto backup when he came off the bench for the Thunder and in clutch time with Durant and Westbrook.

Still the numbers Kalbrosky offers should have Thunder Nation giddy over the potential for this backcourt to shine particularly in the clutch.

"The Thunder were able to outscore opponents by 8.6 points per 100 possessions when Westbrook was on the court with George, Grant and Patterson. If coach Donovan were to insert Schroeder into this group, he’d offer the 2017 NBA MVP a chance to shine off the ball."

Terrance Ferguson reading at Gathering Place opening:

A big event occurring in Tulsa this weekend as Kipp Jones of ABC Tulsa reports. Jones offers up the calendar of events for the Gathering Place grand opening. Included in the weekend highlights is OKC Thunder wing man Terrance Ferguson. TFerg will be on hand to read to an expected 500 children.

"Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Terrance Ferguson will read a book to approximately 500 children at the Reading Tree. Rumble, the Thunder Girls, the Thunder Drummers and Storm Chasers will perform in the parade with giveaways and a pop-up performance. Ferguson will begin reading at 11:00 a.m."

Also on sight to represent the team will be Thunder mascot Rumble, the Thunder Girls and Drummers. Music acts will be a major draw as well as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

For more information on Tulsa’s new riverfront park check out the direct link.

Work ethic emerges as common theme at HOF Enshrinement Ceremony:

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OKC Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks may well have stole the show with his humor and a touching tribute to “Momma Cheeks” which had many in attendance tearing up. Along with birthday boy Mo, the Hall welcomed another 12 new members.

There were common threads which ran through each of the inductees speeches at the Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. Expected thanks were delivered to coaches, teammates and families.

Yet, there was a  major theme which should resonate for all who watched particularly the young generation of fans.

This theme was – work ethic via consistency, setting goals and continually raising the bar. Current OKC Thunder assistant coach Cheeks mentioned it, Ray Allen epitomized it and Steve Nash provided (at least for me) the quote of the night tied to that principle.

"“Find something you love to do. Do it every day. Be obsessed. Balance can come later. Use your imagination. Put pen to paper. Declare your intentions. Set small goals, knock them off , set more goals. Gain momentum. Build confidence. Grow a deep belief. Outwork people. Play the long game. You don’t have to be the chosen one. The secret is to build a resolve in spirit to enjoy the plateaus…. Finally, never stop striving, reaching for your goals until you get there. But, the truth is even when you get there … its the striving, fighting, pushing yourself to the limit everyday that you’ll miss and you’ll long for. You’ll never be more alive then when you give something everything you have.” – Steve Nash"

If you missed the ceremony catch Mo Cheeks, Grant Hill and Steve Nash’s speeches via these youtube links:

Mo Cheeks:

Grant Hill:

Steve Nash:

Ray Allen:

T.I.s favorite OKC Thunder fan pays homage to Cheeks:

For those of you who follow perspective_7a you’ll know she produces the best images throughout the season after games. Wins are always in color and losses in black and white. This tribute showcases the hat tip to Cheeks with Russ in attendance to support (as he was in Springfield, Massachusetts). If you’re an instagram member make sure to add her to your follows.

That wraps up OKC Thunder, In the news for Saturday, September 8. Enjoy your weekend and make sure to book mark Thunderous Intentions. Visit us daily to reveal new opinions and analysis on your favorite players and team.