OKC Thunder Media Day: Alex Abrines sets goals for big season

Entering his third and final year of his contract with the OKC Thunder, Alex Abrines embraces a veteran status and championship mentality.

It has been quite an off season for the OKC Thunder and Alex Abrines. While Sam Presti was out retooling the rotation, the 25-year-old Spaniard was overseas getting married, hosting youth basketball camps and preparing for the biggest season of his career.

Finding a role in the NBA can be difficult for second round draft picks. This has held true for Abrines, who spent the four years playing overseas after being selected in the second round in 2013.

In his first two years in OKC, Abrines feels like a player who hasn’t reached his full potential. For every double-digit outing, there’s a handful of games in which he had little to no impact. Which is a shame for a guy with so much opportunity.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Not only were the Thunder league worst in bench scoring with 25.9 points from reserves, but they desperately needed someone to help when Andre Roberson ruptured his patellar tendon halfway through the season. And despite those opportunities, Abrines’ scoring dropped from six points per game to 4.7.

So with one year left on his contract, this is Abrines’ last audition for a long-term deal. And he made his goals clear on media day.

On last season and goals for this year: 

“Last year didn’t go according to plan. But I think I proved to myself that I can be a great defender, so that’s  one of my focuses this year. I just want to be more consistent and keep growing as a defender, while also not forgetting I’m a 3-point threat on offense.”

On Dennis Schroder:

“He’s a great player. I think he’s the point guard we need. He can score in so many ways and is very crafty. He’ll make our second unit better by pushing the ball and moving it around like we did for the most part last year. And for me, he’ll give me more opportunities to get open looks. And I think my presence will space the floor for him to drive to the rim or pass to someone behind the 3-point line.”

On shooting struggles:

“I just try to grow everyday. Shooters have better days than others. When I get frustrated with my shooting, then I shoot a little more after practice. But sometimes you’re just off and you can’t do anything about it. I just try to get ready for the next game and try to play better.”

On veteran status:

“It’s crazy, because it feels like I arrived here yesterday. But it’s my third year and I’ve been here longer than most of the other guys. I think I can help the new guys to help them understand how we work here and what the standards are. I just want to help the team as much as I can. I think I’m getting better every year and this year is another step forward.”

On getting married:

“It was a great experience. I was able to do it in my hometown and all my friends were there. I’m just really happy.”