OKC Thunder: Billy Donovan camp emphasizes pace and chemistry
By Reid Belew
OKC Thunder training camp is fully underway with Head Coach Billy Donovan prioritizing pace and chemistry.
The OKC Thunder started training camp on Tuesday, September 25. Head coach Billy Donovan and forward Paul George spoke to media members about how the Thunder will use athleticism and team continuity to their advantage.
Thunder head coach Billy Donovan spoke to reporters Thursday about the principles of the Thunder’s philosophy. Donovan is using training camp to build habits that will allow the team to play fast and aggressive, something Donovan has always emphasized.
In the video above, Donovan noted:
"There’s a lot that goes into it. The first thing is how quickly you get the ball out of bounds. You know, how quickly the guard brings the ball up the floor. The next part is, you know, once you do get into the frontcourt, how quickly can guys make reads and move and cut and do those types of things."
Coach Donovan’s Florida teams were known for playing an unselfish, quick brand of basketball. His teams always pushed the pace and kept the opposition on their heels.
In the above video, Thunder forward Paul George echoed these sentiments.
"“I think it plays into our play style to play [with pace]. I think it’s a natural adjustment for us.”"
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The Thunder were 16th in the league last year in pace. Donovan would surely love to see that number rise during the upcoming season.
If the Thunder’s goal is speed, it explains the acquisitions of Dennis Schroeder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. TLC was the 13th fastest player in the league last year, averaging 4.83 mph. Similarly, Dennis Schroeder averaged 4.48 mph, above average for guards.
TLC and Schroeder need time not to learn to play with pace, but to learn to play with their new teammates. Donovan knows this:
"“I think Dennis being a point guard needs to get comfortable with [Steven Adams and Paul George] because they’re going to be on the floor quite a bit together with Russell being out. I wanted that to happen some. But also, Dennis has to play with Patrick, he’s got to play with Jerami, he’s gonna have to play with Terrance. I’m less worried about the groupings of who’s playing together, but more like ‘let’s make sure these guys get a chance to play with one another.’”"
Playing an uptempo, disruptive style of play is the clear path for the OKC Thunder. Their roster is filled with lanky, athletic players who play with aggression and pace. These are players who get out and run in transition.
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It seems everything is in place. The roster and coaching philosophy are finally on the same page. What remains now is the execution. With very little roster turnover and all the assets he needs, Billy Donovan has all the pieces he needs to make a deep playoff run.