OKC Thunder in the news: Patrick Patterson, Impressive Rookies, and Singler in Spain

OKC Thunder In the News gives us a revamped Patrick Patterson, high praise for Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo, and a tearful goodbye to Kyle Singler.

Just like that, and the first week of OKC Thunder and all NBA training camps is done. Preseason games began Friday night, which means we can all safely start tricking ourselves into thinking meaningful analysis can be gleaned from said games. How great it is.

Turning our attention to matters on the homefront, OKC Thunder In the News has promising player developments and farewells. Some happy, some sad. Variety is the spice of life, so they say.

Chiseled Patrick Patterson

On Thursday, Brett Dawson of The Athletic published an interesting piece about Patrick Patterson’s recent dietary overhaul. In it, he writes:

"Patterson can’t turn a corner at the Thunder ION, the team’s practice facility, without someone telling him how slim he looks. He’s asked routinely how much weight he lost in the offseason, and eyebrows arch when he answers.“I actually gained weight,” he says.Last season, his first with the Thunder, Patterson said he arrived at camp weighing 235 pounds, give or take a couple. He’s 242 now, but you’d never know it. He’s retained a chiseled physique but appears significantly slimmer than a season ago."

Patterson teamed up with an expert nutritionist and committed to a strict diet. Details of the diet are in the article, which is available to subscribers.

Patterson is poised for an increased role with the Thunder and is vying for the starting power forward spot with Jerami Grant. Patterson had a disappointing year with the OKC Thunder last season. He started the year not completely healthy and struggled to nestle into his role with the team.

This season looks different. PPat is entering camp at 100 percent with a new body and a year of familiarity under his belt. The Thunder will look to him to provide solid defense, veteran leadership, and floor spacing.

George Praises Diallo

Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo has been receiving high praise. The Thunder value athleticism and high energy, and Diallo fits the bill. It’s only natural his teammates would take to him quickly.

OKC Thunder forward Paul George has taken Diallo under his wing.

George is a great fit to mentor Diallo. Both players are long-armed wings who possess explosive abilities. Having Paul George in camp to show Diallo the ropes is a big win for the Thunder. As Noah Schulte mentioned, Diallo has a very high long-term ceiling. His fellow rookies have noticed.

Earlier this summer, the 2018 NBA rookie class voted Diallo as the second most athletic rookie behind Zhaire Smith, with good reason:

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Diallo is an enticing prospect, and with George helping guide his steps, he’s got everything he needs to be a valuable NBA player down the line.

Farewell, Kyle

Longtime Thunder forward Kyle Singler is parting ways with the team. Singler was waived and stretched at the end of August,  which will save the team over $23 million.

Singler wasn’t a large contributor to the team, never averaging more than 3.7 points per game (ppg) for the Thunder. His ppg and minutes per game (mpg) were in a free fall the last 3 seasons, resulting in last seasons averages of 1.9 ppg and 4.9 mpg.

On Friday, it was announced Singler was continuing his professional career in Spain.

Singler was often on the losing end of NBA and jokes and criticism. Of course, nothing but the best to Singler as he continues his career.

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