Day one of the OKC Thunder training camp offered visual evidence this team is on the fast track to building chemistry and news Andre Roberson fully participated.
The 2019-20 season is rapidly approaching and with the OKC Thunder launching their training camp we can begin counting down the days until tip-off. The first regular season game for the club occurs in Utah against the Jazz on October 23rd. If you’re as anxious as the writing team at Thunderous Intentions for season start then mark your calendars and note there are now 21 days remaining until game one.
The biggest news coming out of day one of training camp was Andre Roberson participated with no restrictions. He hadn’t played organized ball since rupturing his patellar tendon in Detroit on January 27, 2018.
The smile ARob displayed during his media day podium visit surely demonstrates he’s equally as excited to get back in action. Roberson commented specifically on how excited he is to remind his opponents of his defensive prowess. As per specifics, the wingman noted he couldn’t wait to “lock people up”. A huge grin spread across his face when he said: “Let’s just say some of these guys been a little too happy, too free.”
Clearly the 27-year old is feeling confident and the fact he fully participated in day one of the camp backs up why he feels that way.
Day 1.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 1, 2019
Training Camp is officially underway in Oklahoma City. pic.twitter.com/7W9tBHh2LU
Other news from day one was how hard everyone competed as per head coach Billy Donovan:
“They’re always looking up as the scoreboard when we’re keeping score, that’s for sure. It’s a competitive group and they’re all prideful.” Billy Donovan quipped.
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Chris Paul was impressed by Steven Adams but it was the time the veteran point guard spent with his fellow guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that Thunder fans should be excited about. The duo already appear to be building a rapport and bond.
Another tidbit came from Dylan Buckingham who tweeted an Oklahoma News 4 video showcasing rookie Darius Bazley dancing and joking with his teammates.
Although there wasn’t much to share from the two-hour practice the visuals tell the story. Every single player is smiling and interacting. Clearly they are all excited to begin the season but the camaraderie is evident which is a great sign for a squad with so many new faces to integrate this season.
The team will be back at it on Tuesday as Billy Donovan and his coaching staff endeavors to get everyone up to speed on the systems.
Let us know in the comments section which new player you are most excited to see in a Thunder uniform. And, let us know which game(s) you are most eager to watch the revamped OKC Thunder play.