Day two of the OKC Thunder training camp offered another productive day of activity on the hardwood and Steven Adams opined on the difference between CP3 and Westbrook.
With the second day of training camp complete, the OKC Thunder continues to focus on new systems, specifically moving the ball on offense. This no doubt will impress some former players who’ve been waxing poetic (read – throwing salt) about the previous offense.
For the new players on the team and the myriad of youngsters, the focus will be getting everyone on the same page. With so much turnover this offseason half the team is new. That puts extra pressure on the coaching staff to make sure everyone is cognizant of the vernacular the team uses when they run specific sets.
This was a key point the starting point guard, veteran Chris Paul mentioned after day one of training camp.
In an interesting side note, Steven Adams was asked to compare the difference between Russell Westbrook versus Chris Paul. Video footage of the post practice media Q and A comes courtesy of Brady Trantham’s tweet.
Asked Steven Adams about the differences of how Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul probe a defense. Adams went in on why probing is so important for point guards and bigs.
— Brady Trantham (@BradyDoesSports) October 3, 2019
Also a cameo from @TVsJerry pic.twitter.com/sjfhaTl6gN
The big man offered up a pretty technical response citing probing as a key advantage for point guards. In the case of Westbrook, his explosiveness makes it hard to guard him as his speed negates most logical analysis. He further states beyond probing things like ball manipulation, changing angles and holding a defender off as being equally important.
In the end, Adams says either style works. Way to be diplomatic Steven!
As for the chemistry developing between the Big Kiwi and his new point guard Chris Paul so far things are moving along nicely. In a video, courtesy of Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman Adams notes the pair’s progress.
Steven Adams on his chemistry with Chris Paul: “We’ve clicked on most things, but that’s expected.” pic.twitter.com/U3Unjw6m74
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) October 2, 2019
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Specifically, the New Zealand native cites the need to just figure out the dynamics of how each of them works. Little things like where a player likes to receive the ball will come as the duo plays more and gains that natural chemistry.
Adams also noted because they’ve played against each other so often that helps the process. Ultimately figuring out player tendencies truly is just a matter of gaining experience and time on the hardwood.
Certainly, a player of Chris Paul’s ilk will help the process since he’s so cerebral and in truth his ability to run the pick and roll may surpass Westbrook which means fans could find Adams eating a lot of easy baskets at the rim this season.
Day three of training camp tips off Thursday, October 3. Stick with Thunderous Intentions as we keep you up to date on your favorite team and players.