OKC Thunder Training Camp Day 3: Roberson update, shooting battles heat up

Day three of the OKC Thunder training camp offers an Andre Roberson update and friendly shooting battles waging between the stars

As the OKC Thunder continues to prepare for the 2019-20 season head coach Billy Donovan and his staff are working on implementing the new offense. Defense remains the team’s priority and defining identity of the squad, however.

During camps, every club hopes to instigate Internal competition as it serves as a valuable tool for the coaching staff. First, it pushes the players to raise their level of performance particularly for members of the camp roster who are vying to land a varsity position.

This season however the players are all actively involved with arguably the top two talents engaging in shooting competitions. In truth, the sound bites did come across as more of the typical ribbing which occurs between players.

One interview which I missed after day two was by Danilo Gallinari who discussed the burgeoning chemistry of the team. Gallo also offered up insight on the new offense stimulated by ball movement and in a killer quote said: “It’s gonna be the secret of our success – – ball movement“.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1179471438350299141

The 3-point contest:

As for the internal competition mentioned above, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who dropped the shot on Chris Paul, stating he was winning all the shooting battles. SGA asked the reporters to be sure to tell CP3 he said so which is why his claim comes across as good natured ribbing.

The top video clip showcases several players engaged in one of the discussed shooting drills. In the clip, we see Chris Paul, Darius Bazley, Hamidou Diallo and Abdel Nader all take shots and unfortunately, it cuts off just prior to SGA’s shot.

Notice the form of Bazley, particularly his follow-through which shows him keeping his hand up in that perfect gooseneck position.

Kidding aside the video below offers more concrete information as the talented young point guard praises CP3. Specifically, SGA notes the vet taught him how to think the game better, shooting angles, and by virtue of his (Paul) ability to get up shots despite his size. The latter could prove beneficial if SGA utilizes the same principals given his length and size.  Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman posted the interview in her tweet below.

Roberson update:

Thunder insider Brady Trantham posted the best tweets from Day three with commentary and videos of the players and Head Coach Billy Donovan’s insights.  Trantham also has some great post-practice quotes from the coach on the dynamics between Chris Paul and Steven Adams as they learn each other’s tendencies (click on Trantham’s name above to go directly to his twitter account where you can view those video interviews).

The main news coming from Billy D was an update on Andre Roberson. Previously, his comments gave the impression Roberson’s participation in the Blue and White scrimmage on Sunday was up in the air.

Based on the above video, it appears, Roberson is guaranteed to participate. Instead, the clarification discussed is a determination of the number of minutes ARob will play. Unfortunately, the scrimmage is not open to the public although a live stream will be available via the official team page (or the team’s Twitter or Facebook page).

When the team finally does play in front of an OKC Thunder audience expect a massive cheer as Andre makes his first public appearance on the hardwood in over 20 months.