OKC Thunder enthusiastically embrace ‘Team Play’ as new style
OKC Thunder players and coaches are all enthusiastic over ‘team play’ which appears to be the new mantra this season.
It is safe to say that the OKC Thunder are going to change their identity this new season. Gone are the two iso-ball players in Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Replacing them are a number of players who focus on ball movement and getting open shots for each other.
This is falling into line with the Billy Donovan quote of we are “trying to help each guy play to their strengths.” Notably, all quotes are pulled from the post practice video found on the OKC Thunder official webpage and also posted on OKC Thunder Twitter.
This then makes it easier to have team buy-in, when the team is helping you to be your best; you want to help the team.
It also gives me great heart to hear Terrance Ferguson say, “I believe in Billy and Billy believes in the team.” ‘For the last three years, Donovan has not had control of this team. He had superstars dictate when they wanted to be on the court.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1183487573215322114
During multiple games over multiple seasons, the younger role players would get the OKC Thunder back into games only to see the starting unit come in and lose them. These younger guys would not be rewarded for their efforts with more minutes.
Presumably, Donovan was hamstrung with the demands of his stars, who by rights deserved to play the majority of minutes. At least this is me giving Donovan the benefit of the doubt as a coach.
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Repeatedly OKC Thunder twitter has demanded he be fired due to coaching decisions that no one could understand. Some of the reasons are putting out certain rotations on the floor which did not make sense, a lack of presence or the inability to outcoach the opposition have all been cited. This season will be ‘make or break’ for Donovan. He has to show that he can coach in the big leagues or his job is in serious jeopardy.
That is why it is so important that the team buys into what Donovan is preaching. Teamwork, ball movement, help each other and do what is best for each other on the court.
This is why the leadership core is so vital. When Steven Adams says, “I wouldn’t go rogue. If it is in the plan I will go with it,” this is a leader backing the coach.
I would implore you, the reader to know that I am not having a backhanded go at Russell Westbrook, my heart broke, along with yours when news came of the trade. However, now the Thunder has to make the most of what they have now and this is why I am moving forward, with hope.
Next. Roundtable sessions: OKC Thunder lineups, rotations and reserve units. dark
Speaking of hope, I feel more of it when I hear Ferguson, who is now a leader to some of the younger players say; “Darius is new to the league, and he is my guy, so I am trying to plant as many gems in him as possible. He knows a lot for his age.” Ferguson learned how to lead from Russ, he is now passing it on for the benefit of the team.