OKC Thunder: Key updates for draft and Orlando games

Key dates affecting the OKC Thunder published following news NBA Board of Governors ratified 22 team format.

Although the NBPA still needs to vote on the 22 team format today much like the NBA Board of Governors vote it is more of a formality. Notably, the OKC Thunder were among the 29 teams who ratified Adam Silver’s plan.

The lone dissenting vote came from the Trail Blazers. Chris Haynes tweeted Portland wanted the 20 team format and therefore voted no. This isn’t really that surprising given Damian Lillard’s previous statements that he wouldn’t play if the Blazers couldn’t participate in a play-in tournament. Clearly, the Blazers and Dame felt they had a better shot in the group bracket format.

Key dates affecting OKC Thunder:

Following up on the initial details we posted, some additional dates and details were provided. Shams Charania offered a tweet that notes international players are slated to return June 15th with all players reporting to their clubs on June 21st and testing for the COVID-19 virus beginning on June 22nd. In a separate tweet, Charania also noted the formal cancellation of the remainder of the G-League season.

Although it’s unlikely confirmation of the schedule will be released until after the NBPA vote what we do know is the eight “seeding games” will be comprised of each team’s remaining schedule clearly without the non-participants. Adding to the top line dates Thunderous Intentions offered following the vote Adrian Wojnarowski offered some further insight.   To wit, those eight games by the 22 teams will be played during a 16-game regular-season phase. The league expects to run five to six games per day and all 22 teams will play one back-to-back set.

Also per Woj, one big change to the playoff rounds are games will be every other day. That’s typically what happens in later rounds or at the end of each series.

Another update comes courtesy of Keith Smith regarding the Walt Disney Resort and accommodation. As part of the planning process, the brain trust is considering added benefits that could be given to teams with home court advantages.

When reviewing the suggested options on the table we thought the choice of hotel wasn’t a big lure. Since then we’ve heard from several former players who suggest getting the best hotel is a big draw. Safety concerns are also front of mind.  Adding some clarity, Smith tweeted negotiations continue with the WDW complex but the initial word is all NBA personnel will be at one resort.

With the draft lottery and draft dates nailed down, it affects other pivotal dates for NCAA prospects who declared for the NBA Draft. Specifically, Jeff Goodman confirmed the withdrawal deadline for potential prospects is 10 days after the Draft Combine (or on August third whichever comes first).