OKC Thunder possess a lethal advantage – team chemistry

OKC Thunder team chemistry may well be their most lethal strength in the Disney bubble.

With the OKC Thunder out of quarantine and getting in their first practice session, the team began to settle into the Disney campus.

Over the next several weeks and hopefully months the Thunder will be living in this one of a kind situation.

For some teams that might be a major adjustment. Like everyone during the pandemic the players have had to learn how to adjust and adapt. While some States had loosened the stay at home orders others are still easing back. That is giving way to a spike in coronavirus cases and Florida is among the worst-hit locations.

The Disney campus must, therefore, be extremely cognizant of keeping things as closed down as possible and limit the exposure of the players and NBA staff to Disney staffers who’ll come and go from the location.

Most players are in their 20s and early to mid-30s. They are used to being with their families or being able to come and go and socialize whenever they want.

Although players aren’t tied to remain on the Disney complex, leaving would require quarantining upon return. There is the freedom to move around the site but that is limited to staying with teams who are in the same hotel and rooms are off-limits for all but the individual.

So this situation will be a major adjustment and could be more difficult for some players and teams than others.

Several players posted on social media complaining about their accommodations or the food. The one player who did have a legitimate beef was OKC Thunder cornerstone talent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who has a dripping faucet.

Team chemistry – the OKC Thunder lethal advantage

However, it’s not likely Shai will be in the group of complainers (after they fix that faucet so he can sleep).

On the court Friday, Paul and SGA wore matching headbands and short, shorts and as per the video appeared to be engaged in one of their typical shooting competitions.

Chris Paul recently raved about his closeness to the two younger members on the club SGA and Darius Bazley. Paul told Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles of the Knuckleheads podcast the trio constantly hang out off the court.

It appears nothing has changed for the trio as they hit the Disney campus picking up right where they left off. The group played a game of cornhole and much like Paul has done throughout the year he ended up being on the winning side. Another commonality is the loser of these competitions has to do pushups. As the loser, Bazley delivered his pushup punishment, much like SGA had to do earlier this year when he lost in bowling to CP3.

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It’s no wonder Paul is enjoying his tenure in OKC with young guys who have become like brothers to him. During his tenure in L.A. with the Clippers, there was always some friction with Blake Griffin and in Houston, at season end, there were definitely issues with James Harden.

It’s not to say Paul didn’t get along with his former teammates, rather the systems the Clippers and Rockets ran didn’t necessarily allow him to play to his best self or showcase his best attributes. Someone else was always the focus to the point the team was tied to making sure to feature that star.

When factoring in the personalities on this OKC Thunder squad it’s also important to note they mesh perfectly with CP3. Gilgeous-Alexander while a rising talent is happy to learn from Paul and play his role. He’s not thirsty to the point he needs to be viewed as the sole focus of the team.

Instead, the Canadian and rookie Bazley delight in spending time with Paul. They simply enjoy each other’s company. Whether fans witness the trio in TikTok videos, on-court shooting competitions, or games on the Disney campus this group remains an example team (and friend) cohesiveness.

Similarly, hearing how the players spoke of Andre Roberson’s return was another example of the group’s closeness. Each of them was thrilled for Andre and are eager to welcome him back on the floor.

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While other clubs have lockerroom issues or teams where there are whispers of unhappy players who feel they are treated differently than the stars this Thunder crew is the perfect example of team cohesiveness.

Every team will have to adapt in Orlando to the unusual circumstances with a number of things beyond the game to process. And while theoretically, the teams with the most talent and biggest stars should come out on top it’s no guarantee. Ultimately, the ability of teams to adapt will provide the best route to winning. Therefore, squads who’ve previously dealt with adversity should have an advantage.

Yet, perhaps the biggest x-factor will reside with the clubs who are united and already possess solid chemistry. And, that is something the Thunder definitely have. Each of the Thunder players who’ve spoken to the media has all stated they feel uber confident coming to Orlando and expect to have a deep run. SGA joked he was packing enough clothes to take him through to the finals.

Danilo Gallinari never considered opting out of Orlando because he felt this Thunder squad has a real shot at winning and he didn’t want to let his team down.

Many wrote off this OKC Thunder team prior to the season start either believing CP3, Gallo and others would be traded at the deadline or because no one envisioned them developing into the Clutch Time Killers they became.

Chris Paul has repeatedly said how much he loves this team and how they have so much more to accomplish. They may not have the duo superstars their LA counterparts do — but we’d be hardpressed to find a more cohesive group.

And that, in the end, is something this team could bank on and ride very deep into the playoffs.