The OKC Thunder held their fourth practice with the coach and two intriguing youngsters providing the virtual media sessions.
Unlike some squads who’ve elected to take some practice sessions off as they ease back into form, the OKC Thunder began the week back in the gym.
As the team has done since returning to practice, virtual media sessions are held with the head coach, Billy Donovan, and a few players. On Monday the players who spoke to the media were Darius Bazley and Hamidou Diallo.
OKC Thunder practice takeaways
Billy Donovan:
As soon as the OKC Thunder returned to the hardwood Billy Donovan made it clear this priority would be adaptability and that the club would likely utilize the full roster as they ease back toward full health.
With the extended hiatus, there are clear concerns over soft tissue injuries and pushing players too hard, too quickly. Donovan hasn’t committed to who’ll start in the small forward position that Luguentz Dort held through the final 21 games prior to the suspension.
The coach noted the improvements of the younger players as part of his reasoning, but clearly the return of Andre Roberson is turning into the most compelling story of the Thunder return.
To that end, the former defensive stalwart was on hand yet again Monday participating fully in practice. Billy D offered that ‘Dre’s defense remains strong’. Could this be the true reason why the coach isn’t willing to commit to who’ll start yet?
Billy Donovan on Andre Roberson:
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 13, 2020
“For me, it’s been inspiring to see him out there. I couldn’t be happier for him.
He knows who he is as a player. He knows he’s an elite defensive player.
Andre understands the bigger picture.”
In terms of his views on the team as a whole, Donovan is encouraged by the conditioning and while there are improvements to be made, he stated the team isn’t that far off.
Darius Bazley:
The rookie has been active off the court making the most of his time in the bubble. Bazley missed the final 11 games the club played prior of the hiatus but is fully recovered.
When queried what he worked on improving and how he spent his time off Bazley cited shooting mechanics. Off the hardwood, he played games, spent time with family, and read his bible.
In the small excerpts, we’ve seen on social media his shot does appear to be smoother with a smoother motion from preparation to release. It will require looking at his shots from earlier in the season but the shot might be faster from start to finish which could be the mechanics he speaks of.
Hamidou Diallo:
Continuing with Bazley his effect on his teammates is clear. Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rookie spend a lot of off-time together. We’re learning part of the reason why is due to how likable and good-natured Bazley is.
Diallo said he (Bazley) is always positive, always brings joy and laughter, and referred to him as ‘the life of the party’. That’s not hard to imagine since it sure does seem like his face has a permanent infectious grin on display.
As for the sophomore, he also dealt with missing games due to injury and never fully got back on track after getting hurt in the Lakers match early this season. Recalling that injury, Hami got pushed around a bit. Learning his focus was on strength and conditioning denotes the youngster was paying attention and is committed to helping his squad.
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Like everyone who has spoken after practice, Diallo married the common theme of being happy ARob is back. Dialo enthused about Dre’s leadership.
Other notable takeaways Diallo mentioned is he’ll put ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of his jersey. The Kentucky alum noted his time in the bubble is easier since he’s single without children and he feels for his teammates that do have families and are missing them.
The question for the sophomore will be whether he was inspired by what happened to Lu Dort. Conceivably, that spot could’ve been his if he had risen to the challenge/opportunity.
For this reason, Diallo is one of the more intriguing players to keep an eye on in this setting. His minutes will undoubtedly be linked to his growth. And, like Dort, if he can show he’s made a leap he could force Donovan’s hand and make it impossible to keep him out of games.
With news, Russell Westbrook tested positive for the coronavirus and Rajon Rondo will be out up to eight weeks due to a broken finger it could impact the Thunder. Specifically, if Donovan can rely on his reserve unit that added depth could deliver dividends the Thunder who sit one spot ahead of the Rockets .
Check back later today for the next round of OKC Thunder insights following practice.