OKC Thunder media session: Gallinari – ‘we’re hungry’

Wednesday in the bubble served up another post-practice session with the OKC Thunder coach as well as Danilo Gallinari and Devon Hall

As the OKC Thunder continues to get their rhythm back they are following a daily routine that includes three hours on the practice court.

For head coach Billy Donovan and one or two players, it also means conducting a virtual media session. On Wednesday those honors went to Danilo Gallinari and Devon Hall who filled the open slot left when Luguentz Dort was signed to a full contract. And, who gains extra credence given the absence of the injured Isaiah Roby who had surgery and didn’t come with the team to Orlando.

Donovan, Gallinari, and Hall meet with media

Billy Donovan:

Like most post-practice sessions OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan meets virtually with the media. On this day he had several comments to make about individual players. Here’s a sampling of those statements.

Regarding rookie Darius Bazley the coach noted he’s a lot smarter now than he was in October. That’s not surprising given how much time the Thunder dedicated to film work during the hiatus. The other key factor that should be recognized is most rookies go through their first year and then take the offseason to grow. Things that were new to them can be focused on and one of those key items is defense.

However, with this super long hiatus it won’t be surprising to see many rookies return with massive upgrades in their abilities.

Asked about the team’s chemistry the coach isn’t that concerned stating he expects the chemistry to carry over. This due to the fact the players made a point of keeping in touch while they were off the court so they just need to shake off the rust and get their timing back.

One note the coach made about the team’s system was their decision not to shoot more from the perimeter. Donovan highlighted the frequency the squad gets to the charity stripe and that they take what opposing defenses give them. Specifically, the Thunder rank 27th in 3-point attempts and fifth for free throw attempts.

While Billy D can state it’s what defenses give them that’s a bit of an undersell because the point guard trio at the game end is all adept at shooting from the mid-range. The reality is most teams will look to clog the paint and give precedence to the perimeter. That’s something the Thunder will need to prepare to handle in the postseason when teams will look to shut down that advantage.

The coach has been quick to praise captain Chris Paul and did so again in this session bringing up his ability to close out games in the clutch. Donovan called CP3 ‘masterful’  and said the point guard’s smarts and experience are what keeps the team calm.

In addition, he noted each of the clutch time crew’s ability including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schroder, Steven Adams, and Danilo Gallinari.

Danilo Gallinari:

Speaking of Gallo, he was next to talk to the virtual media group. The Italian sniper spoke about the Disney setup stating while it’s different from the typical road scenario but that it’s a great setup.

Gallo said the novelty will wear off likely in a week and by then the team will depend on each other which is something they’ve done since arriving and will continue to do.

As for specific teammates, Gallinari raved about Dennis Schroder stating he is ‘for sure’ the sixth man of the year and noted he’s one of the only guys in the league who defends full court.

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Of all the things Gallinari said the one which resonated most was his statement, ‘we’re hungry’. Many analysts and national media sports experts keep citing the two LA teams, the Bucks and dark horses like the Rockets or Celtics. Few have pinpointed the OKC Thunder and I think the players are counting on that to shock squads.

Devon Hall:

Although Devon Hall arrived with the team there wasn’t much thought given to him getting much time on the court. That was until we learned Schroder will leave Orlando for the birth of his second child.

Donovan could still stick with Paul and SGA but it could also mean Hall gets some run. In terms of how he’s fitting in with the varsity squad, Hall gave one example that goes to supporting the theory of Chris Paul’s leadership skills.

Hall stated he was walking to get breakfast at the hotel and ran into Darius Bazley, CP3 and SGA. Paul yelled out to him inviting him to join the group fishing. Just goes to prove how inclusive CP3 makes the team atmosphere.

To that end, Hall echoed the sentiments of Donovan and Gallo on team chemistry. As per Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder, Hall said ‘Guys are happy to be together. It’s been fun. It’s kind of like AAU back in the day.’

Also of note, while Richaun Holmes is stuck in his room on extended quarantining for leaving the bubble, Hall sort of put the idea of things being confusing to rest as he said there is no way to accidentally break the bubble guidelines because everything is clearly mapped out and there is security on site.