OKC Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander, Roberson praise dominates media sessions

Following practice, the OKC Thunder coach Donovan, Nerlens Noel and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke to media

Tuesday was the two-week mark since the OKC Thunder arrived in Orlando. Other than two days of quarantine and one assigned day off, the team has practiced daily.

While every player has received their fair share of praise a specific trio gets the most frequent and effusive shine. OKC Thunder captain Chris Paul, franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and, Andre Roberson. The latter being the player teammates and fans alike have fingers crossed will finally return to the hardwood over two and a half years since his injury.

Tuesday was no exception with the latter two receiving high praise.

Post practice presser 7.21.20

Billy Donovan:

First, the OKC Thunder noted not everyone participated fully on Tuesday but it wasn’t due to injuries, rather it was tied to managing minutes. The coach also noted he relies on the players to tell him how much time they need noting each of Chris Paul, SGA, and Steven Adams know their body best.

As our recent article noted opposing coaches are working together to ensure scrimmages allowing both teams to address specific situations. Donovan implied he expects that to be the case between himself and coaches they’ll face in the scrimmages (Celtics, 76ers, Blazers).

As for the first game the team will play in the restart he didn’t offer up much detail. Rather, the coach noted it was interesting they would play the Utah Jazz since that was the team that sparked the shutdown of the NBA and the country. This when Rudy Gobert tested positive for  COVID-19. He’s right since most of us (at least in the NBA community) relate to the moment the pandemic became real was when the NBA shut down on March 11th.

Nerlens Noel:

The one player who has dealt with injury, albeit minor is Nerlens Noel who suffered a minor ankle sprain in practice. He’s practiced with limitations to allow the ankle to heal.

Speaking with the media Noel noted how the players still have the same chemistry as they have all season. The big man noted he believes the reason for the team’s success is tied to the great team leaders calling the Thunder ‘ a complete team who gives 100 percent.’

With the Jazz on the docket as the first team the Thunder will play in the restart Noel confirms the players were thinking the same thing as the fans at the time of the suspension. He said they were really looking forward to that game because they wanted to take over the fourth seed.

Many of his teammates have noted how talented SGA is but Noel provided new insight on the young star and something fans can look forward to witnessing when play resumes..

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

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With the young star up next he was asked about everyone hyping him and responded by saying  “I think first and foremost it’s my work ethic. I want to be great.”

Asked about the Clutch Time Killer lineup SGA offered the reason opponents have trouble stopping them is that they are a nightmare matchup wise because all five players require double teams.

The other player his teammates are doling out praise on is Andre Roberson. This is the first opportunity to play with Dre and the youngster was equally impressed specifically by Roberson’s defensive prowess. ‘First thing I’ve noticed about Dre is he’s the smartest defensive player I’ve ever been around. He’s always doing the right thing defensively.’

Wednesday marks the start of scrimmages in the bubble although the OKC Thunder won’t play their first scrimmage until Friday. Also of note, Sam Presti is expected to talk to the media on Wednesday.