OKC Thunder media day: Darius Bazley seizes opportunity to grow

Media week served up the first OKC Thunder player interview with Darius Bazley clearly ready to seize the opportunity for growth

OKC Thunder forward, Darius Bazley enters the 2020-21 campaign with as much excitement and anticipation as he approached his inaugural professional season. Although his team has undergone a massive overhaul and his role has grown exponentially he’s determined to keep an even keel viewing this season as another opportunity for further growth and education.

For the 2019 rookie class, this is an unusual first offseason. They are either returning having not played competitive ball since mid-March or after a shortened hiatus having played in the Disney bubble. That’s significant as the majority of NBA players showcase their greatest growth between their rookie and sophomore seasons.

Yet, neither of these scenarios is typical or conducive to growth. Those who suffered a prolonged absence could experience rust and regression while the players who didn’t get a full offseason weren’t able to work on improving the specific areas of their games highlighted as weaknesses.

Bazley famously skipped attending Syracuse University to create and follow a previously uncharted path. Instead, the teenager accepted an internship with New Balance. This wasn’t a typical apprenticeship as the youngster earned a million dollar salary for his nine to five performance.

In his off-hours, he worked with a professional group he assembled to help prepare him for the pros. While the Boston native was in the downward position entering the NBA having missed out on competitive play in college, the irony is he may hold the upper hand this season in these unusual circumstances.

OKC Thunder forward, Darius Bazley seizes leadership and growth opportunities:

The fact Bazley spent a year on his own preparing for the draft he was already familiar with the process of working outside a team (college or NBA) environment. Moreover, this experience taught him the dedication and effort required to maximize his time.

As the first OKC Thunder player to speak during media week it became immediately clear the forward took his truncated offseason seriously. His body has morphed showcasing obvious muscle mass in his upper body particularly in the shoulder and trapezoid area. Likewise, his demeanor was more business-like. As if he was already outwardly embodying a leadership stance despite only being in his sophomore year.

In fairness, Bazley along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Mike Muscala are second only in tenure to Hamidou Diallo who has three seasons to his credit.  Bazley will be given more opportunities both as a young leader in voice and performance. He earned that right with his continued ascent which culminated in his best and most effective production in the playoffs. While most youngsters deal with the complete opposite experience Bazley’s success in the bubble across virtually every statistical category has clearly buoyed his confidence.

“This is a great opportunity to grow, to keep learning and to just keep that learning curve going.” – Darius Bazley

That said, the Thunder forward who TI presumes will replace Danilo Gallinari’s role in the starting rotation isn’t taking anything for granted and is humble in his approach. The Thunder forward said there was plenty of time during the offseason it was a matter of managing your time. He did that by working on all aspects of his game and his body via lifting.

Last season, despite his youth he became extremely close to Chris Paul and was often seen off the court spending time with the veteran along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The trio formed what Bazley calls a brothership that continues in spite of CP3 being traded to the Suns. He confirmed they’ve spoken since the trade and that while basketball was discussed in the offseason their conversations typically are centered more on life.

As for Gallo’s effect on him, Bazley credited the Italian for more of what he learned through observation. The Italian’s decision making had an impact on the youngster in terms of how Gallo chose his spots including from where on the court and when in the match he would elect to score. He also noted how professional Gallinari was.

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Primarily, media members were curious how Bazley approached the condensed offseason, his specific areas of focus, what he took away from his ascent in the bubble, and his expectations for this season.

His full responses can be viewed on the OKC Thunder site in the video section.

During Sam Presti’s annual presser for media day he repeatedly mentioned ‘resiliency’ citing it as the key for success. The GM noted how players deal with failure and respond is a testament to who they are and more importantly who they grow into. Bazley has showcased his ability to adapt and as noted above is that rare example of a player who raises his game as the intensity and adversity increases.

In Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault’s media sessions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was isolated as the cornerstone while both men openly advocated for Hamidou Diallo to take a demonstrable step this season. Although neither vocalized expectations for Darius he might be the youngster on the team who takes the greatest leap.

As the humble, well spoken 20-year old Bazley sat looking into the zoom camera there was quiet confidence emanating from him. It reminded me of Jayson Tatum.

I’m not suggesting Bazley’s growth or ascent will resemble the superstar levels the Celtics forward has delivered, yet there is something about his demeanor that seems to indicate he’s ready for the challenge that lies in front of him this season.