What OKC Thunder fans should watch out for No. 3) Youngsters getting time
Last, but certainly not least, in this preseason finale, we hope that the youngsters on the OKC Thunder get ample playing time.
Even with the fact that the franchise is leaning into their youth movement and, in turn, somewhat of a tank, it doesn’t mean that all their youngsters will be given minutes.
This is due to several different reasonings including already set minutes for returning players and the very possible scenario where coach Daigneault plays the likes of George Hill, Al Horford, and Trevor Ariza — should he decide to join the team — in an effort to up their value for a mid-season trade for the franchise to acquire more assets.
Because of all this, tonight’s game could be the last time many of OKC’s younglings will see meaningful minutes on the hardwood so, with that, playing them for long periods of time will be vital.
Though we expect perhaps Theo Maledon will be somewhat consistent in the regular-season rotation, fellow rookie Aleksej Pokusevski, Admiral Schofield, and the yet to be seen Ty Jerome likely will not be as fortunate in seeing such regular action.
Because of this, let’s hope to see them give one last stab at producing tonight in the final preseason game.