OKC Thunder 3 keys vs. Hawks: Gallinari’s return to Chesapeake

With the OKC Thunder set to return to the hardcourt this evening, they do so with a familiar face on the opposing side of the floor.

Danilo Gallinari spent a single season with the team but made a big impact in his short tenure. Gallo elected to join the Hawks in free agency and after Atlanta landed Bogdan Bogdanovic found themselves in a bit of a pickle with their salary sheet.

Enter Sam Presti who was happy to facilitate a sign and trade to send Gallinari to his desired location. Of course, that also meant the Thunder benefitted as Atlanta sent back a trade exception of $19.5 million and a protected 2025 second-round draft pick. While the trade exception sounds amazing the real prize is the draft pick.

Much like the $27.5 million trade exception received for Steven Adams in the deal with the Pelicans, it sounds great but there is a time limitation. Given the mandate to rebuild with draft prospects it’s not very likely these exceptions get utilized to the full potential.

Both clubs enter Friday following dramatic victories featuring standout performances by their respective cornerstone talents.

With that let’s dive into three keys for the match between the OKC Thunder and Hawks.

OKC Thunder key number 1: Hawks better and deeper than record indicates

These two clubs entered the season with very different goals. That they arrive at this match sporting similar records is more than a little surprising.

Atlanta was arguably the most active franchise in the offseason. Hawks cornerstone Trae Young wanted more help to offset his unique skills and Travis Schlenk obliged.

Sniper Bogdan Bogdanovic was a key pickup and while Kris Dunn hasn’t played yet he was an uber-intelligent add by Schlenk given his defensive prowess. Rajon Rondo joined as a veteran voice and capable playoff contributor plus our friend Gallinari was picked up to add shooting and frontcourt depth. Clint Capela was added last season but because of the pandemic and an injury didn’t get a chance to play until this season.

The overriding belief was the Hawks would be in the middle of the playoff mix and Young would be an automatic All-Star. That Atlanta has struggled so much isn’t all on Lloyd Pierce, Young, or even the team.

They’ve dealt with numerous injuries and haven’t been able to get the full roster healthy long enough to create chemistry. Moreover, Pierce hasn’t been afforded the ability of tweaking lineups to figure out his most cohesive units or adjustment options.

Fortunately, the Hawks are in the East so if they can get everyone healthy they could easily rise up the ladder after the break.

Areas the Hawks are already demonstrating success is they are one of the best transition defensive teams evidenced by their seventh rank for opponent fast-break scoring. Atlanta ranks fourth in second-chance scoring as well which feeds into our next key…