OKC Thunder: Domantas Sabonis may be wishing for simpler times
When the OKC Thunder traded for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis on draft night in 2017, the NBA world was nothing like it is now. There was no COVID-19, stands were full and Sabonis had a supporter mentor as a coach in Billy Donovan.
Yes, Donovan asked Sabonis to play a different style of game to what he is playing now, but at least Donovan respected all those around him. There are rumors abounding around Sabonis’ current club, the Indiana Pacers. These rumors surround their coach Nate Bjorkgren and his miss management of staff and players
Bjorkgren is reportedly facing an uncertain future with the franchise per Woj of ESPN. Given that Bjorkgren is one year into a four-year deal, something appears rotten in the state of Indianapolis. Fortunately for the Pacers, only the first two years are guaranteed.
The OKC Thunder years were so much easier for Domantas Sabonis
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As Sabonis has established his star credentials with the Pacers, his role as a leader of the team has increased. He is averaging a double-double for the second season in a row. Sabonis is also averaging more than 20 points per game for the first time in his career this season.
This is a long way from his rookie campaign where Sabonis averaged 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He did not have to do as much because he was playing with the greatest point guard the Thunder have ever had, Russell Westbrook.
When the media wanted anything they spoke to Westbrook, who had his teammates’ backs both on and off the court. Now, the media is coming to Sabonis about what is happening in Indiana. Sam Amico of fortyeightminutes.com even reported that Sabonis and another player want Bjorkgren fired.
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Whether there is truth to that or not I cannot say. I am not in the locker room. Sabonis has become a leader of the Pacers, that much is clear. However, when incidents happen on the court between a player and an assistant coach, sometimes it might be better to be back in simpler times in the vaunted OKC Thunder culture.