As the OKC Thunder finalizes the 2020-21 season the priority will be to lose the last two games and improve their NBA Draft Lottery odds. Simultaneously, head coach Mark Daigneault will utilize lineups featuring roster members outside the core.
Daigneault and Vice President of Basketball Operations Sam Presti are evaluating the support staff with a view to their long-term fit within the next iteration of the Thunder and the future.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Darius Bazley are the trio who forms the core of the next generation. Rookies Theo Maledon and Aleksej Pokusevski are getting vital playing time to aid in accelerating their development and pinpoint the specific areas of their games that will be earmarked to work on this offseason.
Yet, a good portion of the roster is comprised of players who could be mapping out their own place on the team for next season and well into the future. The latest addition, Gabriel Deck is one of those individuals.
OKC Thunder forward Gabriel Deck’s unconventional childhood court
At 26, Gabriel Deck might seem perhaps a bit outside the timeline but having the Argentinian in the mix could be a similar move to what the Spurs have used international players like Patty Mills and fellow countryman Manu Ginobili for within their much-replicated franchise template.
Thunder Nation is getting a quick snapshot of the talented European through his initial eight games. As he learns the system of the team he’s getting more comfortable and showcasing how his well-developed skillset could become a vital part of future teams.
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Deck has averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steal through those eight games. More importantly, the forward has showcased his ability to quickly transition and build chemistry with his fellow teammates like Ty Jerome and Kenrich Williams who like Deck are demonstrating their all-around abilities.
For those unfamiliar with the Argentinian and his prior experience my fellow site-expert, Mark Nilon offered an account of his prior experience and path to the NBA.
Recently, Deck was a guest on Eleno Ornelas Spanish radio show. The duo discussed his path to the NBA and time spent in Europe. Yet, the most intriguing and entertaining portion of the interview focused on Deck’s childhood. Initially, the future NBA player was far more interested in the nationally loved sport of soccer (or football if you will) but his brother and friends were obsessed with basketball and that led to Gabriel’s change of heart.
Because there were limited venues to play the brothers constructed a court in their backyard playing on dirt that they watered down daily to enable the ball to bounce. Constructing the hoop, however, took a few efforts with the first rim being too small and constantly breaking.
That led to their father and his friend using a tractor steering wheel that was welded to a wooden board. It allowed the youngsters to dunk as they tried to emulate their NBA heroes and develop their skillsets.
It’s a touching story and one that shows how passion and creativity can overcome any obstacle.
Check out the full subtitled interview on the main OKC Thunder website.
As Deck progresses with the team no doubt, he’s happy to have made the move from soccer to basketball. The only question that remains is whether he’ll become an integral part of the club as they set their sights on future dominance.