OKC Thunder: Paul Watson Jr arrives ‘hungry’ to deliver
Media Day for the OKC Thunder witnessed several new faces make an appearance at the podium including recent addition Paul Watson Jr.
He’ll begin the season as one of the two-way contracted players for the team splitting his time between the varsity club and the OKC Blue.
Much like the Thunder have developed a strong culture, so too have the Raptors who are only a few seasons removed from a championship and Watson will provide great leadership and habits for both the Thunder and Blue youngsters.
OKC Thunder forward Paul Watson Jr is hungry to deliver
When the Raptors waived Paul Watson Jr. the move was made to make room for other younger stars on their roster. Ironically, with so many youngsters on the OKC Thunder adding the 26-year old was a no-brainer.
Sure, he’ll begin his tenure as a two-way player but if you like betting Watson would be worth backing as continuing Presti’s trend of converting one of those stars before season end. Asked about that trend Watson said “I try not to look at it as being a two-way I just look at it as another opportunity, another shot in this league. I look forward to what’s ahead.”
Like the Raptors whose G-League team is a short drive from downtown Toronto, the Blue will be playing in the Paycom Center this year fostering an easy way for the varsity and G-League teams to bond.
Hampered by injury, time missed due to a positive COVID test and circumstance last season the wing did everything he was asked of by the Raptors. For Thunder fans who witnessed him go scoreless against them last year, I’ll point you to the match prior when he delivered a career-best 30-point effort.
What stood out was the efficiency and ease of that match as Watson took only 13 shots and was lethal from the perimeter (8 of 11). As is typical of all Raptors under the Nick Nurse regime he’s also a reliable defender. However, the area of his game Mark Daigneault and Grant Gibbs will relish is his perimeter scoring.
Although Watson attempted only 2.4 perimeter shots per game he hit them with a robust 46.9 percent efficiency. A reporter asked him how he managed to develop that skill set.
Paul Watson Jr on his 3 point shooting “it’s the biggest thing that’s gotten me into this league. That confidence comes from repetition, staying focused, staying consistent to that craft.”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
On his experience with the Raptors:
The former Raptor says he gained a ton of valuable experience from his time with that organization, specifically crediting the leadership of Kyle Lowry and bond with Norman Powell. It was interesting he didn’t cite good friend Pascal Siakam who he spent an offseason working out with. It’s feasible Powell was assigned Watson Jr. as the Raptors tend to have vets work in tandem with specific players.
On his offseason preparation amid uncertainty of where he’d be playing
Having witnessed Watson’s interactions with the Raptors media he’s a very laid-back guy so his response was on brand. The wing focused on conditioning and improving his game and body letting his agent worry about the business side of things. Watson says when the Thunder opportunity arose he worked out with some Thunder players, enjoyed the organization, system, and city and the two sides were able to forge a partnership.
Paris Lawson, Nick Gallo, and Chris Fisher also interviewed several players including Watson. The former Fresno State alum spoke very highly of the organization and community. Watson stated he’s been very impressed in his brief three-week stint in OKC.
Asked what fans can expect he pointed to how he’ll fit comfortably into the positionless scheme stating he can guard one through four, can spread the floor but also is capable of moving the ball and doing the little things.
Asked what he wants fans to know Watson said he’s hungry and will play with that mindset of being hungry to deliver.
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