OKC Thunder: Darius Bazley embraces leadership role

It was only two years ago that Darius Bazley pulled on an OKC Thunder jersey, laced up his kicks, and began his first training camp in the NBA. To say the 21-year olds path has gone according to plan would suggest it’s been typical. Yet, his past three years have been anything but expected.

Entering the pivotal year before he would be draft-eligible he took the unconventional route. Syracuse was tapped as his college of choice but that quickly changed with the youngster momentarily considering spending the year with the NBA G-League. Yet, before that decision was set in stone he settled on an internship with New Balance and hired his own team to train him in preparation for the draft.

By the time Draft night arrived, he was ready and had sufficiently impressed OKC Thunder executive vice president Sam Presti who extended an offer to the Green Room and obtained him (via the Utah Jazz 23rd pick). His rookie season was spent partially in the Disney bubble and his sophomore season was anything but normal as the coronavirus pandemic shifted how the association (and world) adapted.

OKC Thunder forward Bazley embraces leadership role

Year three is when many young NBA professionals experience their biggest ascent and for the group of players in this class, they’re also hoping it’s also a year closer to a traditional season.

That Bazley underwent arguably the most untraditional past three years of his fellow third-year pros puts him in a unique position. And one that may be the best suited to help the four rookies (five if you count Vit Krejci who red-shirted last season).

The Thunder forward has learned how to adapt and flourish in the face of all these shifting changes. As the five new OKC Thunder players experience their first NBA training camp Bazley is at 21 one of the longest-serving team members and is assuming a leadership role.

Following the third day of camp, Bazley spoke to the media and was impressed with how the rookies are progressing. He noted the first few days of camp have focused on some similar and new schemes. For the rookies, it’s all new to them so the existing players are helping them. Asked how they are doing Bazley said:

‘So far seeing their will to come in here and work every day to compete really hard. And their confidence as well, to see that you know just kind of like shine and grow as well that been really good. They seem comfortable. I just remember how it was my rookie year, so you know that’s the biggest thing I feel like and it’s good to see that and you know I want that for them to be able to feel comfortable and fit and feel like they’re fitting in.

Bazley spoke about how the team all disperses in the offseason so it’s great to have everyone back together. A reporter noted how excited he was on Media Day and Bazley said that’s the predominant feeling across the board. He quipped – ‘you know we’re a young team so there’s going to be a lot of energy there’s not any old heads in here so everyone is super excited’

Bazley also spoke about witnessing his own personal growth and can see how his added strength is translating.  He was asked about his leadership role and laughed about the fact he’s one of the longest-serving Thunder players now in only his third year. He’s embracing the role, showing the youngsters by doing the right things and showing them what the expectations are by being professional and the bar they are trying to meet on a daily basis.

Having experienced his own rookie season under the tutelage of Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and last season with Al Horford, Baz had great mentors. Now, he’s embracing the role of being a young leader and passing on the kernels of knowledge acquired from those lessons.

Click this link to watch Bazley’s entire presser following day three of training camp.