Media Day transitioned into close to a week’s worth of training camp sessions. Tonight the OKC Thunder will test their efforts against true competition as they play their first preseason match versus the Charlotte Hornets.
OKC will play four preseason games in total with a second match this coming Sunday versus the Bucks in Milwaukee. While some elite teams will use these days to get ready for a title run the OKC Thunder sessions are about something very different.
Everyone from the fans to the media, to the players know there is an unspoken “T” word that will drive the season — TANKING. After coming up short last year in the lottery draft the Thunder will be making a concerted effort to finish not just in the bottom three of the NBA but the lowest of the 30 teams to increase their lottery ball chances.
Despite the reality of tanking being the mandate, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other important goals for the club to meet this season. Sure, the team is expected to lose copious games but not at the expense of improving as a unit.
After multiple two-a-day sessions, head coach Mark Daigneault gave his OKC Thunder squad the day off Saturday but got right back to action on Sunday.
As the team arrives at their first preseason match of the 2021-22 season there are a few key takeaways from training camp.
OKC Thunder captain SGA is healthy and ready to assume a larger role:
Everyone present last Monday as the Thunder players spoke at Media Day commented on how great Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks. It was clear the Canadian spent his offseason working on both his game and his body. In fact, a common phrase was Shai is jacked (regarding his well-honed physique and obvious time spent in the weight room).
As camp progressed all the rookies raved about SGA’s leadership and how deceptive he is in person. OKC Thunder fans have two seasons’ worth of experience witnessing Gilgeous-Alexander gliding to the basket or changing up his pace to drive by opponents.
What the rookies quickly learned is just how deceptive those moves are in person. Turns out that smooth glide is much quicker and the first step far faster than it appears.
SGA is keen to be the main point guard and playmaker. Yet with so many guards and the team’s desire to play positionless offense, the big question is how that will impact the Kentucky alum. We’re only one full season removed from Billy Donovan’s trio point guard lineup and depending on how quickly Josh Giddey integrates fans could be in line for a dual point guard lineup this season.
The rookie is already raving about his time spent on the hardwood alongside SGA. Although they initially lined up across from each other as the camp progressed Daigneault switched things up and had the pair playing together with strong results.