OKC Thunder: 5 Takeaways From Media Day 2016-17
The OKC Thunder are starting a new chapter in their journey to the NBA’s promised land. The team appears to have something they didn’t have last year.
Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) speaks to the media during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
On Friday, the OKC Thunder had their 2016-17 media day. A first-hand look at the team and its new players. In most cases, it’s just the usual picture taking, taking questions about the season, and giving the media a solid before training camp begins.
However, things we’re different with the Thunder this season. There wasn’t any anxiety in the building. Throughout the halls of Chesapeake Energy Arena, you could hear guys laughing, joking, and signing.
The upbeat feeling that seemed to be in the hearts of every player was different than years past. It almost seemed that a weight was lifted from the team’s shoulders following the departure of Kevin Durant.
Naturally, you would expect Steven Adams and Enes Kanter to put on a show for the media and the fans watching on twitter or on the Thunder website. However, you wouldn’t expect for Russell Westbrook or Victor Oladipo to join in on the fun.
Even Mitch McGary joked with the media, saying “I bet you guys can’t wait to talk to me.”
McGary was referencing his recent troubles with the NBA’s drug policy that resulting in a 15-game suspension.
The mood was light, and the Thunder seem like a close knit family. The question going forward will be: Are the Thunder a group of guys that genuinely like each other? Or are the destined to implode during the regular season.
My gut tells me they are a tight group of guys who respect and like each other. On October 3rd, the OKC Thunder will travel to Spain to take on Real Madrid.
This will be a great chance for the team to become even more united prior to the regular season. Here are five takeaways from media day last Friday.
No In-Editor Preview for 120 Sports Videos
Video DetailsID: Source: 120 Sports
1. Russell Westbrook has always been a leader to his teammates
The overall theme with the OKC Thunder this season is that this is Westbrook’s team now. With Durant gone, It’s Westbrook’s turn to take the ropes and guide the dark horse that is the Thunder this season.
However, the team didn’t see it that way. There was an abundance of players that suggested he’s always been a leader to this team. Steven Adams laughed and told one reporter, “He was our leader last year too, mate.”
This speaks volumes to how the team views Westbrook and how the team has viewed Westbrook. Most teams have one or two true leaders on the court, and one in the locker room. The locker room leader is usually a guy like Kendrick Perkins or Nick Collison.
The leader on the court is generally the point guard or the superstar player.
Westbrook hasn’t always been a leader for this team, I believe over the last three season’s he’s grown into that role. When Durant was sidelined due to the jones fracture, Westbrook had to take control and lead this team. Thus giving him a taste of what is to come this season.
Westbrook will be able to lead this team on the court. He’ll also have plenty of help from assistant coach Mo Cheeks and Nick Collison. Most feel Westbrook is already a great player; however, he now has the chance to be a great leader.
Mar 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) and center Enes Kanter (11) react to a call in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter need a reality TV show
Picture it, a camera crew following Steven Adams and Enes Kanter throughout the season. A reality TV show based on their unusual friendship. At media day, these two answered multiple questions about their friendship.
At one point, Enes was able to pop in during Steven Adams media address.
More from Hoops Habit
One member of the media asked Steven Adams: “What’s the worst thing about Enes Kanter?” From the back of the room, you could hear Enes commenting “Wow”. These two spent a lot of time together this summer.
The stache brothers popped up on people’s Twitter feeds as Enes Kanter posted a variety of pictures and videos of what looked like the best summer ever.
While these two are close, they couldn’t be more different. Steven Adams being a fun-loving guy from New Zealand doesn’t have the homeland issues that Kanter has.
In fact, the first question asked to Kanter when he stepped to the podium was about his family disowning him. Enes laughed and declined to address the issue saying that it would take too much time and that in future a conversation can be had.
Regardless of their own personal dwellings, these two are fun to be around and they thrive on the media flocking to them because of their personalities.
May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
3. The motto is still championship or bust for the OKC Thunder
The OKC Thunder stood just one game out of an NBA Finals appearance last season. As a result, the players believe they are on a quest to make the NBA Finals and win a championship this season.
When asked what the goal of the season was, Westbrook replied: “To win a championship, and I’m going to do my part on both ends of the floor.”
The Thunder are not preseason favorites to win a championship or the Western Conference. However, they’ll remain a dark horse in the west because of what Westbrook can do offensively. He’ll make Steven Adams a superstar and launch Victor Oladipo into stardom as well.
Oladipo stated his excitement to play with Westbrook. He’ll no longer be double and triple teamed the way he was in Orlando. The OKC Thunder will be able to spread the floor in the half-court offense and run-and-gun in transition.
The Thunder can definitely make a run for the Finals, setting up a seven-game series with Golden State and Kevin Durant.
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) holds onto a rebound next to Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) in the fourth quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kyle Singler is taking up meditation and float-tanking.
When Kyle Singler approached the media table he had a new hair style and a new outlook on life. Singler brought up that he took time this summer to meditate and participated in float-tanking. A psychological process where one is suspended into a tank with water and Epsom salt to clear the mind.
Last season, Singler was subjected to a ton of criticism. At one point he was deemed the worst player in the NBA on Twitter. Having to overcome this was more difficult than he would like to admit.
Singler stated that he worked on all aspects of his game throughout the summer and learned to channel and clear his mind through meditation. I assume this practice will help him when the pressure from the fans grows heavy during the season.
It’s not easy being a player that’s not as consistent as he was in college. The glory days at Duke are miles from the present. However, the OKC Thunder will have a different system for Singler to play in.
Having one’s mind sharp and game elevated could make a huge difference for Singler this season.
Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5), Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) pose for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
5. This season officially begins Billy Donovan’s coaching career
Last season, Billy Donovan began his first full year of coaching in the NBA. This season is a completely new chapter. Billy Donovan went from having Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka to Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova.
Instead of coaching a possible big three, Donovan will have to mold a superstar with a variety of role players.
This season will rewrite the short chapter of Donovan’s head coaching job in the NBA. If the OKC Thunder can challenge or even win the west, then Donovan has to be a coach-of-the-year candidate.
The challenge will be getting the lineups and matchups correct game in and game out. The second unit will need someone who can score, as well as a smart defender. The starting five will be a mixture of talent with Westbrook leading the charge.
Donovan will have to out coach night in and night out the way he did during the San Antonio series last year.
The OKC Thunder will arguably be the most exciting team to watch next season. How well the team gels early in the season will determine if we get a seven-game series between OKC and Golden State.