Inside Thunder Training Camp: 2023 Media Day Takeaways

Forbes Business SportsMoney Inside Thunder Training Camp: 2023 Media Day Takeaways Nick Crain Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Following Oct 2, 2023, 11:00pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Chet Holmgren | OKC Thunder Media Day 2023 Nick Crain “We’re still building, let me be clear on that. We’re a young team.

” said Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault at media day on Monday. As each member of the Thunder roster took their turn speaking to the media to kick off training camp, it was made clear that Oklahoma City isn’t letting external narratives or expectations affect the mindset going into the season. “[This season] doesn’t feel any different,” Daigneault would go on to say.

“The outside atmosphere respectfully is fleeting, so that’s not a reliable source of motivation because it comes and goes based on outcomes. ” Although OKC won 40 games last season and made the play-in tournament, followed by a positive offseason adding even more talent, patience is still key in ensuring long-term success. While the Thunder would welcome another huge step forward this season, it’s about staying true to the process, maintaining standards and continuing development.

“It’s about being patient and staying on course,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reiterated to the media. With training camp officially kicking off on Tuesday, the Thunder will start to build chemistry and prepare for the start of the 2023-24 campaign. Outside of staying the course and not putting success parameters on the upcoming season, what other themes and storylines emerged from Thunder media day? MORE FOR YOU Michael Jordan Is Now Worth $3 Billion And Joins The Forbes 400 Cruel Sunday Bettors Flocked To Losing Travis Kelce Bets After Taylor Swift Hype Barclays Center Posts Loss Of 76 Million For 2023 Chet Holmgren’s Immediate Impact Although it will be his first NBA season, Chet Holmgren has already made a major impression on his teammates.

When various players were asked about what he brings to the table, it’s clear that he is prepared to give this team a chance to make a positive step forward this season. “Chet is going to be special for us. I’m not even talking about just the offensive side of the game.

Just defensively, the impact that he’s going to bring for us,” said Kenrich Williams. “I’ve been here four years, and I don’t think we’ve had a legit shot blocker, rim protector like Chet. ” On both ends of the floor, the former No.

2 overall pick has the ability to really change the game. When looking back at some of OKC’s deficiencies last season, Holmgren has the skillset to help improve in those areas. The 7-footer is expected to slot into the starting center spot, providing rim protection, vertical spacing and the ability to step out and knock down triples.

He will be the first center with the ability to dominate the game that the team has had in several years. His basketball IQ is off the charts, which is clear when he talks about on-court situations. Between the tools he has and the ability to process the game, Holmgren could have a special rookie campaign.

With his skillset, Holmgren can really play all over the floor despite being labeled as a center. To his head coach, it’s less about the position he plays and more about what he’s able to bring to the table. “It’s about finding a way to be efficient and impactful,” said Daigneault.

“What position you play shouldn’t alter the way you play. Who he’s out there with won’t change the way he plays. ” Holmgren’s first preseason matchup will be against the Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs next week, which will be a highly anticipated matchup.

Vasilije Micic’s Path to NBA Although drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Vasilije Micic is just now making his transition to the NBA. His rights were traded to the Thunder on the draft night trade as part of the Al Horford several years ago, but even then it was unclear whether he would ever come play in the United States. The past few seasons, it was rumored that he might be ready to make that leap, but it never came to fruition until earlier this summer.

Now that he’s on the team and speaking to the media for the first time, more insight on the situation was given. “Two years ago, [we] had a very serious conversations. After that, I felt like I needed to prove something more for myself in Europe,” said the 29-year-old.

“This summer, everything finally settled well. I’m very happy that this finally happened because I’ve honestly been working for nine years to reach the NBA, so I think it was worth it. ” One of the most decorated and accomplished players in the world outside of the NBA, he really has a chance to make an impact early in the upcoming season if he can quickly adjust to the style of play.

“If it’s one thing about him, I have a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished overseas. He’s really got nothing to prove as a player,” said Daigneault. Micic also disclosed that this was really the pivotal point in his career.

If he didn’t come to the NBA this summer, he likely never would given he’s coming up on 30 years old. Luckily for OKC, an agreement was made and he’s now ready to be a key piece off the bench. Micic also confirmed that he never had conversations with the Sixers about coming over, as that really wasn’t discussed until his rights were in the hands of the Thunder.

Individual and Team Efficiency Although it may not have been intentional, one of the most common words used Monday across the board was ‘efficiency’. Whether it be at the individual or team level, it was something that’s clearly on the top of everyone’s mind. This makes sense given where the team is at, as it has felt the cusp of success but needs to refine the foundation that’s already been put in place.

Between each player scoring more efficiently, the team rebounding more efficiently or anything in-between, expect this to be a theme this season discussed by the players and coaching staff. Chip Engelland’s Value When Oklahoma City signed Chip Engelland — one of the best shooting coaches in the world — last offseason, there was a sense that he would have an immediate impact on the 3-point shooting of the team. This proved to be true, as several players on the roster experienced increased success from beyond the arc, especially as the season went on.

Newly acquired sharpshooter Davis Bertans spend time with Engelland in San Antonio from 2016 to 2019. In fact, during the 2018-19 season the Latvian forward shot a career-high 42. 9% from beyond the arc under the influence of Engelland.

“I’m glad to be on the same team with him again,” said Bertans on Monday. “He’s definitely one of the top shooting coaches in the world. ” Bertans would go on to mention that Engelland is the only coach that he’s ever allowed to make any sort of tweak to the mechanics of his jumper.

This just goes to show how high his reputation is and the trust he gets from his players. While several other players alluded to continuing their work with Engelland from last season, the player that really put an emphasis on this was second-year forward Ousmane Dieng. With one of the highest ceilings on the team, but quite a bit of development that still needs to happen, he indicated that he spent a lot of time with the legendary shooting coach this summer.

Davis Bertans Trade Details Speaking of Bertans, Monday marked the first time he has spoken to the Oklahoma City media since being acquired by the Thunder. While trades happen all the time around the NBA, rarely is the personal side of the story told. When Bertans was asked about where he was when he found out he was dealt, he indicated that it was early in the morning back home in Latvia when the trade occurred, so he was asleep.

Just a couple hours after it was announced, his wife woke him up to let him know he was joining a new team. While it’s never easy to change franchises — especially as often as Bertans has of late — he mentioned he was excited for the opportunity. Furthermore, he is prepared to take on any role and do whatever he needs to in order for the team to win games.

“I’ve heard only great things about the organization,” said the 30-year-old. “That it’s one of the top class organizations in the league. ” Oklahoma City will open its regular season in Chicago against the Bulls on Oct.

25, but before that happens several weeks of training camp and a handful of preseason games will take place. Follow me on Twitter . Nick Crain Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.