Ian Begley (ESPN) says Carmelo Anthony was nearly a Rocket and also nearly a Cavalier: “Actually, it was funny because me and PG was supposed to be in Cleveland on draft night,” Anthony said. “We were communicating about that. The deal was actually done, and it got called off on draft night, so me and PG stayed connected throughout the course of the [offseason]. We never even talked about OKC, though.”
David Purdum (ESPN) on ESPN’s odds going up with the acquisition of Anthony: “After acquiring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in an active offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s odd have moved from 60-1 to 16-1 to win the 2017-18 NBA championship at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas. With George and Anthony joining reigning MVP Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, the Thunder have narrowed the gap with the other top tier of contenders in the Western Conference. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are each listed at 15-1 to win the championship at the SuperBook.”
OKC will be Thunder Up Tulsa in preparation for their preseason game on October 3rd.
Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) with a recap of the 3rd day of training camp: “Coming into the NBA, Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan said his intention was to put in an offensive system that relies on moving the ball, creating advantages and attacking with the pass. So far in U.S. Cellular Thunder Training Camp, feels that he’s getting his wish. With high level players on the floor who are extremely skilled in a variety of areas, it’s easier for guys to make plays for one another. There’s more space on the floor, decisions can be easier and some of the role players can stay in their lane and stick to their specialty. The most encouraging part of the first three days of camp for Donovan have been the way his two newest perennial All-Stars are moving the ball.”
Cliff Brunt (Associated Press) on Andre Roberson and Steven Adams benefiting from their Big 3 teammates: “Steven Adams is a monster,” Anthony said. “He’s a monster like somebody from the `Game of Thrones’ or something. I love him. First day, his energy, what he brings to the game, to the court, to his teammates – his energy is incredible.” Roberson was a second-team all-defense selection last season, but he has shown flashes of potential on offense and is an excellent rebounder. Last season, he averaged career highs of 6.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field.”
Austin Sternlicht (Thunderous Intentions) says Sam Presti is the MVP of the offseason: “Consequently, Presti was able to make Pritchard a limited time only offer for George that he couldn’t turn down. Victor Oladipo, who played at Indiana University, would appeal to Pacer fans. Domantas Sabonis was a decent prospect who showed signs of being a quality player his rookie season. So a year and two days after Durant left, Presti was able to bring in Paul George at a discount price. He didn’t have to give up a future first pick, or the Thunder’s most recent first round pick, Terrance Ferguson. In addition, Oklahoma City’s two best young players, Steven Adams and Alex Abrines were not part of the package.”
Brett Dawson (NewsOK) on Terrance Ferguson’s opportunity to learn from two great wing scorers: “And in the middle of it all this week at Thunder training camp there’s Terrance Ferguson, age 19, trying to fit in. “Right now we’re all on the same level,” the rookie said Thursday after his third practice. “We’re all inside the NBA, so I’m not really being, like, a big fan, a fanboy right now. I’m just out there competing.”
Now That's Thunder Basketball 