Monthly Archives: September 2018

Paul George: My Fight Song

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paul george

“This is my fight song/
Take back my life song/
Prove I’m alright song/
My power’s turned on/
Starting right now I’ll be strong/
I’ll play my fight song/
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes/
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me”

Yes, this is, in fact, the chorus to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. But to Oklahoma City Thunder fans and to Paul George, this might as well be the anthem for the upcoming season.

We’re familiar with the song and dance. Oklahoma City traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for Paul George. We started seeing mental images of Westbrook and George hoisting the Larry O’Brien above their heads in celebration. We also saw the underwhelming season that transpired in 2017-2018. One that ultimately was put to an end as the Utah Jazz defeated the Thunder in 6 games in the first round of the playoffs. Continue reading Paul George: My Fight Song →

Thunder At A Glance – 21 September 2018

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img_4063Erik Horne (NewsOK) on who will decide who will start at power forward: “We have to let Billy make those decisions,” Presti said. “He’s in charge of what happens once the ball is tipped up and once we are competing. He makes all the decisions relative to what happens between the lines.”

Horne (NewsOK) on Presti talking about injury updates: “Presti added that he feels good that the Thunder will have both Westbrook and Roberson back at some point “relatively early in the year.” Westbrook underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week and is expected to be reevaluated in three weeks, one week before the Thunder tips off against Golden State in the regular-season opener Oct. 16.” Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 21 September 2018 →

ThunderChats Podcast – Jimmy Butler Possibilities

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thunder chatsOn the latest ThunderChats podcast, Dylan looks at the pro and cons of the Thunder acquiring a talent like Jimmy Butler. On the episode, the following items are discussed:

  • Would an acquisition like this make the Thunder instant title favorites
  • Are there any red flags
  • What would it take
  • Scared Money Don’t Make None
  • And more

Thank you for listening. If you have any Thunder or NBA related questions, make sure you hit Dylan up on Twitter (@ThunderChats).

Catch the ThunderChats podcast on Anchor and ITunes. Make sure you leave them a 5-star review if you can. And as always, Thunder Up!

Thunder At A Glance – 20 September 2018

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img_4063Erik Horne (NewsOK) on Abdel Nader being used to playing multiple positions: “Instead, it’s keeping Nader as not just the piece it acquired in a trade with Boston for Rodney Purvis, but as a tangible shift to more versatile frontcourt options. Nader’s $1.37 million salary essentially replaces that of 7-footer Dakari Johnson, who was traded to Orlando for Purvis in July.”

Michael Bohlin (247 Sports) looks at possible trade options for Jimmy Butler: “Another team that isn’t on Butler’s reported list of preferred destinations that could ultimately choose to make a run at acquiring a player like Butler, even if it is only as a rental player, would be the Oklahoma City Thunder as this is an approach that they already tried this past season by acquiring Carmelo Anthony.” Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 20 September 2018 →

Thunder At A Glance – 19 September 2018

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img_4063David Aldridge (NBA.com) with a status update on several players who were injured last season, including Andre Roberson: “The 26-year-old Roberson will be with the team when camp begins. He has been with the Thunder all summer and been on the floor doing drill work and shooting, though he is not yet cleared for either contact work or five on five play. The Thunder will obviously be conservative with him as he nears his return to play.”

Per the Thunder’s website, the team has entered into a 10-year partnership with OU Medicine: “As part of the agreement, OU Medicine will provide expertise and resources to help support the Thunder medical staff in creating elite conditions for player training, treatment and care. The two organizations will also work together on advocacy and public education to drive awareness on key health and wellness issues.” Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 19 September 2018 →

Thunder At A Glance – 18 September 2018

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img_4063Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) on Steven Adams being the Thunder’s center of gravity: “The same can be said of the Thunder big man’s impact on the defensive side of the ball. With precise and deliberate communication and quick feet, Adams helps guards stay in front of the ball in pick and roll coverage. He can even switch out to the three-point line when it’s necessary or there’s a good matchup. With each successive year, the force that Adams brings to the team continues to grow, and that consistent improvement is why he’s become one of the most essential players on the Thunder’s roster and one of the very best centers in the NBA.”

Erik Horne (NewsOK) on the Blue’s acquisition of KJ McDaniels: “G-League contracts are with the league, not with the parent teams. McDaniels currently doesn’t have an NBA contract, but if he were to enter into a G League contract, the Blue, not the Thunder, would own his rights. The Blue would also own McDaniels’ rights if he were to play overseas, then return and sign a G League contract.” Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 18 September 2018 →

Thunder At A Glance – 17 September 2018

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img_4063Grant Afseth (OKC Thunder Wire) looks at 6 adjustments the Thunder will need to make if Russell Westbrook misses any time in the regular season: “It’s important to note that many backup point guards are not used to shouldering a high usage rate but that isn’t the case with Schröder. He had a 30.5 percent usage rate last season and has had a usage rate above 27 percent for four consecutive seasons.”

A sneak peak at the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 University Reds (via Sneaker News). Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 17 September 2018 →

Thunder At A Glance – 14 September 2018

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img_4063Terrance Ferguson and Tyler Davis visited the OKC Police Athletic League to play some volleyball and football with some kids.

Erik Horne (NewsOK) on the Thunder players listed on SI’s Top 100 list: “Sports Illustrated released its list in segments throughout the week, culminating in the Top 10 on Thursday. Steven Adams (No. 38) and newly-acquired guard Dennis Schroder (No. 80) were also on the list.”

Here is Sports Illustrated’s full list if you would like to see it: “Playing in Oklahoma City works for him. George does his best work when he doesn’t have to handle the ball on every possession, which is never really a problem with Russell Westbrook around. Both operate in ways that make the other’s job easier: Westbrook’s shot creation is a relief to George, who can do more of his work off the ball. Meanwhile, George is enough of a draw that a defense can’t just load up against Westbrook’s drives. One pushes, the other pulls.” Continue reading Thunder At A Glance – 14 September 2018 →

ThunderChats Podcast – Westbrook Surgery & New Jerseys

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thunder chatsDylan Huntzinger returns with another ThunderChats podcast. On this episode, Dylan discusses the following topics:

  • Westbrook’s surgery
  • Is it time to panic?
  • What does this mean for Dennis Schröder?
  • Talking about the new (proposed) City Edition jerseys
  • Whether you like it or not, Nike finally got it right this time
  • Guest guess
  • And more

Thank you for listening. If you have any Thunder or NBA related questions, make sure you hit Dylan up on Twitter (@ThunderChats).

Catch the ThunderChats podcast on Anchor and ITunes. Make sure you leave them a 5-star review if you can. And as always, Thunder Up!

https://anchor.fm/thunderchats/embed/episodes/Westbrook-SurgeryNew-Jerseys-e2733p/a-a59poj