Read the latest Thunder happenings here on ClickTown.
Erik Horne (The Oklahoman) on the return of assistant coach Brian Keefe to the Thunder bench: “Kauffman Sports, which represents Keefe, has powerful quotes on its website from Nick Collison and Ingram that tout Keefe’s impact. But no words have cemented Keefe’s resume more than Durant’s validation to David Aldridge back in 2014. It wasn’t about Keefe helping Durant with mechanics (which he’s done for Ingram and Andre Robeson, among others), but about Keefe checking Durant’s body language and attitude when the Thunder was in a post-All-Star break slump.”
A look back at Jenni Carlson’s (The Oklahoman) story on Chris Paul and the significance of the number 61: “Chris Paul thought about not playing basketball the day after Chilly’s funeral. But he decided his first game back would always be like ripping off a bandage. It would hurt no matter what. Extended family was still in town, and as he left for the gym, his aunt said something about honoring Chilly. “Maybe 61,” she said.”
Chris Paul has thoughts on the NCAA’s new agent rules:
So does Darius Bazley, who happens to be a client of Rich Paul:
Larry Brown (Larry Brown Sports) says the Darius Bazley deal may have been the motivating factor for the NCAA to put the rules in place: “Paul arranged an unconventional deal for Bazley, setting him up with an internship at New Balance that would pay the basketball player $1 million over five years as long as he’s in the NBA, and potentially as much as $14 million. It gave the shoe/apparel company early access to a future NBA player and also allowed Bazley to learn about an industry he cared about. The arrangement would also provide Bazley with plenty of time to practice and train. Boeheim later took a shot at Paul and the agent’s most famous client, LeBron James, in further comments.Larry Brown (Larry Brown Sports) says the Darius Bazley deal may have been the motivating factor for the NCAA to put the rules in place:”
Brett Dawson (The Athletic) ranks the Thunder’s jerseys, to include the new ones: ” There are two demerits for a conceptually powerful uniform. First, the two-tiered “Oklahoma City” across the chest muddles every design, and this is no exception. And second, more than on any other Thunder uniform, the garish advertising patch for Love’s Travel Stops stands out here. It’s too stark a contrast for a uniform that reflects a somber event, and Love’s would be smart to allow some tweaks, perhaps a monochromatic gold logo to match the rest of the jersey trim. Brett Dawson (The Athletic) ranks the Thunder’s jerseys, to include the new ones: “
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning to the gym where it all began in Hamilton, Ontario.
Haley O’Shaughnessy (The Ringer) wonders whether the Thunder have already won the Paul George trade: “Essentially, the Thunder possess at least one additional first-round pick or pick swap in every draft until 2026. Twenty-twenty-six! The team may have to learn to cook again, but the pantry’s stocked. Even then, the idea that OKC is starting its rebuild at ground zero is untrue. Players from the Westbrook-KD teams live on, like Steven Adams and Andre Roberson. Last year’s team carries over veteran experience in Dennis Schröder and new energy in Terrance Ferguson. All of those players will become appealing assets at the trade deadline—though it’s not like OKC needs any more picks. Depending on injuries and budgets this season, that could be true for new additions Paul and Gallo, as well.”
Aiden E (Thunderous Intentions) grades every offseason move the Thunder have made so far: “The offseason began in earnest with the 2019 NBA draft with Sam Presti likely making decisions and moves which he might not have made given what occurred shortly thereafter. As for free agency, whether it’s acquiring a young talented guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or former All-Star guard Chris Paul, there’s plenty to discuss including all the trades the Thunder made to this point. Therefore, with the offseason slowing to a crawl once August hit, it’s time to reflect back on the moves the Thunder have made to date.Aiden E (Thunderous Intentions) grades every offseason move the Thunder have made so far:”