Welcome to today’s episode of Locked on Thunder, where we’re diving into your mailbag questions, discussing recent Thunder roster changes, and previewing upcoming matchups. We’re here to keep you updated on all things Oklahoma City Thunder, so let’s jump right in.
- Roster Updates and Injuries: Before the game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder announced that J. Will re-aggravated his hamstring, sidelining him for four to six weeks. It’s crucial to remember that these are reevaluation dates, not guaranteed return dates. The Thunder will need to manage their front court depth until after Thanksgiving, relying heavily on players like Chet and Us.
- Roster Moves: The Thunder recently waived Alex Reese and brought in Lyons, who played in the Summer League and was part of the training camp. Lyons is seen as a better defensive option, especially in a small ball five role, compared to Reese. While neither player is expected to see significant minutes, Lyons’ defensive prowess makes him a more suitable fit for the Thunder’s needs.
- AJay Mitchell’s Role: Despite AJay Mitchell’s impressive performance, his contract conversion isn’t expected until after the trade deadline. The Thunder are likely to maintain roster flexibility for potential trades, similar to how they handled Aaron Wiggins’ contract in the past.
- Thunder’s Winning Streak: There’s speculation about the Thunder’s potential to win 68+ games this season. While the team is off to a strong start, maintaining such a record will be challenging, especially with the current injuries and the competitive Western Conference.
- Player Performances: Chet Holmgren has been a standout player in the early games, even surpassing expectations set for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, it’s anticipated that Shai will eventually reclaim his position as the team’s top performer.
- Shooting Strategy: There’s a debate about SGA’s increased three-point attempts. While it might not yield immediate results, it’s a strategic move for long-term success, aiming to enhance the team’s championship potential.
- Lou Dort’s Offensive Surge: Lou Dort’s improved offensive performance could be linked to a reduced defensive burden, allowing him to conserve energy for scoring. This change in defensive strategy might be contributing to his hot start.
- Upcoming Challenges: The Thunder face a tough schedule with back-to-back games and new arenas, which could impact their shooting performance. The team hasn’t fully clicked yet, but there’s potential for improvement as the season progresses.
- Draymond Green’s Comments: Draymond Green’s remarks about post-game interviews and team dynamics sparked discussion. However, these comments are seen more as an attempt to generate buzz rather than a reflection of the Thunder’s performance or culture.
- Josh Giddy’s Success in Chicago: Josh Giddy is thriving in Chicago, matching the performance of top players like Jokic and Doncic in points, rebounds, and assists. This trade has been beneficial for both Giddy and the Thunder, with Alex Caruso fitting well into OKC’s system.
Thank you for tuning in to Locked on Thunder. We’ll be back with more insights and updates after the upcoming games. Until then, stay connected with us for all your Thunder basketball news.
