r/Thunder

Only seeing negative reactions from this sub about our drafts picks, but I was actually really happy how they looked in their first game with 0 training camp. Yeah OKC lost by 40, but who tf cares. None of these guys will be number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 options on this team for at least a couple years - I think they fit into very specific roles incredibly well.

Loved Mara’s patience, passing, rebounding, and rim protecting at times. Seems like an intelligent player who will improve physically and a great piece to plug into the thunder defensive system that relies on a single big man rim protector with many line ups.

Stirtz showed some handles, range, and was not a complete liability on defense. What more would yall like in a backup backup 1 or 2?

Liked the intensity from Oweh - good defensive tools, athleticism, and confidence for a 2nd round pick. Who knows maybe he’ll crack the rotation and be a valuable contributor for us.

Sure there were mistakes and errors and let downs but these guys literally haven’t practiced with each other.

End of rant.

This “Wemby stopper” narrative about Mara is really dumb IMO. I knew just by looking at his profile that he wasn’t really the archetype to clamp down on Wemby for 48 minutes and it all goes back to that guy saying we drafted him “because of Wemby” on draft night, which… no.

I am super excited about this. Any rumors on first shoe drop? I hope we finally get a Thunder themed color shoe. That will be awesome!

Brooks barnazhier: I can see some improvements from his short play time in the NBA like him being able to get to the right place at the right time which helps him rebound but can we please stop running the offense through him.

Aday Mara: Dont let the box score fool you if you didn’t have time to watch the game he would’ve had 5-6 more assists if we hadn’t stop bricking from his amazing and accurate passes. He rebounds like a standard 7 footer but like everyone else already pointed out he does move like he has bricks on his feet. It’s to the point where he was giving up open layups to people like Cameron Boozer while being literally behind him cuz he’s so slow to get intoo proper position. I wouldn’t be worried cuz of our developmental system and Centres do take time to develop but he will be borderline unplayable in big games.

Stirtz: Another one of the “don’t let the box score fool you“ he would’ve had a much better game if we actually had a playmaker and weren’t running the offense through Barnazhier. I feel like he could learn A LOT from SGA and McCain, he already has the underlying mechanics from SGAs game that’ll be fun to see him grow and obviously his shot selection and positioning from McCain will be huge.

Otega Oweh: GENUINE STEAL AND IM NOT KIDDING, Trust me on this one I’m really good with knowing about guards, with my accurate predictions of Stephon castle and McCain being the best players from their draft. Otega Oweh is one of those two way wings/guards that can disrupt the offense and the defense. We absolutely need people like these high energy athletic freaks who can come as sparks off the bench. He absolutely thrives in transition. The best comparison i could give about him would be like a Norman Powell or like a Lu Dort if he kept on developing his shot. I mean he literally said he modeled his game after Lu Dort. He could absolutely be a hidden gem from this draft and I’m really excited to see him grow.

Really small sample size (NBA wise) but it is absolutely clear these draft picks of ours are gonna take a bit more time than our other players did to develop but they all have really high upsides so it’ll be all the way worth it.

I made this conclusion after one quarter of the first summer league game. AMA.

I had no idea who he was, but during todays game I kept noticing #50 on the court. Looks every bit of 7 foot but moves and dribbles with the speed and smoothness of a literal wing.

Where did this guy come from?? I know its just summer league so I watched his college tape...more of the same. Hope he becomes part of our team eventually..at least put him on the Blue. What are yalls thoughts? Did Mr Presti do it again??

Love stirtz movement and handle. Dude is always moving trying to get open. Kinda similar to Steph in that fashion. Wish the coach would utilize him more in the PnR.

Mara, has great vision for a big but am I the only one that thinks his body language is off? Walking around a lot, not chasing boards as much as a 7 footer should and just looks lost out there.

Still way too early to judge but he looks lost and out of shape.

Barnhizer is straight ass and shouldn’t be on a 2 way. Not sure what the team sees in him and that broken jumper. Give that 2 way to Tilly.

I love both of their energy, although reckless.

Brooks Barnhizer looked real good. I think he’s better than expected.

As for the others, Mara’s passing is as good as advertised. I hope he gets more plays ran through him this summer league.

Not a great look at the score but what would we expect, dudes they were playing against were like 2-3 year veterans.

#TTFUP

How did they look? They looked like role players hoping a loaded roster. Oh nice because that is exactly what Presti drafted. Bag all the over reactions. It got a bit ridiculous.