Welcome to Loud City - All PostsThe Home of the Thunderhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50005/wtlc-fav.png2023-03-28T18:21:33-05:00http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/rss/current/2023-03-28T18:21:33-05:002023-03-28T18:21:33-05:00Welcome to Loud City is moving to Substack
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eYl_2XjO8oqEIbmk3bZbwyikw-E=/0x0:4133x2755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72125151/usa_today_20325584.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>WTLC is moving to our new home, same community, different platform!</p> <p id="4pRheP">When news broke about Vox’s decision to <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/1/22/23566606/a-note-regarding-the-future-of-welcome-to-loud-city">remove funding for Welcome to Loud City</a> in late January, it was painful to hear. This was our community, our home and the idea of all of that going away in just a matter of months was rough.</p>
<p id="mku7Tp">I joined this community as a fan in 2016. Since then, I’ve joined the writing staff and eventually became the blog’s site manager in August 2022 with the goal of bringing Welcome to Loud City back to the big time. </p>
<p id="2nbGHV">With the change in role came an increased sense of responsibility. I care deeply about Welcome to Loud City and I care even more deeply about the future of the community. Welcome to Loud City belongs to all of us and finding a home for everyone mattered hugely to me.</p>
<p id="qRZGyg">I am delighted to announce that Welcome to Loud City will be moving forward as a reader-supported, <a href="https://welcometoloudcity.substack.com/welcome">fully independent blog on Substack. </a></p>
<p id="CK34kW">This is not a decision that was taken lightly but I truly believe that Substack is the best place for WTLC. Substack is an ad-free, independent publication that gets sent directly to the reader’s email inbox. It is also a place where WTLC can be truly free, away from any editorial demands or necessities.</p>
<p id="oRBB0X">Readers can subscribe to our blog for $10 per month or $100 annually. </p>
<p id="zU396v">More generous patrons can subscribe at our ‘Founding Member’ tier for $240 annually.</p>
<p id="LE0urG">Welcome to Loud City will still be available for free subscribers to read but paid subscribers will be the ones who get every strand of analysis, every drop of detail about the Thunder.</p>
<p id="LRA8Th">The revenue from subscription fees will allow Welcome to Loud City to cover our maintenance costs while putting money in the kitty for future plans. The aim of growing WTLC has not been dimmed but we will need cash in the bank to pay for podcasts or features down the line.</p>
<p id="YD0nDM">Welcome to Loud City will be live on <a href="https://welcometoloudcity.substack.com/welcome">Substack on the 1st April</a> and I urge everyone to sign up as soon as possible!.</p>
<p id="vkZfwu"><a href="https://welcometoloudcity.substack.com/?r=2578w3&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web"><em><strong>Subscribe</strong></em></a></p>
<p id="CcBglk"><em>On a personal note, I’ll like to be honest as I can and I would like to thank the community for being so supportive during these times. It was such a morale-booster to read your comments when things got difficult. </em></p>
<p id="6qnJHT"><em>Much Love and Thunder Up!</em></p>
<p id="F00LZj"><em>J.D </em></p>
<p id="IFHYEF"></p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/28/23657590/welcome-to-loud-city-is-moving-to-substackJ.D Tailor2023-03-22T18:43:12-05:002023-03-22T18:43:12-05:00The Case for Sam Presti winning Executive of the Year
<figure>
<img alt="Sam Presti Preseason Media Availability" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MofmzbrEbRxzqm5Q7Gfw6VTlqfE=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72104433/1171469013.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Presti finally deserves his respect</p> <p id="hlkr7Z">From the start of his career as a general manager, Sam Presti has been regarded as one of the best general managers in the NBA. He is the executive who assembled a core of three MVP-level talents in consecutive years and turned a small market team into legitimate title contenders.</p>
<p id="uVrEW3">His 15 years have been nothing short of exceptional and yet the honour of Executive of the Year eludes him. Sam is one of the best executives in the league and has been so for the last decade but that trophy has never landed in his cabinet. It is honestly pretty remarkable when you think about what Sam has achieved.</p>
<p id="oQ5rbA">Oklahoma City have won five division titles and one conference title in 2012. Four All-NBA players have worn Thunder Blue, an impressive feat when you consider the difficulty associated with acquiring high level talent. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Chris Paul are some of the best players of their generation and they all had huge, memorable moments in Oklahoma City.</p>
<p id="pRRkSc">It has not been an easy road in the slightest for the Thunder but Presti’s work at the negotiating table has sustained the Thunder’s success. When Serge Ibaka’s abilities were waning, he flipped the Congolese enter for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.</p>
<p id="NcMXln">Those two players were enough for the Thunder to land Paul George and prise open the title window that many thought has closed when Kevin Durant left town. The Westbrook-PG era ultimately came to nothing but Sam Presti did an amazing job in putting the best roster possible around Westbrook in his prime years.</p>
<p id="UiqK8o">He is a savvy operator who wants to extract value out of every single deal, the Cameron Payne trade in 2017 is probably the best example of Presti’s persuasiveness. In the run up to the trade deadline in 2017, there was a lot of talk about the Thunder giving up future assets to make the team better to meet short-term needs. The likes of Andre Roberson and Steven Adams were on the table.</p>
<p id="5j6740">Oklahoma City were able to steal Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and a second round pick for Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne. The Thunder landed two solid, serviceable veterans for a injury-hit young player, a defensive liability and an immobile center.</p>
<p id="8t8LaG">There are countless examples of these small, marginal trades where Presti has been able to find value and add to the current roster on the cheap. You only need to look at the 2020 offseason as a testament to Sam’s relentlessness.</p>
<p id="0UbqkJ">By no means is Sam Presti, his draft record in the first iteration of the Thunder left a lot to be desired. There was an intent focus on taking athletic wings who needed to be taught the basic fundamentals of basketball. </p>
<p id="vyyxhb">When the first era of Thunder basketball eventually reached an end, there was a feeling nationally that Presti may have been willing to move on with his career. It is hard to build a team that is sustainably good for an 5-year window, it is even harder to do that for a second time. He took on the challenge and reshaped the Thunder’s future on July 6 2019.</p>
<p id="8EMNrf">Paul George was dealt for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and a haul of draft picks. Gilgeous-Alexander is now one of the best guards in the NBA and is a better player than Paul George. The draft picks are in the process of conveying but the Thunder have already found value in the draft with LA’s selections.</p>
<p id="WDN9Cp">Jalen Williams was taken with one of those picks and J-Dub already looks to be an impressive player. In his rookie season, Williams is playing winning basketball and has meshed seamlessly with Gilgeous-Alexander.</p>
<p id="CdNVtH">Presti then fleeced Houston in the Chris Paul trade and the Thunder’s rebuild has never looked back. Oklahoma City’s focus on acquiring picks and young players was sniggered about by many media members nationally. A week would not go by without some sort of comment about Presti’s desire to build out an NFL roster.</p>
<p id="95s736">It was frustrating to hear as a fan because we could see the strategy paying dividends. Over the last four years, Oklahoma City have added JRE, Chet, Aaron Wiggins, Tre Mann, J-Will, J-Dub, Ous, Josh Giddey and Pokusevski through the draft alone. </p>
<p id="DyUk7u">The draft has not been perfect but the Thunder have found at least three solid role players and possibly two star level talents through the Draft. It is a fantastic hit rate and value has been found across the board, the likes of Wiggins and JRE were picked in the second round.</p>
<p id="HMNkHd">Oklahoma City have also made shrewd moves in free agency that have paid off massively. Isaiah Joe has been a revelation this season and was picked up on a minimum deal after Philly waived him. Lindy Waters III came through the G League and now finally looks like a useful two-way wing.</p>
<p id="G0ZKXZ">A roster that was derided at the start of the season for having little known players is now brimming with talent. The front office has done an excellent job of adding individuals who play selflessly and who can think for themselves.</p>
<p id="4udW38">The Thunder’s overachievement is in part down to a very good roster but the success can also be credited to Mark Daigneault. Hiring Daigneault was a ballsy decision by Sam, Mark has never coached in the NBA before and there was a risk in handing him the keys during a formative stage in the team’s growth.</p>
<p id="kLPoYl">It is a choice that has paid dividends. Daigneault is the best coach in the Thunder’s history and has created a competitive environment where young players have a chance to prove themselves. </p>
<p id="kPUYrg">Sam Presti has assembled a team with a bright future that can be consistently excellent over the long-term. His work as a general manager has been undeniable and deserves to be recognised with an EOY trophy.</p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/22/23652573/the-case-for-sam-presti-winning-executive-of-the-yearJ.D Tailor2023-03-21T18:54:18-05:002023-03-21T18:54:18-05:00The Thunder’s make or break week
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MER2bAYAdYGobM92JunZJyI3rko=/0x0:3742x2495/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72100445/usa_today_20272121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Oklahoma City play four games on the West Coast that could decide the season</p> <p id="rHqIhC">Since the start of March, Oklahoma City have been on a tear and the Thunder have moved into a position where a postseason berth is increasingly probable. OKC have gone 7-3 in their last ten games and finally look to be rounding into form at the right time.</p>
<p id="E9KdFd">I have been impressed by the Thunder’s ability to find wins in different ways. There were been blowout wins against the Jazz but the other victories have been much harder to come by. </p>
<p id="P20z5Y">Oklahoma City’s defense got them over the line on a back to back against the Spurs and Pelicans. The team shot the ball really poorly in those games but their intensity on the less glamorous end of the floor stifled the opposing team.</p>
<p id="wQrRyR">The Thunder’s win against the Suns is arguably the pick of the bunch. Phoenix led the game for long periods and seemed to have an answer for every mini-run that OKC went on. Devin Booker was laser-like from the mid-range area as he drained basket after basket.</p>
<p id="qj8C35">At the start of the fourth quarter, Coach Daigneault rolled the dice by inserting Aaron Wiggins into the ball game for his first minutes of the night. Wiggins got up to speed quickly with two transition baskets and that made all the difference.</p>
<p id="FF1KVB">The contest became a two-possession game and the game became much simpler for the Thunder. Wiggins joining the closing lineup meant Josh Giddey moved to the center spot with Jaylin Williams being sat down on the bench. At that point in the game, Oklahoma City had the mobility to guard every square of the court and make Booker’s looks from the mid-range much more difficult.</p>
<p id="7pUBCu">The Suns’ offense sputtered and the Thunder were able to go on a game-clinching run. That victory is important on three distinct levels. Beating Phoenix moved the Thunder into the 9th spot in the Western Conference, just one game back of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com">Golden State Warriors</a>.</p>
<p id="03TVMn">Golden State have played two more games than the Thunder and have a tricky end to the season. The Warriors will play Denver and Dallas away from home; their road play has been shoddy all season long. GSW also have difficult games against the likes of Philadelphia and Sacramento, two teams who are in red-hot form.</p>
<p id="VXFkCt">The second level of the victory’s importance relates to team morale. Come from behind victories against good opponents is a mood booster and the Thunder will have a lot of confidence going into their West Coast road trip.</p>
<p id="PjTwxQ">Finally, the statement victory against the Suns energised the fanbase and got Loud City rocking again for the first time in quite a long time. Attendance dwindled during the Thunder’s lean years and we have not seen a crowd so passionate, so engaged since Westbrooks’ MVP season in 2017. </p>
<p id="bVCB7C">OKC have played well in March but the real test starts tonight. Over the next seven days, the Thunder played four games on the road that will likely decide if the Thunder make the playoffs or end up in the play-in tournament. A clean sweep, 4-0, would finally get the team above 0.500 and above the Minnesota/Golden State/Dallas grouping.</p>
<p id="TrrODN">The two Clippers’ fixtures are the toughest remaining games of the schedule. The Clips have played excellent basketball lately and Ty Lue has done a good job of integrating the likes of Eric Gordon into his nightly rotation. LA are 5-1 in their last six games with the only defeat coming against the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com">Orlando Magic</a> when Kawhi Leonard did not suit up.</p>
<p id="klgqHL">Gilgeous-Alexander has typically done well against his former team but I would argue that the Clippers are a completely different team at full health. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are outstanding two-way players on the wing who the Thunder will struggle to find answers for.</p>
<p id="mb5EU5">Sinking down towards the painted area should hopefully contain Leonard’s mastery of the mid-range but I am concerned that Paul George will feast from downtown on relatively open looks.</p>
<p id="wUzpMY">The game against the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a> should also not be overlooked. The Lakers are fighting for their lives at the moment and the Thunder will play them on the second night of a back to back. It is the sort of game that may be considered a schedule loss earlier in the year but it is now a must-win contest.</p>
<p id="wx9mmc">The last game of the road trip comes against a tanking Portland and should hopefully be an easy night at the office for the Thunder.</p>
<p id="5RD5Li">Oklahoma City have done incredibly well in the month of March to put themselves in the hunt for a playoff berth. Nobody, not even the most optimistic Thunder fan could have predicted this. However, all of that good work will count for nought if OKC fail to win a game this week. </p>
<p id="dv1aq2">A good week will involve the Thunder taking care of business against the Lakers and Blazers and maybe, just maybe stealing a game against the Clippers. Going 2-2 keeps the dream alive but 3-1 would put the Thunder in a position of strength for the last three weeks of the regular season.</p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/21/23651040/the-thunders-make-or-break-weekJ.D Tailor2023-03-14T18:40:23-05:002023-03-14T18:40:23-05:00The Art of Momentum
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b-br9KVjPAY2yghYMb14vvH_fxM=/0x0:5514x3676/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72075083/usa_today_20208532.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jaylin Williams’ energy on defense changes the Thunder’s tempo and morale </p> <p id="uYWNIK">Last month, I wrote an article about Jaylin Williams and <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/2/9/23591766/jaylin-williams-is-on-the-rise-for-the-oklahoma-city-thunder">his rise on the Thunder’s roster</a> which felt necessary at the time. Jaylin had been playing very well at the time and the night before the article came out, he turned in a top level performances against the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a>.</p>
<p id="qhqBPV">Since then, Jaylin Williams has only gotten better as a player and we are starting to see his skill as a disruptive force on defense. Williams has wreaked havoc over the last few weeks and has been massive in creating forward momentum for the Thunder in tight games.</p>
<p id="2kn9QJ">Oklahoma City have needed J-Will to change the energy within games. With Gilgeous-Alexander being absent, the Thunder’s offense has been less potent and OKC have needed strong defensive work to hang onto victories.</p>
<p id="iB4yuA">Williams and his 27 charges have been huge in stopping other teams from scoring inside. As a rookie, Jaylin is leading the league in this statistical category and has turned a quirky number into being a genuinely useful part of his game.</p>
<p id="RiKXK8">Jaylin reads the game well and his quick feet allow him to slide into a spot just above the charge circle where he can get stops at will. Opposing players run into his chest and the referee is forced to blow the whistle.</p>
<p id="Gj6ust">In some cases, the referee will call a blocking foul and the possession starts again from the sideline. This is a solid outcome on the possession, the break in play allows the Thunder to reset their defense and refocus their attentions. The side-out also cranks up the pressure on the other team. The clock goes to 14 seconds and there is less time to hunt out a good shot.</p>
<p id="84RFOh">Oddly enough, Jaylin Williams is getting respect from the referees and favourable calls have been going his way. When this happens, you see the man in black and white raise his arms and point in the opposing direction.</p>
<p id="YAygBn">As soon as the air goes into the whistle, you can feel the crowd noise go up and you can see his teammates look reinvigorated. The charges drawn break tension and the Thunder get the perfect result; the referees hand over the ball without a shot even being taken.</p>
<p id="2RaBtH">In the abstract, 27 charges do not seem like a lot and it is difficult to quantify their value to the team. When you consider the act of drawing a charge, it becomes a lot easier to see the value of this decision.</p>
<p id="Chwz6V">At home, a vocal crowd can make all the difference in breaking the opposing team’s will. Charges are a good way of tapping into that energy and bringing the fans into the game.</p>
<p id="CIfxtV">The value of a charge goes deeper than that. If you consider the key actions in the game of basketball, there are a very few decisions that are moments of true sacrifice. Scoring, rebounding and even passing can be selfish actions done to improve individual numbers.</p>
<p id="w3uCJP">Charges do not show up on boxscores and taking a charge is a bruising process. J-Will’s chest takes a beating whenever a ball-handler runs into him at top speed; he is willing to take the pain for the team’s benefit. It is a selfless decision and shows a commitment to defense that his teammates are challenged to match.</p>
<p id="BpUPOQ">The last point on this matter relates to momentum, J-Will’s desire to put himself in the line of the fire stops the opposing team dead in their tracks. Teams cannot just drive at the rim for easy looks if they are fearful of meeting a strong, resilient center. Taking charges creates doubt.</p>
<p id="NG7Wm6">When you look at the intangibles and the actual measurable results of Jaylin taking charges, you can quickly recognise the value of his choice.</p>
<p id="pd6WN1"></p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/14/23640533/the-art-of-momentumJ.D Tailor2023-03-07T08:00:00-06:002023-03-07T08:00:00-06:00Isaiah Joe is the best free agent signing in the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C_DRDBCUuTZj4IoRXK5kRjQZZBg=/0x0:3153x2102/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72046497/usa_today_20081112.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Joe is playing at an incredibly high level this season</p> <p id="Qpbjyz">The summer months of the year are when GMs remake their rosters and reload for another title tilt. Fall is usually a different story, front offices use September and October to drill down into the rosters and work out their weaknesses.</p>
<p id="pE0HPt">In October of last year, Philadelphia had an issue with overcrowding at the guard spots. Between Tyrese Maxey, Furkan Korkmaz, De’Anthony Melton, Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton and Isaiah Joe, they had six guards fighting for three roster spots. It was not an envious situation to be and Daryl Morey ended up taking the decision to waive Joe.</p>
<p id="VyzoJT">Isaiah had played fine during his two seasons in Philadelphia but did not necessarily. Doc Rivers’ decision to have Joe on a tight leash did not help matters. Without consistency or trust from the coaching staff, Isaiah failed to achieve his potential and fell out of the rotations for the 2022 Playoffs.</p>
<p id="IZXjyV">Fortunately for him, he was able to land a roster spot quite quickly. On October 16, he was signed by the Thunder, just three days after being waived. He had a supporter of his in the Thunder’s front office fighting his case.</p>
<p id="caBoDu">Vince Rozman spent the better part of 15 years working for the <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com">76ers</a> and circumstance meant that he was responsible for their 2020 Draft. After a disastrous 2019-20 season, Elton Brand chose to step back from some of his responsibilities and focus on being a general manager. </p>
<p id="IG4Os3">The Sixers then hired Daryl Morey in October 2020 to preside over basketball operations but he arrived just a month before the Draft. He did not necessarily have the preparation or understanding of the roster to carry out draft selections and so he deferred the responsibility to Rozman, VP of scouting.</p>
<p id="r10mcC">Vince took five players in that Draft and found serious value in the second round with Isaiah Joe, Paul Reed and Shake Milton. Joe was his pick and Rozman played a role in bringing Isaiah to Oklahoma City.</p>
<p id="gbbe3E">It is an unbelievable story to look back on. Joe signs with the team just before training camp on a long-term, cheap deal and has just gone from strength to strength. He is shooting a scarcely believable 45.3% from downtown and ranks third in the league in 3-point efficiency. Joe is now a key part of Coach Daigneault’s rotation and is starting to have big scoring nights with more frequency.</p>
<p id="bMcMzw">He is a legitimate flamethrower from downtown and is the ideal complementary for all of the playmakers on the Thunder’s roster. Put him next to Shai or Giddey and Joe will have a quick 15 points on uber-efficient shooting.</p>
<p id="EgXVuA">It is even less believable that Isaiah has just fallen into our laps after so many years of trying to find capable shooters who can also guard adequately. </p>
<p id="eGeB4V">You had the likes of Anthony Morrow and Alex Abrines who could drain long bombs but struggled hard on defense. You had the likes of Terrance Ferguson and Kyle Singler who liked building brick houses. We even had previously elite shooters like Doug McDermott just nosedive when wearing Thunder Blue.</p>
<p id="Lgh6hA">Having someone like Joe who can shoot and pass and guard is just wonderful. It is safe to say that Joe is part of the Thunder’s young core and is the best free agent signing in the franchise’s history. His impact for this team is already miles better than what Patrick Patterson or Nerlens Noel or even Derek Fisher achieved in a Thunder uniform. </p>
<p id="4nGsOj"></p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/7/23619665/isaiah-joe-is-the-best-free-agent-signing-in-the-history-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunderJ.D Tailor2023-03-04T08:00:00-06:002023-03-04T08:00:00-06:00Analysis of the Oklahoma City’s Thunder approach to defense
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Sacramento Kings at Oklahoma City Thunder" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MlpGNa_HKaOacGd7OWIlL1069RQ=/0x0:4519x3013/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72037194/usa_today_20098388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>OKC pressure the ball, sink down to the paint and allow corner threes </p> <p id="99eEiQ">Over the course of the season, the Thunder have been a tough, stingy defensive unit. OKC are 10th in defensive rating and have achieved this statistical feat while being one of the youngest teams in the league.</p>
<p id="wENYdB">Young teams are typically terrible on defense and generally struggle to get stops consistently. Unlike offense, defense requires co-ordination and teamwork among all five players on the court at any one time. This is the aspect of the game that young players can tend to have issues with, good defense needs constant attention.</p>
<p id="aEyBNw">Somehow, the Thunder have managed the buck this trend and play excellently on the less glamorous end of the floor without having a traditional rim protector for large stretches of the season.</p>
<p id="bxIJp8">Ever since Aleksej Pokusevski went down with injury in 2022, Coach Daigneault has slotted a variety of options in at center with none of them really being rim protectors. Jaylin Williams comes the closest to this archetype but I would argue his skill lies in his ability to step up and take charges.</p>
<p id="by3Mad">It is hugely impressive and the Thunder’s success stems from the constant ball pressure applied by the perimeter players. Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, J-Dub and Dort all rotate tirelessly and work together to ensure that there are no cracks in the perimeter defense.</p>
<p id="M4tLwh">Daigneault’s principles for defense can be broadly summed up into two categories. The first principle relates to how the Thunder drain the shot clock and press the opposition. Luguentz Dort leads the press by picking up his man at half-court and forcing them to pick up their dribble.</p>
<p id="TFGj2d">Dort is tenacious in how he harries the other team, it is particularly impressive when you consider that there is little statistical reward for his work. Steals and blocks can be quantified easily and you can get a good idea of how a player performs on defense. It is significantly more difficult to measure the seconds drained off the shot clock.</p>
<p id="h4y4af">After Dort comes the second line of defense; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander usually slots into this role. Gilgeous-Alexander has quick, deft hands and is adept at swiping the ball away from the opposition. Coach Daigneault puts Shai in a position where he can disrupt the opposition and get the Thunder moving in transition.</p>
<p id="5CcBpv">The back-court press aggressively and play a proactive brand of basketball. It is a different story for the forward line. The ball pressure is dialled back slightly, there is less emphasis on creating turnovers, more of an emphasis on controlling space. Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey are responsible for sinking down towards the painted area and squeezing the space.</p>
<p id="1XWIJB">The Thunder’s pressure disorganises the opposing team and prevents a high volume of shots inside. By controlling the painted area, Oklahoma City take a valuable scoring zone off the table and manage the tempo of the game. </p>
<p id="YUAVO2">The first principle of the Thunder’s defense feeds into the second principle. Sinking down to the paint means that there is a lot of space on the perimeter for the opposing team particularly in drive and kick situations. You would expect the Thunder to give up a lot of open looks from downtown and get torched on a nightly basis.</p>
<p id="KcShrX">This has not been the case and the Thunder’s principle of rotating to the next man has been crucial in preventing open looks. Oklahoma City play a form of ‘read and react’ defense in which the players on the court work out where the open man is and rotate accordingly.</p>
<p id="KHboxU">If you imagine a clock, the Thunder’s approach to rotations becomes easier to understand. Most teams try to avoid unnecessary rotations and will therefore have help rotations that cover significant distance. It is not surprising to see a player in the painted area rotate all the way to the break.</p>
<p id="PrrOoV">Using the clock analogy, the player goes all the way from 6:00 to 8:00 for most teams. The Thunder do things differently and ask each player to move just one hour. If we take Jaylin Williams as the example, J-Will will go from the paint (6:00) to the deep corner (7:00) while J-Dub makes a simultaneous rotation from 7:00 to 8:00 (the right break).</p>
<p id="kIqsQl">The Thunder rotate often over short distances rather than the normal few rotations over longer distances. This change in approach is one of the reasons why the Thunder are able to maintain ball pressure inside while also having sufficient help defense.</p>
<p id="ZXRwai">We have seen defenses built with similar principles do well in the playoffs, the Bucks won the championship in 2021 by making interior defense a priority. That being said, there are trade-offs with the Thunder’s approach. Oklahoma City are fourth in the league in corner threes conceded per game as per <em>Cleaning the Glass</em>.</p>
<p id="NzBA8q">The whirling storm of rotations is effective for above the break threes and for below the arc but it is less effective for corner threes. The Thunder will happily help one pass away and leave shooters open with a lot of space.</p>
<p id="GnU9MG">To date, the Thunder have not been punished for allowing a high-volume of corner threes. Oklahoma City are sixth in the league in defensive field goal for 3-point attempts. However, it is an approach with a lot of variance and there is always the concern that shooters will get hot when they are allowed space.</p>
<p id="f4rmjI">Oklahoma City’s approach is unorthodox but I think the trade-off is worth it. The Thunder’s success in defending the interior is keeping the team afloat as they push for a play-in berth. Changing the scheme to guard the corner three more closely would mean sacrificing some of that stoutness.</p>
<p id="LHmK1P"></p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/3/4/23616164/analysis-of-the-oklahoma-citys-thunder-approach-to-defenseJ.D Tailor2023-02-28T18:49:53-06:002023-02-28T18:49:53-06:00The Thunder signing Lindy Waters III to a main roster deal was a shrewd decision
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_Tjsa8N0D0Bh1lMYIs6yzDa-nRY=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72024076/usa_today_19763618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Waters III was added to the main roster after Eugene Omoruyi was waived earlier this week</p> <p id="PUN3vA">On Tuesday afternoon, Shams Charania of <em>The Athletic </em>reported that Lindy Waters III has agreed a two-year deal with the Thunder and will now finally be added to the main roster. Eugene Omoruyi was waived to create a roster spot so that Waters III could be signed.</p>
<div id="LYUiFr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Oklahoma City Thunder are signing two-way guard Lindy Waters III to a new two-year, $3.8 million deal, with a team option for 2023-24, sources tell <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Stadium?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stadium</a>.</p>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1630255219958337538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="U5s5oG">It is a welcome reward for the Oklahoma native. Waters III went undrafted in 2020 and started his professional career with the Enid Outlaws in The Basketball League. His sharp-shooting got the attention of the OKC Blue and he earned his way into the G League. He used the Blue as a launching pad and started seeing minutes for the Thunder in the 2021-22 season.</p>
<p id="ybF7xa">During an injury-hit, miserable season, Waters III was one of the few bright spots particularly when it came to knocking down shots on the move. His shot is his strongest suit but there were doubts about whether Lindy could survive at the NBA level.</p>
<p id="cKIdTY">Waters III may be 6’6 and 215 lb but he is slow-footed which can be an issue on the defensive end of the floor. Five years ago, a pure shooter like him would have been an easy decision but teams have got a lot more savvy when it comes to attacking weak links. A sharpshooter now needs to have something else in their bag to justify meaningful minutes.</p>
<p id="ynk5bO">Lindy took on that challenge and has started to flesh out his skill-set. In his time with the Blue, we have seen Waters III become more confident in handling the ball and attacking poorly timed close-outs. His handle can still occasionally be loose but I think he has made real strides when it comes to being more dynamic as a playmaker.</p>
<p id="SnBz42">It is harder to quantify but I also think that he is playing with more patience this season. When you watch the film, nothing looks rushed and he is making good decisions with the basketball. It has been really pleasing to see him shift the ball quickly to an open teammate and take advantage of a great shot opportunity.</p>
<p id="cecIIo">His 3-point efficiency does not jump off a page, 37% in the NBA and 38% in the G League but you have to consider the volume and difficulty of shots. Lindy takes seven threes per game in the G League, with the majority of looks coming off screens or pick and pop jumpers. The usual standstill catch-and-shoot shots have not really been in his shot diet.</p>
<p id="0ezsIz">He has developed as a player and is now versatile enough to justify a spot on the main roster. Bringing Waters III back into the fold should allow Daigneault the opportunity to experiment with the Joe-Waters III pairing that he trialled earlier in the season.</p>
<p id="4td1jv">The pairing posted a +12.0 point differential over 196 possessions as per <em>Cleaning the Glass</em>. Playing two efficient 3-point shooters at the same time supercharged the offense and opened up so much space inside for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to drive into.</p>
<p id="9LIvv7">Daigneault leaned into those lineups by running pindown actions and screen curls more often which often caused the opposing team problems. The defense could not simply key in on Shai, they had to also consider two knockdown shooters draining shots from deep.</p>
<p id="Oc1hkc">Basketball-wise, I think the signing makes a ton of sense. From a more intangible level, there is real value in adding a player whose relationship with Oklahoma goes beyond the Thunder. Lindy grew up here, played college ball here and started his pro career in this state. </p>
<p id="eyTBMT">His ancestors, Kiowa and Cherokee, have been settled in Oklahoma for generations. More than any other player on the roster, he is linked indelibly to the reddish brown soil found in Oklahoma. There is a benefit beyond basketball in having a player who understands the local people.</p>
<p id="AfxtzI"></p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/2/28/23619611/the-thunder-signing-lindy-waters-iii-to-a-main-roster-deal-was-a-shrewd-decisionJ.D Tailor2023-02-26T18:24:46-06:002023-02-26T18:24:46-06:00The growing importance of Jalen Williams for the Oklahoma City Thunder
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yN9F5OrqQWFk7o1-15UW_Cw7Uz4=/0x0:3198x2132/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72016263/usa_today_20071680.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>J-Dub has found a crucial role in the starting lineup</p> <p id="nhcjyg">The Thunder’s draft night in 2022 was broadly defined by two storylines. OKC landing Chet Holmgren was shocking, everybody expected Orlando to pass up Paolo and take the Gonzaga center.</p>
<p id="FaxTT6">The other story was the Thunder’s decision to trade three firsts for the 11th pick, Ousmane Dieng. The trade itself seemed like lopsided and there was a lot of discourse about whether Sam Presti overpaid for the talented, young Frenchman. The Dieng selection meant that Presti’s next pick flew under the radar.</p>
<p id="cjJqcn">For Jalen Williams, this has been the story of his career so far. For three years, Williams diligently worked on his game for Santa Clara, a school renowned for producing Steve Nash but crucially no other NBA players.</p>
<p id="b4DoLU">He played in a conference that is under-scouted due to it’s geography and competitive imbalance. The West Coast Conference is dominated by Gonzaga and it’s 10 schools are spread over three states. </p>
<p id="RG2pt7">These factors meant that Jalen Williams was not mocked highly in the 2022 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> until his pre-draft process where Willams blew away the competition. At the Combine, teams were able to see the polish in his game and his fit in the modern NBA.</p>
<p id="iIn9lW">His performances were enough to justify a selection from the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> and J-Dub has not looked back. Among his rookie class, Williams compares nicely. He is fourth in points per game, 10th in rebounds per game, fourth in assists per game and leads all rookies in steals per game (1.2).</p>
<p id="9fMJAe">His raw numbers back up the eye test; Williams has played an assured, impactful year of basketball across the board but the advanced numbers is where J-Dub shines. Williams is in the 71st percentile for effective field goal percentage, he is in the 85th percentile for block percentage and 81st percentile for steal percentage.</p>
<p id="mXdFF0">The numbers do a decent job of summing up his two-way play for the Thunder. Williams has been a legitimate positive on both ends of the floor for Oklahoma City; this is a rarity for rookies.</p>
<p id="ceMGhh">In most cases, rookies tend to struggle on either end of the floor. Aleksej Pokusevski’s rookie season was difficult offensively as Pokusevski struggled to make baskets. Josh Giddey got cooked on defense last season far too often.</p>
<p id="lfub0L">With Williams, there have been few pronounced struggles. His only weakness that been 3-point efficiency but even that seems to be improving of late. For the month of February, Jalen is shooting 37% from downtown.</p>
<p id="bjwbCs">It is fair to say that Williams’ play elevates his stature within the team and creates more certainty about his future with the Thunder. There is nobody else on the roster with his blend of skills. </p>
<p id="UbrgcF">The Thunder’s defense is built off ball pressure and tight spaces. Oklahoma City want to force the opposing team down narrow alleyways and disorient the ball-handler. Williams’ quick feet and length mean that he is able presser who often racks up deflections. He rarely allows the other team to settle.</p>
<p id="kIUTvj">On the offensive end of the floor, Jalen’s finishing at the hole is beautiful to watch. His finishing package is simple, J-Dub likes to use his length and nail hanging dunks. It is his preferred method but there is more craft in his bag.</p>
<p id="RjQ5rs">Williams will often use a hard dribble to accelerate the tempo and get an uncontested layup at the basket. He pounds the ball into the floor and uses the travel of the basketball to pull away from the defense into a simple finish.</p>
<p id="uKx4Gg">His finishes often come off the drive but Williams is also selfless on the ball. Over the last three months, we have seen his chemistry with Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just grow hugely. J-Dub tailors his game to meet the occasion.</p>
<p id="0CtGn6">With Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams will drift over to the deep corner, behind the defense before diving to the rim for a dunk against the collapsed interior. His sense of timing makes the cut so effective, Williams notices when the defense is preoccupied with Shai and understands when his window is open.</p>
<p id="WHDHQf">In lineups with Giddey, Jalen will often play as the trailing big and crosses the timeline last. This situation provides ample opportunities for cuts to the basket as the trailer role allows Williams to knife through the weak-side of a defense. </p>
<div id="tOkFmw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Giddey doing Josh Giddey things. <br><br>what a pass to a cutting Jalen Williams. <a href="https://t.co/oUiYqG7Ixc">pic.twitter.com/oUiYqG7Ixc</a></p>— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThunderFilmRoom/status/1629320211378626560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="yGCO6B">The brief moment of eye contact is enough communication between the two players. Williams knows to attack the space and Josh knows to push the ball into the space behind the opposing big.</p>
<p id="UOmXUl">J-Dub is playing at such a high level and his skill-set should mean that he is a long-term fit with the Thunder’s starting group. I am very excited to see how his game develops going forward, I still believe that there may be further improvement for him as an outside shooter.</p>
<p id="29cJBB">Williams was unheralded on Draft Night but it is not a stretch to say that he has been one of the best players in his class. He might even have an All-Star ceiling if everything works out as the Thunder intend. J-Dub is here to stay.</p>
https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2023/2/26/23616080/the-growing-importance-of-jalen-williams-for-the-oklahoma-city-thunderJ.D Tailor