Getting Better Every Day
By now, you’ve read and heard the cliche.
The Thunder’s motto is to get better every day.
But lately, that theme has been seen on the practice court inside the Thunder’s training facility.
Thabo Sefolosha has joined Kevin Durant and Jeff Green of late at one goal to drill on individual moves. The three of them go through various shooting drills with assistant coaches Brian Keefe and Rex Kalamian.
“We’re just trying to expand our games, trying to get better each day,” Green said. “Trying to not come with the same thing every day. Make the opposing defense have to respect our one-on-one game.”
At another goal, big men Cole Aldrich, Byron Mullens, Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka and D.J. White rotated in and out to face each other in a one-on-one low-post drill. It created some entertaining moments, with Collison dunking on a player whose name I won’t mention. More importantly, you could see the work sharpening skills.
“It helps us out a lot, just to keep our game refreshed,” White said. “Whenever it’s called upon us to score on the low block, we want to be ready. Just competing against each other and trying to get each other better.”
- Nenad Krstic took stand-still jumpers today. Over the past few days, he’s been confined to light work on a treadmill. But today’s sighting has to be seen as progress as he works his way back from a back injury.
- I spoke with White today about his shooting. It’s seemed to me that he either is hesitant to pull the trigger when he gets some playing time or he doesn’t feel he has the green light that others do. White said that’s not the case and added that he’s looking to do whatever is asked of him on any given night. “Sometimes, you get into the game, you touch the ball and you don’t want to shoot it your first time. You want to work it around. But I feel confident. I missed a couple the past couple of games, but that happens to shooters.”
- If White gets more playing time Friday against Sacramento, he’ll face some familiar foes. White and Kings rookie DeMarcus Cousins are both from Alabama. White remembers when, during his sophomore year at Indiana, Cousins made visit to IU. “He’s a great young player,” White said. “I watched him all last year at Kentucky, and this year he’s doing well. He’s a very talented player so he’s going to be someone we’ll try to key on tomorrow night.” White also knows Kings forward Carl Landry quite well from their Big Ten days. Landry was a bruiser for Purdue. “Me and Carl had some great rivalries,” White said. “I think I got the best of the matchup because we won. But me and Carl battled for a couple of years. He’s a great player as well.”
- Green was asked about his ankle today, whether it’s something that continues to warrant treatment after causing him to miss seven games this season, or if it can fully heal during the season. “I don’t know,” Green said. “But it’s been feeling great these past couple of games. I haven’t even been thinking about it so that’s a plus.”
- Green also responded to a question about the difference between this season and last season for him individually by saying he’s getting to the free throw line. “I’m not settling for jump shots,” Green said. “The games I’ve been getting to the free throw line a lot, I’ve had semi big games.”
- Keep an eye on Russell Westbrook if ever the Thunder has a chance to throw up a halfcourt shot to beat a quarter buzzer. Westbrook and Mo Peterson have been flinging halfcourt heaves after practice the last few sessions, and Westbrook has buried them with surprising consistency.
-DM-
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Comments
[...] writes how the team takes a “getting better every day” approach. For a young team with players that aren’t even remotely close to being at their [...]
[...] Darnell Mayberry with some notes from practice yesterday: “Keep an eye on Russell Westbrook if ever the Thunder has a chance to throw up a halfcourt shot to beat a quarter buzzer. Westbrook and Mo Peterson have been flinging halfcourt heaves after practice the last few sessions, and Westbrook has buried them with surprising consistency.” [...]
Kind of a follow-on to Todd’s question: With Krstic’s contract expiring, don’t Mullens and Aldrich need a little burn at some point? Maybe not so much to see if they’re “ready,” but whether or not they should offer something to Curly?
Krstic
(Bah!! Didn’t meant to hit the button)
Krstic may not be the best center in the world, but he deserves more credit than he gets. As is, he really is making backup money. I know they’ve already extended Nick and they certainly need a better starter, but neither should they cast Krstic adrift without knowing they have someone better ready to step in.
Todd, I think D.J. has progressed extremely well. I was concerned about him being lost in the shuffle coming into this season. But a few injuries helped to give him an opportunity to showcase his development. He’s done well and has gotten better at both ends. I still question where he fits long term. But he does have value. I can say the same exact thing about Mullens. If Mullens develops into a player that gives the Thunder 15-20 good minutes a night, I think he’s worth the wait. It’s hard to say that he’ll be the answer, though, at this point. -DM-
MM, I just don’t see Curly being back. Ibaka, Aldrich and Mullens need more playing time, and Krstic has reached his ceiling. Add to that, he’s dealing with a back injury now. And we all know those things can linger for years. I agree that he’s being paid peanuts compared to starting centers. But unless he’s willing to take less money and a lesser role, his time could be up. Just my opinion, but I think it’s time to push the pace on the young guys no matter what.
Hey DM, with Tibor Pleiss and Latavious Williams future rotation potential, and guys like Elijah Milsap, Jerome Dyson, Ryan Reid and Tweety Carter to maybe make the end of the roster in coming years do you see a scenerio where the Thunder never dabble to heavy into free agency?
Always enjoy your articles, Darnell.
What’s your take on D.J. White’s long-term prospects with the team at this point? And what do you think of Mullens development so far? It seems like he’s made some pretty good strides since last year. Do you think he has a chance to be the team’s long-term answer at center?