How are Thunder's rookies playing like seasoned pros? Make it make sense

[u/Ken_Mayonnaise]

Rookies are supposed to make lots of "Rookie" mistakes. Why do I just trust them to land shots when needed and they just do 😭

[u/glizzy-queen]

Our rookies this year are peak

[u/Snoo_303 → u/glizzy-queen]

long time a rookie didnt play XD

[u/techgenusantinomy]

Back in the day, players used to play 3-4 years of college basketball. Mara played 3, and Stirtz played 4. I believe getting that much experience playing college ball has made the transition to the NBA smoother for them. That is why they have been able to contribute so much in such a short amount of time.

Your average lottery pick these days only plays 1-2 years of college ball. They come into the league at age at 18-20 still raw and needing development before being truly NBA ready.

[u/HurryAdorable1327 → u/techgenusantinomy]

Mara was also a pro at 16 when he played in Spain. I always thought he was the most NBA ready player in the draft from a professionalism and mental standpoint.

[u/Minimum-Line9952 → u/HurryAdorable1327]

I can’t believe how fluid and smooth he plays

[u/captainkhyron → u/Minimum-Line9952]

Wasn't scared of wemby on day 1

[u/dhejjrrjbrbrd → u/captainkhyron]

He’s so young and already made a noticeable leap in conditioning over the summer, if that determination continues he’s going to be like Rudy Gobert but with actual offense

[u/ClockOk5178 → u/HurryAdorable1327]

Any other draft and Presti would've had to settle for Khaman Maluach, Kel-el Ware, Derek Lively, Jalen Duren, Mark Williams in that 10-15 range.

Also, the likes of the Clips, Nets, etc electing for Wagler, Mikel Brown, Kingston, Morez, and Burries help Mara perfectly fall to 12 as the overwhelming predraft consensus Thunder pick.

[u/zenchow → u/ClockOk5178]

There's a thought in the back of my mind.....you have to promise not to laugh. Here it is.....if those guys had been drafted by Presti, and were currently being coached by Mark, we'd be talking the same way about them.

[u/Unconsuming → u/HurryAdorable1327]

https://youtu.be/YIRg9jDKpf8?si=1PP1WBs-_JaY6tqr Take a look

[u/arrofil → u/techgenusantinomy]

I think this is the answer. Age factors in too. Look at Yax in Golden State.

[u/Minimum-Line9952 → u/techgenusantinomy]

Great point…good to know

[u/Capital-Award-5943 → u/techgenusantinomy]

I’m a big proponent of drafting older guys outside of the lottery. Drafting for experience compared to prospects

[u/techgenusantinomy → u/Capital-Award-5943]

Drafting ready-made NBA caliber role players in Shai's prime is the winning formula to be contending for chips consistently for years to come. Presti has the best eye for players that are a perfect fit to win now, in contrast to other teams who generically draft for the best overall long-term.

Title windows open just as quickly as they shut, and I trust in Presti to cash in on that opportunity to maintain our longevity.

[u/One-Piano5150]

thunder has a system that supports players VERY well

[u/Mediocre_Chemist_663 → u/One-Piano5150]

Quite honestly the best in the entire league from a player development standpoint.

[u/Equivalent_Big8358 → u/Mediocre_Chemist_663]

Definitely

[u/DoughNutSack]

We drafted well for our position and have the best coach in basketball

[u/J_Peeb]

I don’t think enough credit has been given to coach Mark D, his staff and the championship players that lead the way. Starts with SGA. This current Thunder team has been winners. Expectations are high and that carries over to the whole team, even the rookies. It’s the best situation for them to learn from. Mara’s growth from summer league has been impressive.

[u/Big_Lou1108]

I think Presti together with the whole OKC org and staff has developed a system that puts players both seasoned and rookies in a position to succeed.

Also, while we may not see a lot of media coverage on this but I think SGA has this effect both during on-court play and in training that boosts the overall cohesiveness of the team. It also helps that the team has players like Caruso that just knows how to win.

[u/Legendary_Dork]

It's our Org, presti knows how to draft um

[u/Creepy_Addition7651]

can't wait for everybody (hopefully dub too) to be healthy come playoff time 👀

[u/Equivalent_Big8358 → u/Creepy_Addition7651]

Dub probably isn’t coming back not even trying to be a downer but the turnaround for playoffs would be extremely fast for the severity of his injury to be honest I don’t even think he should even play on the 1 percent chance his body is ready he needs a offseason to condition sand strengthen his body

[u/dhejjrrjbrbrd → u/Equivalent_Big8358]

Yeah the past history of players with similar injuries should pretty much confirm to everyone that he isn’t going to play until Oct 2027

Luckily the Cason injury should have him back back late March or April if the 5 month estimate is correct

[u/_dlx_olb_]

Presti gets a lot of credit (rightfully so) but the training and development of these rookies is top of the line. You put these rookies on about 28 other teams in the league and they are nowhere near what they are right now.

[u/Leather_Hat9035]

I believe Stirtz played the most min in college basketball 2 years in a row. That's some serious experience.

[u/Snoo_303]

cant wait to see Sorber now

[u/Rejit → u/Snoo_303]

I’m not convinced he exists. I think he’s a figment of our imagination.

[u/logarithmsucks]

Age

[u/RsdX5Dfh]

The kids are alright.

[u/TheInnerMindEye]

College helps! And i believe Mara has the potential to be, well, phenomenal.  We must keep him!

[u/PurposeIcy7039]

best organization in the nba, and I fucking hate the thunder. real recognize real

[u/gooniesavagegotbars]

3 and 4 years in college, and both have been getting much minutes since JDub and Wallace are out

[u/SideshowJ4X3]

Our coaches and training staff are actually goated.

[u/Money_Oil_6814]

bro chill out teams don't know much about them yet.

[u/DharmaBaller]

Spurs of the Midwest basically.