The Oklahoma City Thunder have raced to an early 5-0 start and established themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA early in the season. OKC entered the current campaign as the preseason favorites to top the Western Conference, and with the way they have played so far, the young Thunder squad is living up to expectations.
Many say that the OKC's chemistry is one of the best, if not the finest, in the league today. People point to their tradition of doing post-game interviews as a group as proof that they enjoy each other's company.
However, while most think that is a positive, Golden State Warriors forward, Draymond Green, says it is a sign of weakness on the part of a young and inexperienced team.
"The one thing I see about the OKC team that's alarming to me is their post-game," Green said. "Seven guys in the interview."
Putting fear in opponents
The Thunder have made it a tradition of sorts that every time Bally Sports Oklahoma does a post-game interview, more than one player from the team shows up to answer questions. They've been doing it for a couple of years now, but it's only now that people are noticing because they think it's helped the squad forge its bond.
With an average age of 24.2, the Thunder are the youngest group in the NBA. Last season, they were the youngest team to earn a No.1 seed in an NBA Conference and the youngest to win a playoff series. With another summer together, many think they have what it takes to win it all this season. Despite all that, Green disagrees.
"There's a certain seriousness it takes to win in this league," added Dray. "And there's a certain fear you have to instill in teams in order to win. I just don't know if they're instilling that fear in teams with all the bromance and stuff after the game."
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Parsons says the Thunder have an AAU feel to them
Disagreeing with Draymond, former NBA player Chandler Parsons compared the Thunder to a "very good AAU team."According to Chandler, OKC has made winning look so easy this season that it seems like they're just a bunch of kids playing together.
"The Thunder are like a really good AAU team where they all get along, they're all the same age, they don't care whose night it is. Everyone knows their role and knows SGA is their best player," quipped Parsons.
It remains to be seen how far the Thunder will go this season. At this stage of the season, however, what they've been doing -- including their group interviews -- has worked very well for them. Draymond has a valid point, but as long as it works for them, that's all that matters.
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