WWLS The Sports Animal is set to bring you another exciting season of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball on the Thunder Radio Network with the voice, Matt Pinto, plus anchored by Thunder Radio Network hosts Gideon Hamilton and Matt Ravis.
Monday, Oct. 2nd was the 2023 Thunder Media Day held at the OKC Convention Center. The players got fresh new photos and videos, held press conferences and spoke to the media about the upcoming 2023-24 OKC Thunder Season. Check out the interviews below with Thunder players and Head Coach Mark Daigneault.
The 2023 Thunder Pre-Season begins Monday, Oct. 9th as the Thunder hosts the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center at 7pm.
Media Day notes from just announced Thunder Radio Network co-host Matt Ravis
One thing stood out above the rest as we spoke with Thunder players today: there are no shortcuts. This is a group that grinds in the offseason.
Canadian tandem Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort both said the extra work that came with preparing for their gold medal run at the FIBA World Cup will help them despite the quick turnaround and extra mileage. Josh Giddey, Davis Bertans, and Jack White also competed, for a total of five players to represent OKC between three national teams.
Head coach Mark Daigneault seemed pleased with having so many players represented: “The thing we don’t totally wrap our head around is just the game pressure…it’s a really unique context. That game pressure really sharpens your blade as a competitor.”
As far as Chet Holmgren goes? Daigneault said it’s “day zero” for him, pointing out that he hasn’t played in organized competition since the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
The second-overall pick lost his would-be rookie season to a Lisfranc injury last August. It was understandably tough for him to remain patient. “After my injury happened, I realized I could either compound the issue and keep spiraling, or make the most out of it,” Holmgren told us. He is cleared to play to start the season.
We will have our first chance to see the fruits of the offseason when the Thunder open their preseason October 9th against the San Antonio Spurs at 7pm.