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Ranking the Best Quotes from Thunder Training Camp

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Thunder training camp started three days before most teams; those three days provided us with enough soundbites to last a year.

Well this season will be fun. The first few days of Thunder training camp has shown that KD will not be missed. In fact, it seems like the players are MORE loose.

The Stache Bros are back and better than ever. Victor Oladipo has already made himself a legend in Oklahoma City. And Russell Westbrook…

These guys should not be this happy. They lost one of the two best players in the NBA. The roster’s ability to move on so quickly is a sign of the family that plays in Oklahoma City. They moved on. And gave us hours of laughter in the process.

5. The Last Workout

Context: Kanter tweeted this prior to Media Day on Friday

First things first. There is no better story in the NBA than the Bromance between Steven Adams and Enes Kanter. Nothing.

Mar 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) and center Enes Kanter (11) react to a call in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

These two missed each other so much that they were tweeting away A DAY BEFORE MEDIA DAY. And it all starts with the Big Turk. Kanter is a must-follow for any basketball fan. Whether it’s mocking Kevin Garnett  or professing his love for Oklahoma City, Kanter has won Twitter.

Now second things second. Where are Adams’ shoes? Obviously these two aren’t seriously working out, but Adams is one dropped weight from being out for the season. Foot injuries are bad, especially for bigs.

And finally, we get an appearance from the Stache Bros minion: Andre Roberson. Nothing makes me happier than seeing his arms fully stretched. It’s like a beautiful eagle spreading it’s wings. Ugh I love this team.

4. Adams on KG

Context: Adams was asked about the legacy of Kevin Garnett

STEVEN ADAMS IS BRILLIANT. But actually.

Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a call from the bench during the first quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It is a known fact that everybody in the NBA is afraid of KG. Even his own teammates. The vile that comes out of his mouth is well documented so Adams cleverly diverted. This type of thinking is what makes Steven Adams so great.

Basketball is all about Fight or Flight. Steven Adams flew when KG started talking because he knew it would only energize Garnett more. On the other hand, he heroically kept fighting when Draymond went after his gonads.

This type of recognition is rare in players so young, but Adams has it. Will “No English” turn into more points? Probably not. Will “No English” turn into my new excuse? Most definitely.

3. Cool, Calm and Collected

Context: Roberson was asked about KD.

Thank you Andre Roberson for voicing the fan’s feelings. Seriously.

Today’s athletes are prepped to give textbook responses and Roberson did everything but that. He could have said “I’m just happy he made the best decision for him” or “They’re going to be a great team.” Instead he said “KD is a baby who was afraid of a challenge.” Or something along the lines of that.

I love how Roberson notes that he wasn’t mad at him for leaving. That’s real af. Roberson understands this game is a business and that players leave. “I was upset just with the team he went to.” Those are the words of a true competitor, something that OKC desperately needs out of all 15 guys this summer.

2. The Team’s Musicians

Context: Oladipo said Russell Westbrook sings him to sleep.

If you’re a Thunder fan and didn’t hear about this story, chances are you on a boat in the middle of nowhere.

Now I have a problem with Fred Katz on this one. Sorry Fred, but I refuse to believe this is a joke. LOOK AT OLADIPOS FACT AFTER SAYING THAT. No laughter. Not even a smile. Even if it was a joke why wouldn’t you want to believe this story?

I imagine the phone call going something like this:

VO: Hey Russ.

RW: Yo why are you calling me this early in the morning?

VO: Russ it’s 1 am.

RW: Yeah I know i just got up for my morning workout.

VO: Oh…. well I can’t sleep.

RW: Dangit Vic I’m trying to figure out how to take down the traitor and you want me to sing to you?

VO: Yeah man, you sound kinda like my mother and it comforts me.

RW: Ugh… What song?

VO: Let it go? (PS hit that link for a minute of Oladipo singing)

RW: Oh good choice that’s my ish. *Belts out a 10 minute rendition

VO: *sleeping

1. The Return of the Stache Bros

I live for two seven-footers going down an inflatable slide at the same time. Kanter began his Thunder training camp Twitter festivities a day early; before media day even began I knew OKC basketball would never make me as happy again.

“But what if they win an NBA title after defeating the Warriors in Round Two,” is probably what your asking. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

More from Thunderous Intentions

After scourging the Internet and the Library of Congress I came to the conclusion that this scenario has never happened before.

1) It’s very rare to have two 7-foot men befriend each other.

2) It’s even more rare to have them in the same vicinity as an inflatable slide for children.

3) It’s even MORE rare to have 7-foot friends who have no qualms of being judged by their teammates, friends, fans, etc.

4) It’s literally impossible for a team to allow two of their best players to risk injury on something so childish.

And that’s why the Thunder are the best organization in basketball.

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