I have seen various posts about the Thunder still being in player development mode (sometimes as a defense to rotations, poor level of play by a player,etc). Obviously, a team to some extent is ALWAYS in player development mode. A team always wants its players to play a little bit better, get better at free throws etc.

The Thunder have been in “mostly tank mode” which I supported. In fact, I think that they should have tanked a bit more shamelessly, lol, but I digress.

I believe that the Thunder have started shifting to maximizing wins as opposed player development. As evidence of that fact:

1. The bottom of the roster guys are, quite simply, not playing much (or at all). Tre Mann and Poku are mostly decorations for the bench.

2. The team seems to be giving playing time (mostly) due to performance, with a few notable exceptions. (Giddey still starts but his minutes in crunch time have been cut.). Lindy Waters game is another notable exception.

3. I don’t think that the team is in “win now mode” and will be hell bent on bringing in a player to help stack wins (but maybe they SHOULD be considering it if the cost/benefit is right).
   

4. The team seems to be shortening its rotations to about 10 players and playing to win games with what we have.

5. If this were strictly a development year, I think Giddey would still be closing out games.

6. I think the days of “it’s ok if we suck because of whatever” are over.

7. I can’t figure out why the team would have Lindy Waters on the roster, unless it’s just as a placeholder for a player that may be elevated at some point from the Blue or a player that we will trade for on down the road.

8. Also, Bertans, seems to be merely a salary at this point. He really hasn’t played remotely well to any degree so far.