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:
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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.
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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.
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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).
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The team seems to be shortening its rotations to about 10 players and playing to win games with what we have.
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If this were strictly a development year, I think Giddey would still be closing out games.
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I think the days of “it’s ok if we suck because of whatever” are over.
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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.
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Also, Bertans, seems to be merely a salary at this point. He really hasn’t played remotely well to any degree so far.
I agree. That’s why I think the narrative that we are still developmental is just an excuse for some jacked up rotations and poor play by a few players.