Success comes with imitators. After the Oklahoma Metropolis ThunderAfter OKC’s success over the previous two seasons, anticipate the remainder of the league to aim to repeat OKC’s fast rise into the title race.
One of many causes for the Thunder’s rise is their near-impeccable well being. They loved glorious well being final season as none of their key gamers missed important time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have performed greater than 70 video games.
A lot of this may be attributed to luck, however the Thunder workers deserves credit score as effectively. The behind-the-scenes work has helped OKC put together its roster to resist the grueling 82-game stretch. Vanessa Brooks performed a key function on this. She was a physiotherapist and athletic coach for the Thunder for 5 seasons.
His work was acknowledged when the Los Angeles Lakers employed her as their head sports activities coach for the 2024-25 season. It is a division that the Lakers must prioritize increased than most, given the age of their groups led by 39-year-old LeBron James and 31-year-old Anthony Davis.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault mentioned Brooks’ departure coaching camp. She had been on Daigneault’s workers since he was promoted to move coach in 2020.
“There is a hole between when she left right here and once they employed her. It wasn’t like a direct line. She’s an amazing individual. She’s carried out an amazing job right here ” mentioned Daigneault. “Very empathetic, very organized… Variety, empathetic, educated, ready individual. When individuals come into the constructing and work together with her, they get it day by day. It provides up.”
Anticipate most of these begins to proceed because the Thunder take pleasure in one other shot on the championship this season. That comes with being a title contender. Groups throughout the league will attempt to echo what OKC has completed.
