Why the OKC Thunder Are Taking 21 Players Into Training Camp
The Oklahoma City Thunder has been incredibly efficient with all of their assets throughout the offseason. They acquired contracts to fill their open cap space while taking on draft picks as compensation.
The Thunder being willing maximize their cap space shows that the team is being as efficient as possible during its rebuild. Another way the Thunder will show this is with its training camp.
By taking in 21 players into camp, the maximum allowed in the NBA (including two-way contracts), the Thunder gives every player a chance to earn their spot on a roster.
With players like Jack White and TyTy Washington on the roster, the camp will be even more competitive than it normally would be. Young players like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are able to show their value against competition while facing real pressure. Same for a player like Tre Mann, who has found himself on the hot seat a few times.
It's no secret that the Thunder are developing their young talent and is willing to put them in whatever needed situation to put its players in the position to do so.
While a good chunk of the young core has a safe roster spot, being in an environment that creates competitiveness and brings the best out of the rest of the squad is only beneficial.
There's a chance that none of the newcomers make the squad, but, evidently, the best 15 standard contract players will make the team and the Thunder will do its due diligence in giving each player the opportunity to make the roster.
With White's contract being officially signed, the Thunder have to cut five standard contract rostered players before the season.
One benefit the Thunder will hold while enduring the long regular season is young depth, and players that will constantly be waiting for an opportunity to show what they've been working on, allowing the team to endure an injury or extended time away from players.
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