Former Thunder Assistant has revealed secret Why Oklahoma City Is Able To Develop Stars

Former Thunder Assistant Darko Rajakovic Explains Why Oklahoma City Is Able To Develop Stars

The Oklahoma City Thunder have amassed one of the most devoted fan bases in sports since 2008 thanks to their almost immediate success, the several Hall of Famers who have visited the city, and their extraordinary draft performance. Superstars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have all

worn Thunder uniforms throughout this brief period of time. During their tenure

with the Thunder, three of those superstars truly blossomed into elite

players in this league. Not even 2022 NBA Draft selections Chet Holmgren and Jalen

Williams, who are headed for at least All-Star status in Bricktown, are on that list.

That is an incredible run regardless of market size, and it is much more amazing when you consider that none of them were added as free agents. Why is the environment here, in the flyover state, so conducive to star formation? Darko Rajakovic, the head coach of the Raptors now and a former assistant to the Thunder, provided a clear explanation. Since there aren’t many professional teams, there is a great deal of support and affection for the squad. It consistently sells out and has a high turnout. This group consistently does a fantastic job of selecting and hiring individuals of high moral character.

Sam Presti has repeatedly emphasized the organization’s emphasis on people rather than just athletes, and Rajakovic’s

stay with the team from 2012 to 2019 was evidence of this dedication. “It is an

amazing place to live, not a lot of distractions, really good food scene…you

can really just focus on work, not a lot of traffic going down, all you have to do is

show up to work and focus on playing basketball.” Rajakovic went on. This is

great feedback for the organization, which since its founding has

concentrated on player development and provided each prospect with the tools

necessary to succeed in both the NBA and G-League.