Thunder Sideline Reporter Nick Gallo Talks New Players And Game Preparations

The Thunder are set to play a preseason game Thursday night at the BOK Center, offering a chance to see some big names on the team. Nick Gallo, the sideline reporter for the Thunder, spoke with LeAnne about the upcoming season.

LeAnne: Can you share some insights about what’s happening with the Thunder this season, including new players and any changes?

Nick: We’re in the thick of training camp right now, with five preseason games lined up. The Thunder is focused on starting fresh. Head Coach Mark Daigneault emphasizes getting back to basics and rebuilding the fundamentals that helped the team become the number one seed in the Western Conference last year. We have a young, hardworking group that’s eager to integrate some new players, including Isaiah Hartenstein, a big man who came over from the New York Knicks in free agency, and Alex Caruso, a guard familiar to some here in Oklahoma.

Caruso started his career with the Thunder's G League team, the Oklahoma City Blue, and went on to win an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers before playing for the Chicago Bulls. We also have several rookies: Dylan Jones, AJ Mitchell, and lottery pick Nikola Jovic, who will be out this season due to a knee injury. Overall, we’re bringing in about five newcomers while maintaining great continuity with leadership from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren from the rookie class a couple of years ago, who are really stepping up.

LeAnne: Which teams do you think will be a threat this year?

Nick: The Western Conference is incredibly competitive, and as our general manager Sam Presti often says, it’s a true "iron sharpens iron" situation. The Thunder has improved its win total by 16 or more games in each of the past two seasons, which wouldn’t be possible without competing in the Western Conference. When you look at the West, there’s talent across the board. For instance, you have the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Phoenix Suns featuring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Some analysts are even putting those teams in the play-in conversation.

Plus, you have the Dallas Mavericks, with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, and the Golden State Warriors still boasting Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The Thunder will face tough matchups every night, including the Los Angeles Clippers with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, and the Denver Nuggets, led by multiple-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The Western Conference is definitely a gauntlet!

LeAnne: For fans who may be watching this morning, can you share some fun tidbits or interesting facts about the team?

Nick: Here are a couple of core facts you might not know: Last year, the Thunder had the runner-up for the MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He put up stats we haven’t seen since Michael Jordan in terms of points, steals, assists, and shooting percentage. He’s a phenomenal player who makes his teammates better and is just entering the prime of his career in his mid-20s. The Thunder is fortunate to have him.

Another interesting tidbit is that Mark Daigneault was named Coach of the Year last season. He previously coached the OKC Blue in the G League and was handpicked by Sam Presti. Since 2020, he has done a remarkable job leading a young roster to become the number-one seed in the West.

LeAnne: I want to mention the game tomorrow night against New Zealand. Folks in Tulsa have a chance to win tickets at Thunder Up on the Green, happening tomorrow evening at Guthrie Green, right across from our studios. You can go there between 5 and 7 to win tickets. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the BOK Center, and there are still some seats available.