Letters from the Bunker: How to Get Your Thunder Fix Without the Thunder
As of right now, the NBA season is put on hold. This is a great method to try and contain the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s always hard to say goodbye to our favorite sport– even if it does end up being for just a brief time. Despite the panic, this disease isn’t the end of the world and certainly not the end of Oklahoma City Thunder stories. If your job or school is cancelled for the next couple of weeks, you’re bound to have more time to kill. So here are three ways the Thunder can stay in your lives– even if the actual games aren’t happening.
1. Read “Boom Town”
I live in Oklahoma now, but I’m from a land that’s far, far away from the Sooner state. Being from New Jersey, Oklahoma always seemed like a strange place both culturally and distance wise. After I read “Boom Town” by Sam Anderson, I realised that Oklahomans would have it no other way.
“Boom Town” tells the fascinating tale of the history of the Thunder organization and the founding of Oklahoma City, and the two are very similar. It’s riveting, engaging and provides a history lesson that doesn’t feel like a long, boring class lecture. Anderson also portrays the lingo and emotions of Thunder fans and Oklahomans perfectly. Heck, he gets so in-depth that the Daily Thunder is mentioned in it about six different times. It’s a great read that helped me adjust to living in this state.
Although it’s a story that you may know from simply living through it, Anderson’s storytelling will put you in a time machine and make you feel like you’re back in the days of debating whether the Thunder should sign the young, bearded sixth man of the year to a max contract. I can definitely see myself re-reading this tale, and I recommend you do the same.
2. Play NBA 2K20’s MyLeague
Step aside MyCareer, online competition and even MyGM. NBA 2K’s MyLeague game mode is the most consistent and underrated in NBA 2K history. There were times growing up that I had to force myself to stop playing it– it was that engaging. It’s essentially a “sandbox” version of how you would run the Thunder. You can go for a realistic vision by building a team around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the team’s numerous draft picks, go wild by trading EVERYONE, or even relocate the team to Anchorage, Alaska.
MyLeague is also the one mode that 2K hasn’t ruined with “pay to win” tactics. They give you free reign to do whatever you want with whatever team. With realistic, fan-made draft classes that pile up in years, MyLeague lets you sit in Sam Presti’s chair and control the Thunder’s destiny. Go win a championship for Oklahoma.
3. Familiarize yourself with potential future players
As mentioned, the Thunder have a whole lot of picks in the next couple of years. If nothing changes in the standings– and if they keep all of the picks– the Thunder have the potential to average 2.7 first round picks per year from this season until 2026. That said, it’s time for everyone to start familiarizing themselves with the players that could possibly be wearing OKC uniforms in the coming seasons.
In this new digital age, most of these rising stars know how to market themselves well. In addition to our “And the Thunder Select” series on pro prospects, these players all have highlights on YouTube– even if they’re in sixth grade! Go look at great plays from high school senior Jalen Green, whose ability to drive inside and finish with authority will have you craving to see him in Thunder blue. Or check out Emoni Bates, a 2022 NBA draft hopeful who’s long, athletic and has some people comparing him to Kevin Durant. Look at how Cade Cunningham dominates almost every opponent he faces, then– if you’re an Oklahoman– go see him in-person when he gets to Oklahoma State next year.
The future for OKC is bright and you should expect the Thunder to be in line for one of these young studs in the future. Why not become an expert on them now?
This chaotic break the NBA is taking is absolutely necessary. You could be disappointed, scared and even a little angry that the Thunder aren’t taking the court anymore, but this suspension is crucial. Social limitations like this are going to keep the world safer, and Daily Thunder content is going to keep you entertained. We remain committed to keeping you up to date with all the Thunder updates and entertaining stories that are out there. We’re going to get through this together.
