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Q&A with Luke Kennard

Rolling Thunder: 20/02/2018

Today, on the eve of Allstar, we’re having a chat with Thunder rookie Luke Kennard.

Reporter: Welcome Luke, thank you for taking the time to have a chat with us after training. I’ll dive right in, how has the adjustment been coming from college and being a big part of the system, not knowing when your number is going to be called?

LK: It’s been interesting to be honest. You don’t get drafted by a team like OKC and then expect to just walk on into a role, so it was expected for me and I took it in my stride.

Reporter: Ah that’s good to hear! I suppose it can’t be all bad watching your team lead the West and sit in the conversation for the title.

LK: Definitely not. I just try to stay active and ready. Work my ass off, hone my game, and take in all the lessons and advice I can from the guys and coach. It wasn’t sugar coated to me to start, they told me outright I would be developing, that they loved my summer league, and that I was a required piece for the future. They didn’t suggest I would get copious playing time bar any unforeseen circumstance like injury.

Reporter: That sounds like they respect you and they’re players greatly. How do you feel now that you are likely in line for a bigger role with the big Paul George trade? It’s got to feel like the chance you’ve been waiting for, all be it at the expense of losing a star team mate?

LK: It does, and it doesn’t. Paul was playing great for us and his departure certainly leaves us a little unsure of what is instore for the remainder of the season, while we seemed to have a fairly set path prior. Kawhi is of course great though. I met him already, and he seems like OKC to a T. The trade actually gave me some good confidence actually.

Reporter: Confidence? In?

LK: Myself. In what I am doing and what they have seen me doing. I mean, Denzel was brought in and the media was suggesting it might be a sign of things in my career, a push down the depth chart, and then suddenly they move him again and in the same move, they show complete confidence in myself and Josh to be able to step up and fill the void while we wait on Kawhi. I feel confident that I can be the player they need me to be.

Reporter: Only time will tell, but we wish you all the best in your new reserve role Luke. Thanks for your time.

LK: Thanks.

So there we have it. Luke Kennard, ready to bring what the Thunder need to the table? The sans PG13 challenge awaits.

- OKC News