One of the big mysteries that hovered over the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason was whether Gabriel Deck would be back. The Argentinian wing played 10 games for the Thunder last year and looked good on the court, but with a non-guaranteed contract, OKC did not have to bring him back this season.
What complicated matters more was that rumors were abound about Deck returning to Spain to play in EuroLeague again.
With a Thunder roster crowded with unproven talent and Deck’s apparent desire or willingness to go back to Europe, would the match remain?
Well, training camp began and Deck was there in a Thunder uniform. The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto reported that Deck said the rumors were just that: rumors.
“The rumors are not true,” Deck said to Mussatto. “It was always my plan to be here with the Thunder.”
Asked Gabriel Deck about the reports of him returning to Spain this summer: "The rumors are not true. It was always my plan to be here with the Thunder."
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) September 27, 2021
Over 10 games last season, Deck showed a very natural passing ability and had the strength to beat his defenders in the paint. His arrival was delayed due to visa issues, but he was one of the more exciting players on the Thunder over the final weeks of the tough season.
With part of a season and a full NBA offseason under his belt, Deck should be a bit more accustomed to U.S. basketball. He’ll try to secure a rotation spot this season and prove he has the talent to remain in the NBA.
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