‘Building on that lineage’: Thunder’s Gabriel Deck representing Argentina in Tokyo Olympics

Time to read
3 minutes
Read so far

‘Building on that lineage’: Thunder’s Gabriel Deck representing Argentina in Tokyo Olympics

Tue, 07/27/2021 - 00:22
Posted in:
Body

Jul. 25—Sam Presti doesn’t hide his affinity for Argentinian players.

Of course there were the seven years he spent in San Antonio with Manu Ginobili, but it’s not just Ginobili. The Spurs, with Presti on staff, drafted Luis Scola in 2002 and signed center Fabricio Oberto in 2005.

Want more names? Pablo Prigioni, Pepe Sanchez, Ruben Wolkowyski, Alejandro Montecchia and Federico Kammerichs.

The latter two Argentinians never even played in the NBA, but that didn’t stop Presti from listing them during his exit interview two months ago.

“These guys have a spirit to the way they play,” Presti said. “They have a commitment to team above all else.”

It’s no wonder Gabriel Deck landed in Oklahoma City.

The 6-foot-6 forward from Colonia Dora, Argentina, signed with the Thunder in April and appeared in 10 games to close the season. At 11:40 p.m. Sunday (Monday afternoon in Tokyo), Deck will represent his home country in the Olympics.

OKC’s roster is filled with international talent, but Deck is the only Thunder competing in the Summer Games. It will be his second Olympic appearance after playing in 2016.

“You always want to represent your country any time you get that chance,” Deck said through a translator in his Thunder exit interview.

Argentina will open Group C action against Slovenia, led by Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. Spain and Japan are the other two countries in Group C.

The United States is in Group A with France, Iran and the Czech Republic. To round out the 12-team field is Germany, Australia, Nigeria and Italy in Group B.

Deck’s Argentine squad is ranked fourth in the FIBA World Rankings behind the U.S., Spain and Australia. Joining Deck on Team Argentina are Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo and Knicks guard Luca Vildoza.

“They have an inherent toughness and competitiveness,” Presti said of Argentinian players. “It’s just a great system of player development that they have there.”

Deck’s Thunder debut was slowed by the immigration process, but upon arriving he averaged 8.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 21 minutes per game. Deck was just 2-of- 15 from 3-point range, but he shot 58% from inside the arc.

Deck was physical without a lot of flash.

“I’m a fan,” Presti said. “I think he’s a winning player, and I think he brings something special to a team.”

Deck not only joined the Thunder at the end of a condensed season, but he also moved to a place where he didn’t know the language.

“I thought it was a tremendously courageous decision that he made because he is so driven to test himself in the NBA,” Presti said. “I was really impressed with that.”

Deck, 26, had previously played for Real Madrid in Spain. From 2010-18, Deck played for clubs in his native Argentina.

Deck grew up in Colonia Dora, a small town in northern Argentina — the eighth-biggest country in the world by area. Colonia Dora is more than 500 miles from the capital city of Buenos Aires.

“It’s obviously been a long and challenging road,” Deck said. “I moved out of the house at 13 years old. I kind of had to navigate through that on my own, but I’m super grateful for all my friends and family who have remained with me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Deck’s future with the Thunder is uncertain. He signed a four-year, $14.5 million contract, but it’s a nonguaranteed deal for each of the next three seasons. The Thunder has ultimate flexibility when it comes to Deck’s roster spot.

“Those are decisions that aren’t in my hands,” Deck said. “All I can continue to do is control what I can and give it my best foot forward every time.”

For now, there’s an Olympic medal to chase.

Argentina, as Presti knows, won’t be an easy out.

“I’m grateful for all those who came before me to kind of pave the way for Argentinians in the NBA,” Deck said. “I hope to continue building on that lineage, and hopefully create good opportunities for boys and girls who are looking up to us to reach the league and have more of a presence moving forward.”

2021 NBA Draft

When: 7 p.m., Thursday

Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn

How to watch: ABC and ESPN

Thunder draft picks

2021

• First round: No. 6, No. 16, No. 18

• Second round: No. 34, No. 36, No. 55

2022

• First round: own 1st (if 1-14), Clippers 1st, Suns 1st (protected 1-12)

• Second round: own 2nd

2023

• First round: own 1st (right to swap with Clippers), Heat 1st (protected 1-14), Nuggets 1st (protected 1-14)

• Second round: two best of own 2nd, Wizards 2nd, Heat/Mavericks 2nd

2024

• First round: own 1st, Clippers 1st, Rockets 1st (protected 1-4)

• Second round: own 2nd, Hornets 2nd, Timberwolves 2nd

2025

• First round: own 1st (right to swap with Clippers or Rockets), 76ers 1st (protected 1-6)

• Second round: 76ers 2nd, best of Celtics/Grizzlies 2nd

2026

• First round: own 1st, Clippers 1st, Rockets 1st (protected 1-4)

• Second round: own 2nd, 76ers 2nd, Mavericks 2nd

2027

• First round: own 1st

• Second round: own 2nd, Heat 2nd, Pacers 2nd, Rockets 2nd