Former Thunder forward Isaiah Roby grew up with OKC, now he's watching NBA Finals in awe
Confetti rained down on Isaiah Roby and 18,203 fans who stood in applause at Paycom Center following Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
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The sound of Black Eyed Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling' rang throughout the arena as the former Thunder forward watched OKC inch closer to its first NBA title. The moment was nostalgic, transporting the 27-year-old back to his early NBA days as a promising forward on a young and rebuilding Thunder team.
Roby, who now plays for Ratiopharm Ulm of the Basketball Bundesliga in Germany, spent three seasons with the Thunder after being traded to OKC from Dallas as a rookie.
Though his on-court minutes were limited during the dark days of OKC, the relationships he formed have lasted far beyond his time on the roster. Roby remains close with several of his former teammates — notably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams — the only remaining Thunder players from his time in Oklahoma City.
Here's all Roby had to say about his time in OKC and what it means to watch the Thunder thrive in the playoffs in an exclusive interview with The Oklahoman.
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Q: How does it feel to be back where you spent the majority of your NBA career, especially in this Finals atmosphere?
A: 'Being here is crazy. I got here during the COVID season, so I like to see it over capacity in Paycom. These are my first NBA finals games, so just the whole experience was amazing. Growing up, I didn't get to go to any NBA games. I didn't get to go to an NBA game until I was in the NBA. So this is a dream come true for me. Being able to see familiar faces and all the people that helped me when I was here was beautiful.'
Q: What has it been like to see one of your good friends in SGA become the MVP and one of the faces of the league since your time here?
A: 'Man, it's insane. ... I got traded midway through my rookie season, and I remember when I first got here that I knew of him, but like, I never saw his game up close. ... It was like nobody could stop him. You could see his ability to get to the rim. And I think he just evolved his game since then and now he's one of, if not the league's best player."
Q: So seeing Shai become one of the top players hasn't been a surprise to you?
A: 'Not really. Only because even back then in every gym he went to, it was like nobody could guard him. It didn't matter who was on him — he was always still going to get to his spots and get his. So it's not surprising to me. I've never seen anybody that can stay in front of him one-on-one, and now he's got the stepback and his entire game has just been unlocked.'
Q: What do you cherish most about your time in OKC?
A: "The people, for sure. I like seeing how the arena staff are a lot of the same people that were here when I was here. The security, the ushers — even the ball boys. Coming from where I come from, I was taught to just stay humble and not think too highly of yourself. The people here treated me well when I first got here, and they treat me well now, too. That's definitely the biggest thing for me is the people.'
Q: Are you traveling to Indiana for Game 6?
A: 'Nah. But if the series went seven, I might. I think they're gonna get it in six, but a Game 7 in this building would be crazy. I don't know if I could miss that.'
Q: So then I'd assume you'd come to the championship parade if they win?
A: 'Now that I'd be there for. For sure. It's all love for OKC. Always has been and it always will be. A lot of these guys I played with, like I was teammates with (Isaiah) Hartenstein in New York for a little bit. I'm happy for these guys. They've got a good group of guys. And you know Sam (Presti) is a master when it comes to putting teams together.'
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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Isaiah Roby (22) goes past Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba (5) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Q: What has this pro basketball journey been like for you? I know you're playing in Germany now, but what has been your biggest takeaway from going from the NBA to overseas?
A: 'For me, when I was in high school and in college, I thought you had to be 27-28 to last toward the end of your career. But the drive that I have and the love that I have for basketball and seeing all different levels — NBA, G League, Europe — like I've seen guys at 34 years old busting their ass every day, working hard to keep playing. It gave me a new motivation, honestly. I see myself playing this game for a lot more years. I don't know what's going to come from that, but I'm a big believer in myself.'
Q: Lastly, what do you think was the biggest lesson that you learned in your time in Oklahoma City that you've embraced since you left?
A: 'Being here showed me that I'm able to be very versatile. Like when I was here, I played a bunch of different positions and I had a bunch of different responsibilities. I went through every role with the Thunder, from not playing to making an impact off the bench to starting. And the fact that I played with a lot of these guys who were in a similar position and now look at them — they're the best team in the world. Like I saw them putting in the work, so it puts confidence into me that I can play this game at the highest level. I'm just excited to continue to prove that and get back out there.'
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Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former OKC Thunder forward Isaiah Roby he's watching NBA Finals in awe
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