Nash, Gentry like Thunder's future

       Include Suns star point guard Steve Nash and Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry among those who like the Thunder’s potential.

       After Monday’s preseason game at the Ford Center, both Nash and Gentry proclaimed the future is bright in Oklahoma City.

       They just differ on how long it might take for the Thunder to be a force.

       “I think they’re a terrific team,” Nash said. “They’re very long, athletic. They have a lot of versatility. They have guys who are shooters, guys who can penetrate and guys who can post up. No matter what people say about them being a team of the future I think they’re going to be a very good team this year.”

        Gentry, though, warns Thunder fans need to be paitent.

        “I don’t want anyone to jump the gun on them,” Gentry said. “You don’t make that jump from 23 wins to 55 wins in one year. It’s a process. What Scotty (Brooks) is trying to do — and he’s doing a great job — is establishing a culture of playing hard, competing and doing things the right way.

           “He’s well on his way to having this team in a good situation a year or so from now. I know everybody is anxious to make a big jump but that’s hard to do. I had a young team as the coach in LA with good, young players. It’s hard to win (close games).”

            Gentry said in time the Thunder will be a viable threat in the Western Conference.

           “Everybody here has to be patient,” Gentry said. “The fans have to be patient. The ownership has to be patient and management has to be patient. They have a good guy running the team. They have great assistants I think you’ll see help develop these players. When you look at their roster, they have a really, really bright future.”