As the closing minutes of Dennis Schroder's introduction to Oklahoma City approached, the newest Thunder star had some explaining to do.
Broad shoulders poked out of a pristine white Thunder jersey as Schroder ran his hand across his closely-cropped haircut. Schroder couldn't escape his first sit-down as a Thunder player without addressing why he cut his hair, trademark gold patch included.
“I had to,” Schroder said simply. “It's a new start.”
Even in a new environment, the Thunder is in a better position entering the season with Schroder, unlike last season when Carmelo Anthony was acquired days before training camp.