If the thunder draft thabeet...
I really think they are going to draft a SG at #3 (Harden). With the 25th pick they will likely target a big post player but there just won't be any worth taking at that pick unless Mullens falls which is doubtful. Most likely they take a PG at 25 who can be a reliable backup to Westbrook. This will also allow Westbrook to play off the ball some which I believe the Thunder wouldn't mind doing. They definitely shouldn't add a veteran like Carter or Allen. They should just stay young and be patient. If they address a need in free agency more than likely in will be the Center position. Rumor has it that they may try to sign Gortat assuming he doesn't ask for an outrageous offer.
While it would be nice to get 2 players like Thabeet and DeRozan it isn't completely necessary. I don't think they will draft Thabeet at 3 but if they do they're are plenty of roll playing guards they can get later in the first round without having to trade away Kristic or the expiring contract of Watson. Plenty of teams are looking to salary dump and are interested in moving their first round picks. There was a rumor about Detroit sending Amir Johnson and the 15th pick to OKC for pick 25 which would save the Pistons about 5.5 million this year allowing them to pursue to big time free agents (probably Gordon and Boozer/Millsap). The Hornets have also talked about simply selling their pick. The Thunder could do either of these deals and then select players who fit in with their current roster. I think they could take a look at several players there such as a project like Mullens, a shooter which they desperately need such as Ellington, or the best player available maybe Early Clark or Terrance Williams. That way they still have 2 first round picks next year and have not broken the bank for anyone. Signing Gordon would be a terrible idea, he is going to get around 10 mil a year and personally I don't think an undersized SG who plays no defense is worth that, especially when you are going to need that cap room in 2 or 3 years to resign RW0 and Durant. I think the best option for upgrading the roster this summer would be if they could acquire a big man in a trade instead of taking a huge risk by drafting Thabeet who I think is a huge boom/bust risk. With 2 first rounders this year, 2 likely lottery selections next year, and the expiring contract of Watson I think Presti will be doing all he can to see if he can get his hands on a proven post player (Bosh, Amar'e, etc.) I think using their assets that way is a better idea than using them to select players such as Thabeet or DeRozan who while they have potential are also going to take a while to develop and could bust.
All that being said, I still think they take Harden at 3. Just my opinion though
I agree with Kid fully. I say draft Harden at 3 and look for a big in free agency. Thunder/Sonics haven't exactly had good luck with drafting bigs in the lottery. Every single one has been a bust lately, and Thabeet may be slightly more promising than the last few, but I just don't think the risk should be taken.
Of the centers out there who can they get? What will it take to get Kaman, Hawes, Chandler, or Pryzbilla? I think the 25th pick, kristic, and watson are huge players in getting one of them.I agree that they should take harden cuz he's the safe pick. They should deffinetely get gortat. That would be huge.
Gortat would be nice, as for a starting center im not sure. Amare would be nice, I don't think Hawes and Kaman fit very good, Chandler trade failed once, I doubt they try it again, even if he's healed up now. Pryzbilla would be nice but I think they will go for someone younger than that.
They will be one of the most fun teams to watch..a young core of Westbrook, Harden, Durant, and Green is just sick..I would take Harden, and then find a way to trade for Chandler or Dalembert who are probably available instead of taking Thabust.
Well the thing about Hawes is(I haven't seen him play much)I'm under the assumption he's primarily O with mediocre D. The Thunder are 100% focusing on defense. But like I said I haven't really seen him much so I'm not sure, I know he's young and has a lot of potential so that could be good enough cause to make him attractive to the Thunder.
i agree with you 100percent.....id also like to say to some of the people why think about trading kristic..hes actually a very good player when healthy...not sure if hes the best at defense but i think he can get the job done esspecially since there isnt too many dominate centers out there...harder would be a good pick and 3 and at 25 they should pick a back up to either pg or pf/sf...they are set for the future with offense from durant westbrook and green..plus kristic and chip in double figures with no problesm and tough i dont particularly like nick collison he is no slouch
What SG can they go after? I really think they should attempt to get a complete starting lineup this year through the draft and trades. Saying they draft thabeet(which they shouldn't), are there any SG's that they can go after. They could go get Brewer from Utah and stay young, or they could try J.R. Smith, J. Richardson, Barbosa, or Ben Gordon and get players at their peaks who don't really play defense, or they can try to get an undersized player in lou Williams or Jarett Jack, or maybe they go after a veteran like Vince Carter or Ray Allen, or maybe they take on a bad contract to trade into the top 12(Kristic, Sefolosha,and 25th for Gadzuric and 10th) to get Demar Derozan or Evans. Do you see any of these happening?