OKC Thunder

I don’t really know if there is much missing for OKC; they’ve dealt with injuries to Durant and a new coach/system. However, I believe shipping out Waiters for either a better spot up 3 point shooter should be a priority. We’ve seen some chatter about T-Ross being available so maybe that would be a good fit, but probably would require a 3rd team(cough….Sixers….cough).

Also, If I was GM, there’s no chance I would of done that Kanter contract. Matter of, how awful was that trade where they acquired Kanter? Gave up Reggie Jackson and a future 1st for Kanter, Augustin, and some 2nds. That is awful.

I don’t really know if there is much missing for OKC; they’ve dealt with injuries to Durant and a new coach/system. However, I believe shipping out Waiters for either a better spot up 3 point shooter should be a priority. We’ve seen some chatter about T-Ross being available so maybe that would be a good fit, but probably would require a 3rd team(cough….Sixers….cough).

Also, If I was GM, there’s no chance I would of done that Kanter contract. Matter of, how awful was that trade where they acquired Kanter? Gave up Reggie Jackson and a future 1st for Kanter, Augustin, and some 2nds. That is awful.

They don’t get easy buckets even though you have 2 Top 5 players on your roster.   And they’re not a 3pt shooting team, so they come up short whenever KD and/or Russ aren’t Superman.  The GM gets so much credit for the way this team has drafted, but they’re really piss poor with everything else.  This team has hit a ceiling.

By selecting Ibaka over Harden and not paying the luxury tax killed this team.   I still feel that they should’ve paid Harden and traded Ibaka for D12 that season.  Even if it was for one season, they would’ve probably won it all that year.  Which would’ve made it hard for D12 to leave and made it ok to go into the luxury tax.  But now, Ibaka is just a shot blocker who only protects the paint when they play the Lakers.  Yea he gives you a couple blocks and can spread the floor, but for the most part he’s a role player.   If OKC can get to the Finals this year I think KD stays.   If not, I think he’s gone…

They don’t get easy buckets even though you have 2 Top 5 players on your roster.   And they’re not a 3pt shooting team, so they come up short whenever KD and/or Russ aren’t Superman.  The GM gets so much credit for the way this team has drafted, but they’re really piss poor with everything else.  This team has hit a ceiling.

By selecting Ibaka over Harden and not paying the luxury tax killed this team.   I still feel that they should’ve paid Harden and traded Ibaka for D12 that season.  Even if it was for one season, they would’ve probably won it all that year.  Which would’ve made it hard for D12 to leave and made it ok to go into the luxury tax.  But now, Ibaka is just a shot blocker who only protects the paint when they play the Lakers.  Yea he gives you a couple blocks and can spread the floor, but for the most part he’s a role player.   If OKC can get to the Finals this year I think KD stays.   If not, I think he’s gone…

 They need to get some older veteran players who actually have some balls. Imagine guys like Sam Cassel, Robert Horry, Ray Allen, or Ron Artest on this team, and all of a sudden, they seem more legit. 

When you rely on guys who aren’t even on their second contracts (Roberson, Waiters, Kanter in a way, and Adams), and have no solid veteran leadership now that Collison is cooked, a young team like the Thunder will struggle. Role players are afraid to take shots, and when they do, they don’t shoot with confidense. This adds all of the focus onto KD and Russ, and that’s why when you watch the game it seems like you’re watching 3 on 5, because no one is doing anything else because they don’t have the balls to make the plays and create for themselves or others. 

There isn’t a single player on OKC that has a ring…

I think it would help the Thunder if they made another Kendrick Perkins type of move, in trading some young pieces for an experienced veteran. Someone like Marco Beleneli, Paul Pierce, Taysaun Prince, or Matt Barnes would be perfect for them, because you know those guys aren’t afraid of the big shot. 

I would also like to see Ibaka added into the offense more. He has a nice reliable shot, is quick, and can finish at the rim. Why does this guy only get 12 shots a game? His offensive rating has dipped the past two years, and I think a lot of that has to do with the increased usage of Westbrook. IF they tried to get Ibaka 3-4 more shots per game, and actually attempted to have a reliable third option, than you wouldn’t see the KD and Russ show every night, and ball movement would be better.

 They need to get some older veteran players who actually have some balls. Imagine guys like Sam Cassel, Robert Horry, Ray Allen, or Ron Artest on this team, and all of a sudden, they seem more legit. 

When you rely on guys who aren’t even on their second contracts (Roberson, Waiters, Kanter in a way, and Adams), and have no solid veteran leadership now that Collison is cooked, a young team like the Thunder will struggle. Role players are afraid to take shots, and when they do, they don’t shoot with confidense. This adds all of the focus onto KD and Russ, and that’s why when you watch the game it seems like you’re watching 3 on 5, because no one is doing anything else because they don’t have the balls to make the plays and create for themselves or others. 

There isn’t a single player on OKC that has a ring…

I think it would help the Thunder if they made another Kendrick Perkins type of move, in trading some young pieces for an experienced veteran. Someone like Marco Beleneli, Paul Pierce, Taysaun Prince, or Matt Barnes would be perfect for them, because you know those guys aren’t afraid of the big shot. 

I would also like to see Ibaka added into the offense more. He has a nice reliable shot, is quick, and can finish at the rim. Why does this guy only get 12 shots a game? His offensive rating has dipped the past two years, and I think a lot of that has to do with the increased usage of Westbrook. IF they tried to get Ibaka 3-4 more shots per game, and actually attempted to have a reliable third option, than you wouldn’t see the KD and Russ show every night, and ball movement would be better.

This teams outlook is based on the whether or not Billy Donovan can tame Westbrook and actually have him run the offense! Is good as he is, is as bad as he is for this TEAMS success. Hate to say it but as of now Billy Donovan is making it look like it wasn’t Scott Brooks fault.

This teams outlook is based on the whether or not Billy Donovan can tame Westbrook and actually have him run the offense! Is good as he is, is as bad as he is for this TEAMS success. Hate to say it but as of now Billy Donovan is making it look like it wasn’t Scott Brooks fault.

 Between the return of Durant, integrating Waiters and Kanter, and a new coach, it’s very likely we haven’t seen the real Thunder yet and won’t for much of the year. I still hate the Kanter n Waiters fit. With what their starts do, the Thunder need high efficiency low usage guys, like Thabo, who they let go for nothing.

 Between the return of Durant, integrating Waiters and Kanter, and a new coach, it’s very likely we haven’t seen the real Thunder yet and won’t for much of the year. I still hate the Kanter n Waiters fit. With what their starts do, the Thunder need high efficiency low usage guys, like Thabo, who they let go for nothing.

 You can’t play ISO ball every possession, players never touch the ball on this team and when they do it is either to shoot or pass. No one other than Westbrook and durant knows what is going on, there is no routine no constant other than pick and rolls at the top of the key. The role players are lacking confidence which effects the defensive end of the court. It would seem these stars can’t look at the most successful teams in the league at the moment and recognise that the more touches everyone gets the better everyone plays, it’s painful to watch!

 You can’t play ISO ball every possession, players never touch the ball on this team and when they do it is either to shoot or pass. No one other than Westbrook and durant knows what is going on, there is no routine no constant other than pick and rolls at the top of the key. The role players are lacking confidence which effects the defensive end of the court. It would seem these stars can’t look at the most successful teams in the league at the moment and recognise that the more touches everyone gets the better everyone plays, it’s painful to watch!

 Wedtbrooks assist create the illusion of some type of team basketball no role player on this team is given the chance of making decisions other than waiters in forced pick and rolls and kanter the only guy Westbrook looks for on the inside. This team is huge, but they don’t want to play big. They have dumbed there style down to accomodate Westbrook in his search of becoming a superstar.

 Wedtbrooks assist create the illusion of some type of team basketball no role player on this team is given the chance of making decisions other than waiters in forced pick and rolls and kanter the only guy Westbrook looks for on the inside. This team is huge, but they don’t want to play big. They have dumbed there style down to accomodate Westbrook in his search of becoming a superstar.

 I still wonder if the key to the Thunder being as good as they possibly can is having Russell Westbrook playing off the ball and having a point guard who runs the offense. They isolate way too much and clearly that’s a strength of Westbrook and Durant, but it hasn’t been enough against the best teams when it matters most.

 I still wonder if the key to the Thunder being as good as they possibly can is having Russell Westbrook playing off the ball and having a point guard who runs the offense. They isolate way too much and clearly that’s a strength of Westbrook and Durant, but it hasn’t been enough against the best teams when it matters most.

 Or run a triangle at the high post something other than leather being pounded for 20 seconds they are making the game so hard for themselves.

 Or run a triangle at the high post something other than leather being pounded for 20 seconds they are making the game so hard for themselves.

With the Thunder there just seems to be something missing, it might be that KD hasn’t played every game this year and they are still getting used to Billy Donovan’s system. But with their talent they should be right on GSW’s coat tails.

The Thunder have all the below:-

They have two of the top 5 or 6 players in the NBA.

Scoring, size, blocking in the frontcourt

Bench scoring options

Lockeroom leader, veteran presence in Nick Collinson

Top Coach and GM

If you were doing an NBA Championship contender check list then all the above would seem decent points to list and the Thunder tick all the boxes.

The only thing that I might consider they could need is some real championship winning experience on the roster.

With the Thunder there just seems to be something missing, it might be that KD hasn’t played every game this year and they are still getting used to Billy Donovan’s system. But with their talent they should be right on GSW’s coat tails.

The Thunder have all the below:-

They have two of the top 5 or 6 players in the NBA.

Scoring, size, blocking in the frontcourt

Bench scoring options

Lockeroom leader, veteran presence in Nick Collinson

Top Coach and GM

If you were doing an NBA Championship contender check list then all the above would seem decent points to list and the Thunder tick all the boxes.

The only thing that I might consider they could need is some real championship winning experience on the roster.

 They need a guy like Shane Battier.

I think if Shane had gone to the Thunder instead of the Heat then the Thunder might have won the title.  Not just about 3 point shooting and defense but also leadership, championship experience, and intangibles.

Then a guy like Matt Barnes ends up on the Grizzlies and a guy who I think is helping us in lots of different areas by doing the little things.

Tay Prince might be ok, but he is OLD and doesn’t really do much anymore.  He would be a good ninth or 10th man now, but no higher than that in the rotation.  He also plays the same position that Durant does.

Now, if they could get Prince AND KG for Waiters and picks, then they should look into that.  

Maybe that doesn’t even do it, but just getting rid of Waiters would help…

Here is a small trade that I would like for them, even though I haven’t watched this guy play in a while/followed his stats.

Dion Waiters for Jarrett Jack would be a good trade for the Thunder.  Jack can play either guard spot, and would allow Russ to play off the ball.

Then I would look at maybe moving Ibaka for a better third option.  

Brook Lopez can’t be traded yet, but I like the idea of having him at center as a big time scorer and decent rebounder.  They can play two bigs with Adams protecting the paint and Lopez scoring.  Maybe the Thunder package Kanter, too.  I think I like McGary as much as any big on the Thunder roster.  If they traded Ibaka and Kanter for Brook Lopez (and others) then I can see Mitch getting more minutes.  

Then they have a cleaner five man lineup: Russell Westbrook and Jarrett Jack at guards, Durant at the 3, with Brook Lopez and Steven Adams inside.  Mitch McGary would be their high energy guy off the bench who can score and rebound.

Looking at the Nets’ roster, if I am the Thunder I think that Wayne Ellington would be a good shooting guard option in spot minutes.  

Then they can look at trading for Tayshaun Prince.  A second round pick or two and cash could be enough.

Or, a better shooting, veteran option might be Mike Miller.  Mike Miller would give them a guy who can play the 2 or a 3 who can help give Durant a rest.  

I can see Miller’s shooting matter more than Prince’s intangibles.  I don’t think Prince is an effective defender anymore.  Well, last year he wasn’t.  And, you mainly need him against a guy like Kevin Durant, and that guy plays on your own team.  Then MM gives you what Prince can in the passing and rebounding department.

BUT, they could probably end up with BOTH in separate deals for something like Heustis, picks, and cash.

Brook Lopez would be a better third option in scoring with the same rebounding prowress (or lack of) that Serge Ibaka has.  Jarrett Jack gives them a combo guard who can play with Russ or come off the bench to give him a rest.  Then Ellington, Prince, and Miller would give the Thunder some veterans at either the 2 guard or forward spots who can hit shots and even pass some with TP being a solid defender at times.

Then I sign a cheap veteran shot blocker like Ryan Hollins.  

 They need a guy like Shane Battier.

I think if Shane had gone to the Thunder instead of the Heat then the Thunder might have won the title.  Not just about 3 point shooting and defense but also leadership, championship experience, and intangibles.

Then a guy like Matt Barnes ends up on the Grizzlies and a guy who I think is helping us in lots of different areas by doing the little things.

Tay Prince might be ok, but he is OLD and doesn’t really do much anymore.  He would be a good ninth or 10th man now, but no higher than that in the rotation.  He also plays the same position that Durant does.

Now, if they could get Prince AND KG for Waiters and picks, then they should look into that.  

Maybe that doesn’t even do it, but just getting rid of Waiters would help…

Here is a small trade that I would like for them, even though I haven’t watched this guy play in a while/followed his stats.

Dion Waiters for Jarrett Jack would be a good trade for the Thunder.  Jack can play either guard spot, and would allow Russ to play off the ball.

Then I would look at maybe moving Ibaka for a better third option.  

Brook Lopez can’t be traded yet, but I like the idea of having him at center as a big time scorer and decent rebounder.  They can play two bigs with Adams protecting the paint and Lopez scoring.  Maybe the Thunder package Kanter, too.  I think I like McGary as much as any big on the Thunder roster.  If they traded Ibaka and Kanter for Brook Lopez (and others) then I can see Mitch getting more minutes.  

Then they have a cleaner five man lineup: Russell Westbrook and Jarrett Jack at guards, Durant at the 3, with Brook Lopez and Steven Adams inside.  Mitch McGary would be their high energy guy off the bench who can score and rebound.

Looking at the Nets’ roster, if I am the Thunder I think that Wayne Ellington would be a good shooting guard option in spot minutes.  

Then they can look at trading for Tayshaun Prince.  A second round pick or two and cash could be enough.

Or, a better shooting, veteran option might be Mike Miller.  Mike Miller would give them a guy who can play the 2 or a 3 who can help give Durant a rest.  

I can see Miller’s shooting matter more than Prince’s intangibles.  I don’t think Prince is an effective defender anymore.  Well, last year he wasn’t.  And, you mainly need him against a guy like Kevin Durant, and that guy plays on your own team.  Then MM gives you what Prince can in the passing and rebounding department.

BUT, they could probably end up with BOTH in separate deals for something like Heustis, picks, and cash.

Brook Lopez would be a better third option in scoring with the same rebounding prowress (or lack of) that Serge Ibaka has.  Jarrett Jack gives them a combo guard who can play with Russ or come off the bench to give him a rest.  Then Ellington, Prince, and Miller would give the Thunder some veterans at either the 2 guard or forward spots who can hit shots and even pass some with TP being a solid defender at times.

Then I sign a cheap veteran shot blocker like Ryan Hollins.  

I doubt that the Thunder could give the Nets the sort of package they would want for Brook Lopez but it might be worth a try. The issue would then be Brook’s salary on the cap even if they moved Kanter the other way. Would the Nets do Kanter and Waiters plus maybe a pick for Lopez I wonder?

I like the idea of the Thunder trying to get Tayshaun Prince, the Thunder are still in rebuild and they have KG and Miller as the veteran presences so if offered a future first rounder for Prince might take it. Prince would give them title winning experience in the locker room too.

I doubt that the Thunder could give the Nets the sort of package they would want for Brook Lopez but it might be worth a try. The issue would then be Brook’s salary on the cap even if they moved Kanter the other way. Would the Nets do Kanter and Waiters plus maybe a pick for Lopez I wonder?

I like the idea of the Thunder trying to get Tayshaun Prince, the Thunder are still in rebuild and they have KG and Miller as the veteran presences so if offered a future first rounder for Prince might take it. Prince would give them title winning experience in the locker room too.