Oklahoma City

Victor Olapido isn’t a terrible shooter either…

I think Serge is damaged goods, the Thunder just fleeced Orlando for 2 young studs and a solid stretch floor…

This move helps them out long term IF they happen to lose Durant in Free Agency

Victor Olapido isn’t a terrible shooter either…

I think Serge is damaged goods, the Thunder just fleeced Orlando for 2 young studs and a solid stretch floor…

This move helps them out long term IF they happen to lose Durant in Free Agency

I think this move was for the best. Will they miss Ibaka? Absolutely, but Kanter and Adams deserve those minutes in the front court. Kanter can hit the mid range J. Oladipo can shoot, he’s not a "shooter" but definitely solid and can knock down the 3.

That starting line up is absolutely crazy. Westbrook, Oladipo, Durant, Kanter, and Adams. WOW. And I think they have more depth than people realize. I think Payne, McGary, Waiters, Sabonis, and Ilyasova can all help out plus some of their other guys. Their future is bright.

I think this move was for the best. Will they miss Ibaka? Absolutely, but Kanter and Adams deserve those minutes in the front court. Kanter can hit the mid range J. Oladipo can shoot, he’s not a "shooter" but definitely solid and can knock down the 3.

That starting line up is absolutely crazy. Westbrook, Oladipo, Durant, Kanter, and Adams. WOW. And I think they have more depth than people realize. I think Payne, McGary, Waiters, Sabonis, and Ilyasova can all help out plus some of their other guys. Their future is bright.

 oladipo can play point when westbrook rests and is a solid offensive upgrade over roberson. Ilyasova is also a stretch 4 who can rebound. Not a bad trade at all, gives OKC multiple different lineup options

 oladipo can play point when westbrook rests and is a solid offensive upgrade over roberson. Ilyasova is also a stretch 4 who can rebound. Not a bad trade at all, gives OKC multiple different lineup options

I still need some time to wrap my head around this draft day trade but overall this is not a bad move at all by the Thunder. I thought when or if Serge really is available, which he obviously was, than for nothing than a top SG or a player with the potential to become one, which Dipo just is. I had him as a breakout player the last two seasons and this didn’t happen really and I hope he does now with my Thunder. If he can duplacate his 16/5/4 I’m more than happy even if this alone would be very impressive assuming KD stays. 

What I still don’t get really is if they think the 4 spot is set now or if there are other moves, signing to be made. Presti said he wants Ersan to stay, which means like 7.5 mio or something or they can release him before July 1st for just 0.4 mio I guess. I think Ersan could be kind of what Frye is to the Cavs since TT & Mozgov are pretty similar to what Adams and Enes are and floor spacing should not be the issue I think. Kanter wasn’t exactly a threat from downtown but he can nail shots up to there. We still have Morrow who kind of was at the end of the bench last year and the human white flag Singler who maybe had the worst season a Thunder player ever had. While I agree that Dion might be gone now, unless he can be signed for cheap and with Robes still around there isn’t much spacing but at least a decent amound of quality wings around even without Dion. 

More interestingly to me is the fact that we need another rim protector without Serge. People will fly by Westbrook and Kanter if no one is there to check them aside from Adams who isn’t that much of a shot blocker but a very promising center who should hav no problems checking forwards like he already did with Blake Griffin last year. McGary didn’t get any burn last year and I was wondering why but he was kind out of shape in training camp and with Serges 30 mins up for grab, both Mitch and Sabonis will get like 20 of them. 

Unless Presti fails to bring in a big body like Noah or West, I think they have a problem now defensively in the frontcourt. 

I still need some time to wrap my head around this draft day trade but overall this is not a bad move at all by the Thunder. I thought when or if Serge really is available, which he obviously was, than for nothing than a top SG or a player with the potential to become one, which Dipo just is. I had him as a breakout player the last two seasons and this didn’t happen really and I hope he does now with my Thunder. If he can duplacate his 16/5/4 I’m more than happy even if this alone would be very impressive assuming KD stays. 

What I still don’t get really is if they think the 4 spot is set now or if there are other moves, signing to be made. Presti said he wants Ersan to stay, which means like 7.5 mio or something or they can release him before July 1st for just 0.4 mio I guess. I think Ersan could be kind of what Frye is to the Cavs since TT & Mozgov are pretty similar to what Adams and Enes are and floor spacing should not be the issue I think. Kanter wasn’t exactly a threat from downtown but he can nail shots up to there. We still have Morrow who kind of was at the end of the bench last year and the human white flag Singler who maybe had the worst season a Thunder player ever had. While I agree that Dion might be gone now, unless he can be signed for cheap and with Robes still around there isn’t much spacing but at least a decent amound of quality wings around even without Dion. 

More interestingly to me is the fact that we need another rim protector without Serge. People will fly by Westbrook and Kanter if no one is there to check them aside from Adams who isn’t that much of a shot blocker but a very promising center who should hav no problems checking forwards like he already did with Blake Griffin last year. McGary didn’t get any burn last year and I was wondering why but he was kind out of shape in training camp and with Serges 30 mins up for grab, both Mitch and Sabonis will get like 20 of them. 

Unless Presti fails to bring in a big body like Noah or West, I think they have a problem now defensively in the frontcourt. 

 The thunder have been looking for a 2-guard secondary ballhandler that comes off-the-bench and plays the 4th quarter ever since James Harden left, Oladipo fits, and even if he is not as good in offense, he probably is enough better defensively that he may end up a better fit than what Harden was, and should play better alongside Westbrook (and hopefully Durant).

Ibaka seems to regress every year, probably because he focused too much on outside shooting and his competition got tougher. Trading him is certainly risky from OKC but all year long it felt like the position where OKC could level up the most was his. They can try Horford or Gasol in Free Agency this summer and get an upgrade.

Ilyasova makes a lot of sense coming off-the-bench, he has had his ups and down but clearly can be decent and offers different options for the team offensively.

Orlando move is quite different, they seem to have realized (and probably the decision have some to do with Vogel) that they are better when Fournier plays the 2 than when it’s Oladipo, regardless of the latter’s talent, and they probably have a lot of faith on other eurpean Hezonja.

This also shows that the Aaron Gordon project is not convincing and they prefer him to stay on the bench.

Orlando fans may not like it, as Gordon and Oladipo are flashy and exciting players, but Vogel is a good coach and I have a feeling this could end up like a good move.

 The thunder have been looking for a 2-guard secondary ballhandler that comes off-the-bench and plays the 4th quarter ever since James Harden left, Oladipo fits, and even if he is not as good in offense, he probably is enough better defensively that he may end up a better fit than what Harden was, and should play better alongside Westbrook (and hopefully Durant).

Ibaka seems to regress every year, probably because he focused too much on outside shooting and his competition got tougher. Trading him is certainly risky from OKC but all year long it felt like the position where OKC could level up the most was his. They can try Horford or Gasol in Free Agency this summer and get an upgrade.

Ilyasova makes a lot of sense coming off-the-bench, he has had his ups and down but clearly can be decent and offers different options for the team offensively.

Orlando move is quite different, they seem to have realized (and probably the decision have some to do with Vogel) that they are better when Fournier plays the 2 than when it’s Oladipo, regardless of the latter’s talent, and they probably have a lot of faith on other eurpean Hezonja.

This also shows that the Aaron Gordon project is not convincing and they prefer him to stay on the bench.

Orlando fans may not like it, as Gordon and Oladipo are flashy and exciting players, but Vogel is a good coach and I have a feeling this could end up like a good move.

 They just kill the Spurs with Kanter and Adams shearing the most minutes at front court! They feel like they could giving up on Ibaka for a stud like Victor in position of need, Victor is like a bigger, more atheltic, better defense with two guard ability version of Reggie Jackson who they once had

 They just kill the Spurs with Kanter and Adams shearing the most minutes at front court! They feel like they could giving up on Ibaka for a stud like Victor in position of need, Victor is like a bigger, more atheltic, better defense with two guard ability version of Reggie Jackson who they once had

I’ve been an OKC fan since ’08 and although it’ll be sad seeing him in a different uni, I love this trade for us. Ibaka has gotten worse the past few seasons, and everytime I think about the times Kawhi bullied him for a rebound, I get excited about Oladipo and Sabonis’s future

Westbrook-Oladipo-Durant-Kanter-Adams
Payne-Roberson-Morrow-Ilyasova-Sabonis/McGary

Not bad. If we don’t win at least 60 games with that starting lineup, something very wrong is going on

I’ve been an OKC fan since ’08 and although it’ll be sad seeing him in a different uni, I love this trade for us. Ibaka has gotten worse the past few seasons, and everytime I think about the times Kawhi bullied him for a rebound, I get excited about Oladipo and Sabonis’s future

Westbrook-Oladipo-Durant-Kanter-Adams
Payne-Roberson-Morrow-Ilyasova-Sabonis/McGary

Not bad. If we don’t win at least 60 games with that starting lineup, something very wrong is going on

 Ibaka was one of two plyers on the team that played defense.  Ibaka would have been a perfect fit for the Wolves.

It looks like OKC received some good players in return but now they have to fit with Westbrook and Durant (if he resigns) and that isn’t ecessarily going to be a easy transition for any of them as much as they dominate the ball.

 Ibaka was one of two plyers on the team that played defense.  Ibaka would have been a perfect fit for the Wolves.

It looks like OKC received some good players in return but now they have to fit with Westbrook and Durant (if he resigns) and that isn’t ecessarily going to be a easy transition for any of them as much as they dominate the ball.

 Great trade.

dipo is a good 3rd option for them.

Sabonis is good.  Ersan is basically a stretch four right? Although Sabonis can shoot a bit too…

They can probably sign a cheap shot blocker for the MLE or cheaper. 

 Great trade.

dipo is a good 3rd option for them.

Sabonis is good.  Ersan is basically a stretch four right? Although Sabonis can shoot a bit too…

They can probably sign a cheap shot blocker for the MLE or cheaper. 

 SubZero,

the Russ, Dipo, Roberson, Durant, and Adams lineup looks like a true "death lineup" huh.

 SubZero,

the Russ, Dipo, Roberson, Durant, and Adams lineup looks like a true "death lineup" huh.

 Great bit of work by Sam Presti on draft night. With Kevin Pritchard pulling a few good deals another draft whizz whos been quiet for the last few years suddenly comes to life. He’s got a former number 2 pick in Oladipo whom is 24 years old, still on his rookie deal and averages 16ppg plus a good young prospect in Sabonis and a decent rotational big in Ilayasova who is still only 29 years old and can help fill minutes Ibaka has vacated in exchange for Ibaka who could walk as an FA next summer and would likely want something nearer $20 million a year going forward.

They have upgraded Waiters for Oladipo, Sabonis can be mentored along and they probably plus they may get access to Sabonis Snr to pass on advice to the likes of Adams and Kanter as well as his kid. Ilyasova has a $8.4 million team option so they have the option not to cash that in if they so wished to save cap space or they could not take it up and look to sign him to a longer lesser deal especially as Nick Collinson is a veteran who doesn’t play so much these days and maybe acts more as a locker room leader outside of the big 2.

These moves IMO give the Thunder a great chance to retain KD.

 Great bit of work by Sam Presti on draft night. With Kevin Pritchard pulling a few good deals another draft whizz whos been quiet for the last few years suddenly comes to life. He’s got a former number 2 pick in Oladipo whom is 24 years old, still on his rookie deal and averages 16ppg plus a good young prospect in Sabonis and a decent rotational big in Ilayasova who is still only 29 years old and can help fill minutes Ibaka has vacated in exchange for Ibaka who could walk as an FA next summer and would likely want something nearer $20 million a year going forward.

They have upgraded Waiters for Oladipo, Sabonis can be mentored along and they probably plus they may get access to Sabonis Snr to pass on advice to the likes of Adams and Kanter as well as his kid. Ilyasova has a $8.4 million team option so they have the option not to cash that in if they so wished to save cap space or they could not take it up and look to sign him to a longer lesser deal especially as Nick Collinson is a veteran who doesn’t play so much these days and maybe acts more as a locker room leader outside of the big 2.

These moves IMO give the Thunder a great chance to retain KD.

 I think Dipo may come off the bench as the 6th man when Durant or Westbrook sits and most likely finishes games. Its not really about who starts anyway because the only things that counts is who is out there in the 4th quarter. Roberson with his lack of O and great D just seems like a better fit starting with Oladipo being the leader of the 2nd unit. Love this trade for the Thunder because Dipo should thrive while the defense focuses on KD and WB. Really going to miss Ibaka but with the emergence of Adams its easier to let him go. I did not see much of Ilyasova last year but remember he was very solid for the Bucks for a number of years. Getting a lotto pick was just icing on the cake. Great trade for the Thunder assuming KD stays of course.

 I think Dipo may come off the bench as the 6th man when Durant or Westbrook sits and most likely finishes games. Its not really about who starts anyway because the only things that counts is who is out there in the 4th quarter. Roberson with his lack of O and great D just seems like a better fit starting with Oladipo being the leader of the 2nd unit. Love this trade for the Thunder because Dipo should thrive while the defense focuses on KD and WB. Really going to miss Ibaka but with the emergence of Adams its easier to let him go. I did not see much of Ilyasova last year but remember he was very solid for the Bucks for a number of years. Getting a lotto pick was just icing on the cake. Great trade for the Thunder assuming KD stays of course.

Ibaka was traded due to high unlikely hood of him staying on after this season(due to decresing role on team)..Also I think he  works nicely beside Nik V. so its not a complete loss for the magic as they can now balance out their starting 5 a little better : Ibaka(giving him more touches),Nik V,Mario H,Evan F(if kept),Elfrid and with A gordon of the bench in 6th man role..

Thunder made moves incase K.D bails to keep them competitive or maybe to keep him happy if he stays(see portland when they knew LA was leaving essentially)..

Dion being gone is not a forgone conclusion as he is a solid two way player which are in demand these day-Unless he gets a max offer or deal greater than 8-10 mill..Which I see as highly unlikely. Also see Presti transcripts about draft trade on NEWS OK site to back up what I am saying in not so many words, which shows all the questions asked not just the video version of interview…

However I don’t see why people say Oladipo is that much of an upgrade over Waiters. I probably think its more of a precaution incase Waiters get offered a max deal/overpriced deal that they have a similar piece that can do most of what he can as if you actually look at it: 

Oladipo is a Waiters clone that got more touches that is all(see stats if you don’t believe me) the only thing he beats him in f.t% shooting wise…Both are similar age but Waiters is a couple of months older and both put up stats on bad teams..(Waiters was like 14-16 points a game with cavs pre lebron).So there isn’t that much of a difference except I think Waiters can handle guarding more positions as proven in playoffs pg-pf and maybe the better pg option to run offense for spurts..

The bigs they got however are the interesting part as they may fit Donovans Offense better with less complaints if they are not getting heaps of touches..However the question is mainly what sort of Defense will we now see from the thunder post Ibaka??

Another prediction if Donovan wants greater balance: He will start Victor and Ersan(at least initially and if Ersan is kept) with a bench lineup of :

 Kanter,Sabonis/huestis(who ever isn’t used is in d-league),Roberson.Waiters and Payne

With  Presti doing the following :Foye being not resigned,Morrow not brought back(team option),Singler brought out or traded and Mitch M getting traded/released/put in the d-league..

Ibaka was traded due to high unlikely hood of him staying on after this season(due to decresing role on team)..Also I think he  works nicely beside Nik V. so its not a complete loss for the magic as they can now balance out their starting 5 a little better : Ibaka(giving him more touches),Nik V,Mario H,Evan F(if kept),Elfrid and with A gordon of the bench in 6th man role..

Thunder made moves incase K.D bails to keep them competitive or maybe to keep him happy if he stays(see portland when they knew LA was leaving essentially)..

Dion being gone is not a forgone conclusion as he is a solid two way player which are in demand these day-Unless he gets a max offer or deal greater than 8-10 mill..Which I see as highly unlikely. Also see Presti transcripts about draft trade on NEWS OK site to back up what I am saying in not so many words, which shows all the questions asked not just the video version of interview…

However I don’t see why people say Oladipo is that much of an upgrade over Waiters. I probably think its more of a precaution incase Waiters get offered a max deal/overpriced deal that they have a similar piece that can do most of what he can as if you actually look at it: 

Oladipo is a Waiters clone that got more touches that is all(see stats if you don’t believe me) the only thing he beats him in f.t% shooting wise…Both are similar age but Waiters is a couple of months older and both put up stats on bad teams..(Waiters was like 14-16 points a game with cavs pre lebron).So there isn’t that much of a difference except I think Waiters can handle guarding more positions as proven in playoffs pg-pf and maybe the better pg option to run offense for spurts..

The bigs they got however are the interesting part as they may fit Donovans Offense better with less complaints if they are not getting heaps of touches..However the question is mainly what sort of Defense will we now see from the thunder post Ibaka??

Another prediction if Donovan wants greater balance: He will start Victor and Ersan(at least initially and if Ersan is kept) with a bench lineup of :

 Kanter,Sabonis/huestis(who ever isn’t used is in d-league),Roberson.Waiters and Payne

With  Presti doing the following :Foye being not resigned,Morrow not brought back(team option),Singler brought out or traded and Mitch M getting traded/released/put in the d-league..

Reports are that Ibaka wanted a bigger role in the offense and probably wouldn’t have returned next summer anyway. Throw in the fact, he’s probably going to be looking for close to a max deal and OKC obviously didn’t want to pay him that. I think OKC made a great decision to trade him now and getting back such a good haul for him.  

Do I think it makes OKC a better team right now? I’m not 100% sure. It’ll hurt their front court big time IMO. They’ll miss Ibaka’s floor spacing and elite rim protection. Adams is a monster, but provides no spacing. Kanter can score/off rebound, but can’t defend. Illyasova can spread the floor, but can’t defend. Sabonis is talented, but can’t defend either, plus he’s a rookie. I think Oladipo is a very good young talent and an upgrade in that regard over Waiters and Roberson, but I have to see how he fits into his role. I feel like this move is better for OKC long term than it is right now. This really helps them if they lose Durant or Westbrook.

I really like the deal for ORL. I think it gets them into the playoffs next season. People seem to be down on Ibaka, but I think he’s still one of the more unique big men in the NBA with his ability to spread the floor and protect the rim. I believe his game was marginalized in OKC and he’s capable of more offensively than he was allowed to show. He also had knee surgery last season and should be stronger this upcoming season. He’s a perfect fit next to Vucevic. Vogel has to be excited. With Fournier’s emergence and Hezonja waiting in the wings, Oladipo was expendable.

Overall, I like the trade for both teams. A little more for ORL, but of course they have to re-sign Ibaka next summer.

Reports are that Ibaka wanted a bigger role in the offense and probably wouldn’t have returned next summer anyway. Throw in the fact, he’s probably going to be looking for close to a max deal and OKC obviously didn’t want to pay him that. I think OKC made a great decision to trade him now and getting back such a good haul for him.  

Do I think it makes OKC a better team right now? I’m not 100% sure. It’ll hurt their front court big time IMO. They’ll miss Ibaka’s floor spacing and elite rim protection. Adams is a monster, but provides no spacing. Kanter can score/off rebound, but can’t defend. Illyasova can spread the floor, but can’t defend. Sabonis is talented, but can’t defend either, plus he’s a rookie. I think Oladipo is a very good young talent and an upgrade in that regard over Waiters and Roberson, but I have to see how he fits into his role. I feel like this move is better for OKC long term than it is right now. This really helps them if they lose Durant or Westbrook.

I really like the deal for ORL. I think it gets them into the playoffs next season. People seem to be down on Ibaka, but I think he’s still one of the more unique big men in the NBA with his ability to spread the floor and protect the rim. I believe his game was marginalized in OKC and he’s capable of more offensively than he was allowed to show. He also had knee surgery last season and should be stronger this upcoming season. He’s a perfect fit next to Vucevic. Vogel has to be excited. With Fournier’s emergence and Hezonja waiting in the wings, Oladipo was expendable.

Overall, I like the trade for both teams. A little more for ORL, but of course they have to re-sign Ibaka next summer.

 I believe Ibaka will have opportunities on offense that he was never afforded in OKC.  I am not saying he will become Karl Malone but I do think that his increased opportunities will lead to a surge in his stats.  I would not be surprised to see him in the all star game next year. 

 I believe Ibaka will have opportunities on offense that he was never afforded in OKC.  I am not saying he will become Karl Malone but I do think that his increased opportunities will lead to a surge in his stats.  I would not be surprised to see him in the all star game next year. 

 On one hand I tend to agree with Indiana that Ibaka’s role in the offense was marginilized. 

On the other, I’m not sure what exactly Ibaka can do offensively. He’s a spot up shooter at this point. He doesnt crash the offensive glass – not sure if that’s a scheme thing or him not being good at it – and he isn’t going to score on the low post. 

I don’t think the move is a bad one for either side, as Ibaka gives Orlando something they needed in a defensive-minded big but I think OKC will be fine in this move.

I’d imagine they’ll go "small" a lot more and play Durant at the 4 spot with Roberson next to him. Don’t think that’ll be a starting lineup or anything but I think You get 20 minutes out of Illyasova, 10-15 out of Kanter and the rest out of Durant at that PF spot. 

Oladipo gives them another stud defender and another athletic freak that can trigger their transition game. 

 On one hand I tend to agree with Indiana that Ibaka’s role in the offense was marginilized. 

On the other, I’m not sure what exactly Ibaka can do offensively. He’s a spot up shooter at this point. He doesnt crash the offensive glass – not sure if that’s a scheme thing or him not being good at it – and he isn’t going to score on the low post. 

I don’t think the move is a bad one for either side, as Ibaka gives Orlando something they needed in a defensive-minded big but I think OKC will be fine in this move.

I’d imagine they’ll go "small" a lot more and play Durant at the 4 spot with Roberson next to him. Don’t think that’ll be a starting lineup or anything but I think You get 20 minutes out of Illyasova, 10-15 out of Kanter and the rest out of Durant at that PF spot. 

Oladipo gives them another stud defender and another athletic freak that can trigger their transition game.