[Winning_TimeParticipant]

 I saw on rotoworld that the Thunder’s main priority this offseason is resigning Enes Kanter. Kanter, a RFA, will probably get money thrown at him and I think the Thunder would be foolish to match. Kanter is really all offense and without Durant, he looked like a good fit at time  but I don’t think he adds wins to this team when Durant is back. As Trevor Booker said, "He did what he always did. He got his stats. He didn’t defend. He took an L."

I like that they have Augustin for one more year, I think he is about as nice as you can get talkin about backup PG’s at only 3mil/year. 

Personally I think the Thunder should just be looking for mostly role players. I think they should let Kanter and Singler walk, wait for Ibaka and Durant to be healthy, keep Waiters open for trade, and then finally develop those younger players (Perry Jones, Lamb, and Adams).

In free agency, I would really target Brandan Wright. I think he would be a perfect fit in OKC and his value this offseason is not as high right now as it was at the beginning of the year. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mad MaxParticipant]

 I couldn’t disagree with you more, yes Kanter is non existent on defense but he’s not going to play over 30 minutes with Ibaka, Adams, Mcgary and Collison in the rotation but his low post offense is something the Thunder have needed and been without. He’s also a monster on the offensive boards which is great with Durant and Westbrook shooting jumpers. He really balances out the Thunder on offense. Also I would keep Singler, really steady player. A better option than Waiters, Lamb or Jones – who’d is all look to move on from

i think OKC should look to trade their pick, at 14 there probably isn’t going to be a great prospect there and as a team with title hopes they’d be better off moving that pick for a vet who can contribute. 

Also it’s not like Booker is a winner, what has he ever done?

[Mad MaxParticipant]

 I couldn’t disagree with you more, yes Kanter is non existent on defense but he’s not going to play over 30 minutes with Ibaka, Adams, Mcgary and Collison in the rotation but his low post offense is something the Thunder have needed and been without. He’s also a monster on the offensive boards which is great with Durant and Westbrook shooting jumpers. He really balances out the Thunder on offense. Also I would keep Singler, really steady player. A better option than Waiters, Lamb or Jones – who’d is all look to move on from

i think OKC should look to trade their pick, at 14 there probably isn’t going to be a great prospect there and as a team with title hopes they’d be better off moving that pick for a vet who can contribute. 

Also it’s not like Booker is a winner, what has he ever done?

[HitsterParticipant]

 Picking up Kanter and Waiters gave OKC a couple of good young pieces to go alongside KD and Westbrook. Throw in the frontcourt of Ibaka, Adams and Collinson and you immediatedly have a good core.

With 14th pick, the Thunder will have some decent options and could take a good college guy like Frank the Tank to give them a scoring big option for a fraction of what Kanter might want.

If they keep Kanter, a lot will depend what sort of salary he’d accept as they will need to keep an eye cap space for renewals of the big 2 in due course and the likes of Adams coming off his rookie deal in due course.

In FA I think they should look for the best 3 point shooting swingman they can get to spread the play when KD and Westbrook are on court, a Miami era Ray Allen type player ideally.

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Picking up Kanter and Waiters gave OKC a couple of good young pieces to go alongside KD and Westbrook. Throw in the frontcourt of Ibaka, Adams and Collinson and you immediatedly have a good core.

With 14th pick, the Thunder will have some decent options and could take a good college guy like Frank the Tank to give them a scoring big option for a fraction of what Kanter might want.

If they keep Kanter, a lot will depend what sort of salary he’d accept as they will need to keep an eye cap space for renewals of the big 2 in due course and the likes of Adams coming off his rookie deal in due course.

In FA I think they should look for the best 3 point shooting swingman they can get to spread the play when KD and Westbrook are on court, a Miami era Ray Allen type player ideally.

 

 

 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

I disagree with a few of your points. Kanter is a one side of the ball player, but you don’t just let big guys who score in the paint, knock down jump shots, and grab offensive rebounds as well as this guy does. If he gets a max offer sheet, then sure let him go. But at 10-12 mil a year he’s worth it even with the defensive lapses. The role he was in last season won’t be the same. 1) they were very shorthanded when he came aboard. 2) Brooks isn’t the coach anymore. I think Donovan will start Ibaka/Adams and have Kanter come in as a backup to both getting 25-30 mpg with a second unit where his skillset is neccessary and he can get that same high volume of looks but in spurts.

Augustin absolutely was a great get and will be a bargain for this upcoming season. He gives them lineup versatility where he can play off the ball and spot up or be a creator out of the pick & roll. The familiarity with KD a positive.

Singler is a guy you keep around for the right price. He’s very professional, works hard defensively, isn’t a ball stopper, doesn’t do anything to hurt your team, and stays ready whether in or out of the rotation. He can give you a solid 10-15 mins a night backing up KD. Waiters I’m not sure…Westbrook & KD like and trust him, but his shot selection and effeciency have been well chronicled. Although he did play hard defensively after getting traded to OKC last year. I’m not sure if he should start or be a 6th man. It’ll be interesting to see how Donovan defines his role or if it fluctuates throughout the season, as it has for most of his career.

As far as Jones & Lamb. They’re both talented and show flashes every now and then, but neither is a high IQ or high energy player and with OKC trying to win a championship now I don’t see how it benefits you to have either in the rotation unless they show drastic improvement this summer. Keep developing them and hope one puts it all together, but playing them regular minutes is unlikely.

Wright could be a nice target. What he’s good at, he’s REALLY good at and he always stays within himself and doesn’t do things outside of his comfort zone. Great role player to have and the athleticism & energy he plays with makes for a tough matchup most nights.

If they handle this offseason right and stay healthy, they could very well be the best team in the west next year.

 

 

 

 

 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

I disagree with a few of your points. Kanter is a one side of the ball player, but you don’t just let big guys who score in the paint, knock down jump shots, and grab offensive rebounds as well as this guy does. If he gets a max offer sheet, then sure let him go. But at 10-12 mil a year he’s worth it even with the defensive lapses. The role he was in last season won’t be the same. 1) they were very shorthanded when he came aboard. 2) Brooks isn’t the coach anymore. I think Donovan will start Ibaka/Adams and have Kanter come in as a backup to both getting 25-30 mpg with a second unit where his skillset is neccessary and he can get that same high volume of looks but in spurts.

Augustin absolutely was a great get and will be a bargain for this upcoming season. He gives them lineup versatility where he can play off the ball and spot up or be a creator out of the pick & roll. The familiarity with KD a positive.

Singler is a guy you keep around for the right price. He’s very professional, works hard defensively, isn’t a ball stopper, doesn’t do anything to hurt your team, and stays ready whether in or out of the rotation. He can give you a solid 10-15 mins a night backing up KD. Waiters I’m not sure…Westbrook & KD like and trust him, but his shot selection and effeciency have been well chronicled. Although he did play hard defensively after getting traded to OKC last year. I’m not sure if he should start or be a 6th man. It’ll be interesting to see how Donovan defines his role or if it fluctuates throughout the season, as it has for most of his career.

As far as Jones & Lamb. They’re both talented and show flashes every now and then, but neither is a high IQ or high energy player and with OKC trying to win a championship now I don’t see how it benefits you to have either in the rotation unless they show drastic improvement this summer. Keep developing them and hope one puts it all together, but playing them regular minutes is unlikely.

Wright could be a nice target. What he’s good at, he’s REALLY good at and he always stays within himself and doesn’t do things outside of his comfort zone. Great role player to have and the athleticism & energy he plays with makes for a tough matchup most nights.

If they handle this offseason right and stay healthy, they could very well be the best team in the west next year.

 

 

 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

For years I have been saying that what the Thunder need is a reliable scorer down low (and a new coach). Kanter is exactly that. Yes he’s a poor defender but playing next to Ibaka and platooning with Adams should help hide his deficiency somewhat.

I don’t think the Thunder should do much, keep their core intact, get everyone healthy and see what Billy D’s system is capable of with their personel. As weird as it sounds for a team that missed the playoffs, they really don’t need any significant additions in order to become one of the top contenders in the league. 

The lottery might seem a bit high for him but I think Justin Anderson would be a good fit in the draft for them. Give them a wing defender that they’ve been lacking with the departure of Sefolosha.

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

For years I have been saying that what the Thunder need is a reliable scorer down low (and a new coach). Kanter is exactly that. Yes he’s a poor defender but playing next to Ibaka and platooning with Adams should help hide his deficiency somewhat.

I don’t think the Thunder should do much, keep their core intact, get everyone healthy and see what Billy D’s system is capable of with their personel. As weird as it sounds for a team that missed the playoffs, they really don’t need any significant additions in order to become one of the top contenders in the league. 

The lottery might seem a bit high for him but I think Justin Anderson would be a good fit in the draft for them. Give them a wing defender that they’ve been lacking with the departure of Sefolosha.

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 Thunder should sign Kanter and not think twice about it. KD and Russ are entering their prime years, and it’s time to win. Injuries have really set this team back, so it’s nice to have another guy out there who can carry the load on some nights. Don’t underestimate the importance of having another reliable scorer next to two of the best offensive players in the league. He’s also only 22, and fits in perfectly with Ibaka, and showed that he had unbeleivable chemestry right off the bat with Westy. 

I think the Thunder need to stand pat, and go into the year with a chip on their shoulder. They have a new coach, a bunch of guys who haven’t played together, and alot of the basketball community already has Durant going to Wash and Westbrook to LA when their contracts are up. Time for these guys to bring home the ship. 

I also think you hold onto the lottery pick unless they can package it and Lamb/Jones and see if you can get an offensive minded bench player or decent 3D guy. Someone like Jae Crowder would be perfect for this team. If they can’t do that, than keep the pick and see who’s available. Saying their isnt going to be a good prospect at #14 is ridiculous as we see prospects fall every year. What if Oubre falls? Lyles? Booker? These guys would be drafted to the best possible situation where they can sit back, and try and chisle out a role on a top contending team. 

OKC are my favorites to win it all next year if healthy

[mgreener_34Participant]

 Thunder should sign Kanter and not think twice about it. KD and Russ are entering their prime years, and it’s time to win. Injuries have really set this team back, so it’s nice to have another guy out there who can carry the load on some nights. Don’t underestimate the importance of having another reliable scorer next to two of the best offensive players in the league. He’s also only 22, and fits in perfectly with Ibaka, and showed that he had unbeleivable chemestry right off the bat with Westy. 

I think the Thunder need to stand pat, and go into the year with a chip on their shoulder. They have a new coach, a bunch of guys who haven’t played together, and alot of the basketball community already has Durant going to Wash and Westbrook to LA when their contracts are up. Time for these guys to bring home the ship. 

I also think you hold onto the lottery pick unless they can package it and Lamb/Jones and see if you can get an offensive minded bench player or decent 3D guy. Someone like Jae Crowder would be perfect for this team. If they can’t do that, than keep the pick and see who’s available. Saying their isnt going to be a good prospect at #14 is ridiculous as we see prospects fall every year. What if Oubre falls? Lyles? Booker? These guys would be drafted to the best possible situation where they can sit back, and try and chisle out a role on a top contending team. 

OKC are my favorites to win it all next year if healthy

[adumParticipant]

 Khris Middleton.

[adumParticipant]

 Khris Middleton.

[TJhooker182Participant]

As a Jazz fan I am laughing because I know OKC is going to pay a lot for this guy. Probably around 12-13 million/year.
Yeah, he has his positives, but adds nothing to team chemistry/defense. Just like when we let Boozer go years ago and
Chicago immediately paid the guy a 5 year 80 million dollar contract. They then eventually had to pay the guy to go away.
I am not saying Kanter is exactly like Boozer, but he is fools gold…..just wait OKC fans.

[TJhooker182Participant]

As a Jazz fan I am laughing because I know OKC is going to pay a lot for this guy. Probably around 12-13 million/year.
Yeah, he has his positives, but adds nothing to team chemistry/defense. Just like when we let Boozer go years ago and
Chicago immediately paid the guy a 5 year 80 million dollar contract. They then eventually had to pay the guy to go away.
I am not saying Kanter is exactly like Boozer, but he is fools gold…..just wait OKC fans.

[Author]

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