[BenAgent0Participant]

Oklahoma City obviously needs another bigman in the equation, since Kendrick Perkins is probably going to get amnestied this off-season.

I’ve seen guys like KCP or McCollum being projected to go 12th overall, but I think the Thunder need another PF/C on the roster, since Jeremy Lamb will likely get more playing time next season..

Steven Adams is athletic and will take time to develop and could fit great along side Ibaka. Olynyk adds another offensive piece which will take some of the load off Durant-Westbrook.

Who is the better fit? Adams or Olynyk?

Here’s a great piece on the potential fit in OKC:

http://wizofawes.com/2013/06/23/nba-draft-2013-wiz-of-awes-mock-draft-oklahoma-city-thunder/

[CavFanPRParticipant]

Olynyk becuz they need an offensive big man next to Ibaka. Don’t know who they draft though, they could still go with another rim protector like Nogueira.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

Olynyk becuz they need an offensive big man next to Ibaka. Don’t know who they draft though, they could still go with another rim protector like Nogueira.

[Hi its BenParticipant]

Clearly Adams. OKC already has 2 6″11 stretch 4’s in PJ3 and Ibaka. Adams will be an upgrade over Perkins down the road and might even develop an offensive game as well.

[Hi its BenParticipant]

Clearly Adams. OKC already has 2 6″11 stretch 4’s in PJ3 and Ibaka. Adams will be an upgrade over Perkins down the road and might even develop an offensive game as well.

[tyhchsParticipant]

honestly unless Zeller slides or they move up I might be guessing on Adams in hopes that Ibaka’s Offensive game continues to develop. I think Adams’ upside is intriguing enough to give him a shot and he can learn from Perkins to help in his development. Though Olynyk ready now O game would probably be the better even if Adams could be better in the long term

[fastdanParticipant]

I can definitely see them moving up to take zeller, especially he drops out of the top 7. The 29th and 32nd pick won’t give them players that could beat out any of the current roation for minutes, and won’t be better prospects then Lamb or Jones. Detroit could really use some depth, while possible pick MCW will likely not be taken 9-11.

[fastdanParticipant]

I can definitely see them moving up to take zeller, especially he drops out of the top 7. The 29th and 32nd pick won’t give them players that could beat out any of the current roation for minutes, and won’t be better prospects then Lamb or Jones. Detroit could really use some depth, while possible pick MCW will likely not be taken 9-11.

[tyhchsParticipant]

honestly unless Zeller slides or they move up I might be guessing on Adams in hopes that Ibaka’s Offensive game continues to develop. I think Adams’ upside is intriguing enough to give him a shot and he can learn from Perkins to help in his development. Though Olynyk ready now O game would probably be the better even if Adams could be better in the long term

[BenAgent0Participant]

Seems like you guys were split between the two lol.

Is the article helping any of you guys decide on the prospects? I usually include it just in case.

[BenAgent0Participant]

Seems like you guys were split between the two lol.

Is the article helping any of you guys decide on the prospects? I usually include it just in case.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

Olynyk is the better fit because he has a offensive low post game, which they lack the most. The Thunders are trying to win right now, and Adams is a Projects.

[DolanCareParticipant]

You’re completely right. I love Adams as a prospect, but he is 3+ years away from being a real contributor. Unforunately in the NBA, championship windows are very small and the Thunder can’t wait that long.

Adams will be a better rim protector than Olynyk – a reality even from day on in the league. But as you stated, that’s not what the Thunder need. They need someone who can score down low. As of now Westbrook and Durant have to make crazy plays every quarter in order to stay in the game. Olynyk is someone who could give them easy baskets.

[JamesBaker3195Participant]

They have a really young core they have plenty of time for a young big man to develop.

[JamesBaker3195Participant]

They have a really young core they have plenty of time for a young big man to develop.

[DolanCareParticipant]

You’re completely right. I love Adams as a prospect, but he is 3+ years away from being a real contributor. Unforunately in the NBA, championship windows are very small and the Thunder can’t wait that long.

Adams will be a better rim protector than Olynyk – a reality even from day on in the league. But as you stated, that’s not what the Thunder need. They need someone who can score down low. As of now Westbrook and Durant have to make crazy plays every quarter in order to stay in the game. Olynyk is someone who could give them easy baskets.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

Olynyk is the better fit because he has a offensive low post game, which they lack the most. The Thunders are trying to win right now, and Adams is a Projects.

[OhCanada-Participant]

It depends on what OKC wants to do. If they don’t mind being patient Adams is the correct pick. If they want their guy to contribute immediately Olynyk is thier pick. Personally I believe they have to pick the more NBA ready player, or else what are you showing Westbrook, Durant, Collison, Ibaka and Sefelosha?

[OhCanada-Participant]

It depends on what OKC wants to do. If they don’t mind being patient Adams is the correct pick. If they want their guy to contribute immediately Olynyk is thier pick. Personally I believe they have to pick the more NBA ready player, or else what are you showing Westbrook, Durant, Collison, Ibaka and Sefelosha?

[fcb206Participant]

Olynyk hands down. I think he is really underrated because of his so-so measurements and because he’s not much of an athlete. he has several NBA quality skills and I could see him being a productive center in this league for a long time. He’s not necesarily a “rim protector” but he is very polished as a team defender. Rotations, defending space and bodying up in the post he all does as well as any big in the draft. He has developed a reputation as a face the basket mid range shooter, but he has the most polished post offensive game in the draft. The big thing to me though is he is a really great passer, which is a valuable skill to have in a post player. I know his lack of length, poor foot speed and so-so hops are going to turn people off, but he’s got an NBA body, NBA polish, and he is also a gritty, competitive dude with a high IQ. He’s my favorite big in this draft. I know he doesnt have the size of Vlade Divac, but I see a very similar package of skills.

[fcb206Participant]

Olynyk hands down. I think he is really underrated because of his so-so measurements and because he’s not much of an athlete. he has several NBA quality skills and I could see him being a productive center in this league for a long time. He’s not necesarily a “rim protector” but he is very polished as a team defender. Rotations, defending space and bodying up in the post he all does as well as any big in the draft. He has developed a reputation as a face the basket mid range shooter, but he has the most polished post offensive game in the draft. The big thing to me though is he is a really great passer, which is a valuable skill to have in a post player. I know his lack of length, poor foot speed and so-so hops are going to turn people off, but he’s got an NBA body, NBA polish, and he is also a gritty, competitive dude with a high IQ. He’s my favorite big in this draft. I know he doesnt have the size of Vlade Divac, but I see a very similar package of skills.

[fastdanParticipant]

When it comes to C’s, GMs tend to fall in love with length, athleticism often forgetting about guys who have an already polished NBA skill set. Look at some of the best young(er) Cs in the league; Hibbert, Gasol, Lopez, Pekovic, Vucevic. All these guys came into the draft showing size and skill, but were overlooked because of perceived lack of upside.

Offensively skilled 7 footers rarely turn into busts, while athletic and raw ones seem to more often then not. GMs will, however, likely always draft the upside ones first.

[fastdanParticipant]

When it comes to C’s, GMs tend to fall in love with length, athleticism often forgetting about guys who have an already polished NBA skill set. Look at some of the best young(er) Cs in the league; Hibbert, Gasol, Lopez, Pekovic, Vucevic. All these guys came into the draft showing size and skill, but were overlooked because of perceived lack of upside.

Offensively skilled 7 footers rarely turn into busts, while athletic and raw ones seem to more often then not. GMs will, however, likely always draft the upside ones first.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

OKC had a top ten offense last year. I doubt Olynyk would make it much better. But frankly whichever player is better at convincing Brooks to stop playing Perkins will hands down be the better player for OKC. Slot any average NBA center into Perkins spot, and OKC becomes a top five offense without breaking a sweat. And they lose nothing on Defense since the average NBA center is better at rebounding, blocking shots and getting steals over Perkins.

[fastdanParticipant]

OKC was top 3 in every offensive statistical category. I suppose it’s a bit unrealistic to think that they need offensive improvement, but when your two C’s are absolutely terrible on that end of the floor, there is potentially for their offense to go from great to truly elite.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

I was thinking about traditional rankings like PTS per Game, where they were not top three. They also didn’t have a great FG% and they didn’t have a top three points per shot. But you are right when one looks at something like Offensive Rating, which they were second.

But I think the point remains, and you have to agree, that it is hard to improve when you are already very good. But OKC has a special situation because they are playing such a bad C in Perkins.

However, a low post scorer might not be as useful as that means the ball comes out of Westbrook and Durrant’s hands. Maybe an athletic finisher to grab lobs and dunk it would be a better fit.

In any case, they presumably lose K Mart to free agency this year and that will hurt their offense a lot since he was real good.

[fastdanParticipant]

Where are you getting your statistics?

PPG: 105.7 – 3rd in the league
FG % : 48.1% – 2nd
3 point % : 37.7 – 3rd
trips to the line/game – 26.8 – 2nd
FT made per game – 22.2 – 1st
points per 100 possessions – 112.4 – 1st

But I agree, improving on something that’s already very good is difficult. But, just for one example, on the fast break going from Perkins (probably worst transition C in the league) to Zeller (who projects to be very good at this right away), could be the difference of 1 FG/g. Also, having another big who can step out and hit it from 15-18 feet will really open up the lanes for WB/KD, as well as finding a few open jumpers per game. Someone who can create offense better then Perkins (the vast majority of Cs) while playing off Durant and Russ will undoubtedly improve their offense

But I see it unlikely they retain Martin, and while Lamb could do a good job, he won’t be as efficient. So I suspect any positives Zeller/Olynyk brings would probably be offset by the loss of efficieny from the Martin/Lamb change.

[fastdanParticipant]

Where are you getting your statistics?

PPG: 105.7 – 3rd in the league
FG % : 48.1% – 2nd
3 point % : 37.7 – 3rd
trips to the line/game – 26.8 – 2nd
FT made per game – 22.2 – 1st
points per 100 possessions – 112.4 – 1st

But I agree, improving on something that’s already very good is difficult. But, just for one example, on the fast break going from Perkins (probably worst transition C in the league) to Zeller (who projects to be very good at this right away), could be the difference of 1 FG/g. Also, having another big who can step out and hit it from 15-18 feet will really open up the lanes for WB/KD, as well as finding a few open jumpers per game. Someone who can create offense better then Perkins (the vast majority of Cs) while playing off Durant and Russ will undoubtedly improve their offense

But I see it unlikely they retain Martin, and while Lamb could do a good job, he won’t be as efficient. So I suspect any positives Zeller/Olynyk brings would probably be offset by the loss of efficieny from the Martin/Lamb change.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

I was thinking about traditional rankings like PTS per Game, where they were not top three. They also didn’t have a great FG% and they didn’t have a top three points per shot. But you are right when one looks at something like Offensive Rating, which they were second.

But I think the point remains, and you have to agree, that it is hard to improve when you are already very good. But OKC has a special situation because they are playing such a bad C in Perkins.

However, a low post scorer might not be as useful as that means the ball comes out of Westbrook and Durrant’s hands. Maybe an athletic finisher to grab lobs and dunk it would be a better fit.

In any case, they presumably lose K Mart to free agency this year and that will hurt their offense a lot since he was real good.

[fastdanParticipant]

OKC was top 3 in every offensive statistical category. I suppose it’s a bit unrealistic to think that they need offensive improvement, but when your two C’s are absolutely terrible on that end of the floor, there is potentially for their offense to go from great to truly elite.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

OKC had a top ten offense last year. I doubt Olynyk would make it much better. But frankly whichever player is better at convincing Brooks to stop playing Perkins will hands down be the better player for OKC. Slot any average NBA center into Perkins spot, and OKC becomes a top five offense without breaking a sweat. And they lose nothing on Defense since the average NBA center is better at rebounding, blocking shots and getting steals over Perkins.

[scliddiardParticipant]

I’d go with Adams, he is strong, athletic and his offense sounds like it is coming around, he has a big upside and is a true 5 and that is what OKC needs. Olynyk is too soft , if he could bang and play strong in the low block I’d love him over Adams but I don’t see that , he is more of a stretch 4 IMO and like others have said OKC have several stretch 4’s .

[scliddiardParticipant]

I’d go with Adams, he is strong, athletic and his offense sounds like it is coming around, he has a big upside and is a true 5 and that is what OKC needs. Olynyk is too soft , if he could bang and play strong in the low block I’d love him over Adams but I don’t see that , he is more of a stretch 4 IMO and like others have said OKC have several stretch 4’s .

[jacobkeyParticipant]

I feel like Olynyk would be an overreaction to Perkins. OKC doesn’t need a big man to be big time scorer, they just need someone who can finish around the rim and get a few post buckets a game. Adams can be that guy. Olynyk isn’t a great rebounder or defender.

[jacobkeyParticipant]

I feel like Olynyk would be an overreaction to Perkins. OKC doesn’t need a big man to be big time scorer, they just need someone who can finish around the rim and get a few post buckets a game. Adams can be that guy. Olynyk isn’t a great rebounder or defender.

[XYRYXParticipant]

I really love the idea of OKC picking Adams because I think he could turn out as a top 3 player out of this draft. On the other hand fcb206 made some really good points why Olynyk may be a better fit! As much as I like Ibaka he has no back to the basket game and absolutely no passing game and I really think this needs to be adressed. When you have KD, Russ and Kevin Martin on the roster who are all elite shooting and cutting to the basket, you need a low post player who has a back to the basket game and can throw out the rock.

So I like the Idea more and more of picking Olynyk who to me is very similar to a bigger Louis Scola. Plays grounded and is a very good passer and plays with grit. I always thought Olynyk might be kind of a waste as the 12th pick but honestly he might be the best fit as I said before. Why not take him, he is an instant upgrade and doesn’t need a lot of plays beeing run for him. He just needs the ball in the post or will score on putbacks and lob passes. One thing I’m sure about is that I trust Presti that he won’t srew it up. OKC soesn’t have a good record about drafting big (beside Ibaka) but Presti knows this is the last time for a while he will get a lottery pick and bacause the payrole won’t get any better, they need to take a big man this year with one of their picks.

Another scenario could be drafting a wing or even a point guard (I really hate the idea of trading someone like MCW) and draft or trade for Withey who can get them something similar.

People need to realise that moving Ibaka constantly to the 5 is still an option and an an upgrde at the two forward spots could make this team way more flexible and unpredictable.

[XYRYXParticipant]

I really love the idea of OKC picking Adams because I think he could turn out as a top 3 player out of this draft. On the other hand fcb206 made some really good points why Olynyk may be a better fit! As much as I like Ibaka he has no back to the basket game and absolutely no passing game and I really think this needs to be adressed. When you have KD, Russ and Kevin Martin on the roster who are all elite shooting and cutting to the basket, you need a low post player who has a back to the basket game and can throw out the rock.

So I like the Idea more and more of picking Olynyk who to me is very similar to a bigger Louis Scola. Plays grounded and is a very good passer and plays with grit. I always thought Olynyk might be kind of a waste as the 12th pick but honestly he might be the best fit as I said before. Why not take him, he is an instant upgrade and doesn’t need a lot of plays beeing run for him. He just needs the ball in the post or will score on putbacks and lob passes. One thing I’m sure about is that I trust Presti that he won’t srew it up. OKC soesn’t have a good record about drafting big (beside Ibaka) but Presti knows this is the last time for a while he will get a lottery pick and bacause the payrole won’t get any better, they need to take a big man this year with one of their picks.

Another scenario could be drafting a wing or even a point guard (I really hate the idea of trading someone like MCW) and draft or trade for Withey who can get them something similar.

People need to realise that moving Ibaka constantly to the 5 is still an option and an an upgrde at the two forward spots could make this team way more flexible and unpredictable.

[CynthiaParticipant]

Olynyk is a much better fit, he has exactly what they lack the most. The only way I see Steven Adams making sense is if they got rid of Perkins, but they aren’t going to get rid of Perkins, so having two defensive centers doesn’t make much sense when they will still lack post scoring that Zeller or Olynyk can provide.

[CynthiaParticipant]

Olynyk is a much better fit, he has exactly what they lack the most. The only way I see Steven Adams making sense is if they got rid of Perkins, but they aren’t going to get rid of Perkins, so having two defensive centers doesn’t make much sense when they will still lack post scoring that Zeller or Olynyk can provide.

[JNixonParticipant]

Olynyk would be a good fit for the thunder. Adams in the grand scheme of things isnt really ready to play and doesnt add much of anything that Perkins doesnt already do and not do. He’s just more athletic, and less game ready.

[JNixonParticipant]

Olynyk would be a good fit for the thunder. Adams in the grand scheme of things isnt really ready to play and doesnt add much of anything that Perkins doesnt already do and not do. He’s just more athletic, and less game ready.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

OKC can’t afford to take more projects right now. Olynyk seems to be someone who could help them right away. They need low post scoring.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

OKC can’t afford to take more projects right now. Olynyk seems to be someone who could help them right away. They need low post scoring.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

I have them taking Adams but Olynyk should be in the mix. It’s possible Olynyk extends his range out to the three point line and then you have a truly incredible offense with Durant and Westbrook able to drive the lanes nearly uncontested.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

I have them taking Adams but Olynyk should be in the mix. It’s possible Olynyk extends his range out to the three point line and then you have a truly incredible offense with Durant and Westbrook able to drive the lanes nearly uncontested.

[Marcus50cParticipant]

If OKC is looking for a stretch 4 then they go for Olynyk. If they are seriously looking for a genuine center to replace Perkins they go Adams. Adams is bigger and stronger and will be able to bang bodies inside whereas Olynyk more likely be forced to the outside

[Marcus50cParticipant]

If OKC is looking for a stretch 4 then they go for Olynyk. If they are seriously looking for a genuine center to replace Perkins they go Adams. Adams is bigger and stronger and will be able to bang bodies inside whereas Olynyk more likely be forced to the outside

[aramboneParticipant]

As a Celtics fan, I’d like to see Perk + pick 12 to Boston for KG (+ Fab Melo?)

after Pierce is traded, KG will definitely want out if he doesn’t already, and may see OKC as a great situation.
I don’t want to see KG traded to LAC and change that franchise for the better, not when boston now has LAC’s unprotected 2015 first rounder.

[aramboneParticipant]

As a Celtics fan, I’d like to see Perk + pick 12 to Boston for KG (+ Fab Melo?)

after Pierce is traded, KG will definitely want out if he doesn’t already, and may see OKC as a great situation.
I don’t want to see KG traded to LAC and change that franchise for the better, not when boston now has LAC’s unprotected 2015 first rounder.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I think they can get a little more for KG, given the Celtics would be receiving Perkins’ bad contract in return.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I think they can get a little more for KG, given the Celtics would be receiving Perkins’ bad contract in return.

[Author]

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