[HotSnotParticipant]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3913301

Sam Presti has been one of the better GM’s in the NBA over the past few years.  He’s rarely made a mistake.  He’s been patient and methodical.  In hindsight (which is always a pain) I think rescinding this trade was his one giant mistake that has setback OKC’s metoric rise to championship contender.  OKC is still fantastic… but what could have been?  Without Chandler Dallas doesn’t win a championship this year.  His athleticism and intensity was a real game changer and he handles every center in the league straight up… and wins those battles more often then not. 

I watch Perkins frequently fumble and stumble his feet while trying to back his man down on Offense. He looks awkward. You just cant trust him with touches on that side of the court.  He’s not fast enough or athletic enough for easy putbacks and lobs.  On D he’s above average at his peak but he’s no Chandler.

An OKC starting lineup of Westbrook, Harden, Durant, Ibaka and Chandler with Maynor, Sefolosha, Green and Collison off the bench would have been a hell of a lineup both offensively and defensively.  A truely athletically dominant team.

With that lineup you have to believe OKC might have had the horses to get it done this past season….

By trading for Chandler there’s a good chance the Perkins trade never happens and OKC gets to hang onto Green and there future 1st rounder they game up in the trade.  OKC would still be faced with resigning Green and Chandler this offseason or they could have always traded them… used the cap space to go for big names.  If the lockout lasts an entire season then what perfect trade chips to include in a deal for some of the giant names available for next season… the important thing is OKC would have had options. 

What might have been?

[aamir543Participant]

Who did was OKC supposed to send in that trade?

[aamir543Participant]

Who did was OKC supposed to send in that trade?

[CalipariParticipant]

The Thunder sent Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox for Chandler. However, I know its nitpicking, but say they acquire Chandler and the butterfly effect leads to OKC not getting the 3rd pick in 09. They might not even have Harden. Some of the other options could form a good lineup, say Derozan, but you never know. Also, I’m not sure, but did Chris Wilcox or Joe Smith lead to any other acquisitions later down the line…

[CalipariParticipant]

The Thunder sent Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox for Chandler. However, I know its nitpicking, but say they acquire Chandler and the butterfly effect leads to OKC not getting the 3rd pick in 09. They might not even have Harden. Some of the other options could form a good lineup, say Derozan, but you never know. Also, I’m not sure, but did Chris Wilcox or Joe Smith lead to any other acquisitions later down the line…

[aamir543Participant]

No, but if not Harden, who would they take? And would Chandler make them that much better? Maybe they get the 6th or 7th pick, so maybe they move Westbook to the 2 and take Curry, or Jennings, or possibly Rubio. It’s even possible that they could have ended up with Evans, or just maybe Griffin. Who knows. I just know that Sam Presti is a frickin genius to come up with that trade, and get it to the brink. I am telling you, anyone from the Spurs pedigree is a freat hire.

[aamir543Participant]

No, but if not Harden, who would they take? And would Chandler make them that much better? Maybe they get the 6th or 7th pick, so maybe they move Westbook to the 2 and take Curry, or Jennings, or possibly Rubio. It’s even possible that they could have ended up with Evans, or just maybe Griffin. Who knows. I just know that Sam Presti is a frickin genius to come up with that trade, and get it to the brink. I am telling you, anyone from the Spurs pedigree is a freat hire.

[Author]

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