The Harden led Rockets folded their tents in round 1.

Anyhow, that was some crappy basketball in the second half and OT for the Thunder. KD seems to have regressed about 2 years in the last month.

Spurs deserved to win this game and win the series.

Can't get mad. They had the better team.

Spurs deserved to win this game and win the series.

Can't get mad. They had the better team.

The thing that is so frustrating is that the thunder players just kept making bad decisions, poor ball handling, and really bad shot selection. None of those had anything to do with the Spurs. What the Spurs did do was make OKC pay for those mistakes.

Thunder will never win a championship with a 2 man team. And coaching, good grief. At crunch time Duncan is eating Ibaka alive and Perkins sits.

I think we saw our last game with Brooks.

That was disappointing. KD and Russ got played out. The bench didn't step up. Coach needs to change his way of thinking. You have to adapt, improvise and over come. We got out coached and out played. Next step. Go Spurs. beat the heat.

So who wants to have the honor of starting the "What do Thunder need to change during the summer" Thread?

Weak bench. Durant not a killer. Coach slow to adjust.

Beat the Heat!

Spurs deserved to win this game and win the series.

Can't get mad. They had the better team.

Really? Thunder is up 2 with 19 seconds and Duncan fouls the crap out of Fish with no call and Genobli hits a 3? If the refs gets the call right and Fish hits the FTs we are up by 4 with 19 seconds and probably are going to SA for game 7. Tell me again how SA DESERVED to win this game.

Spurs were the best team all season, so no shame in losing a tough series.

We'll be better next season, even without substantial changes. Steven Adams will iimprove, as will almost everyone else.



Great season Thunder! We are so lucky to have them.

I think we saw our last game with Brooks.

If that were true I'd be OK with this season, but unfortunately, Brooks will be back next year.:mad:

Really? Thunder is up 2 with 19 seconds and Duncan fouls the crap out of Fish with no call and Genobli hits a 3? If the refs gets the call right and Fish hits the FTs we are up by 4 with 19 seconds and probably are going to SA for game 7. Tell me again how SA DESERVED to win this game.

They also let a goal tending foul by the Thunder pass. Granted it would have been a silly foul since that ball had no chance of actually going in.

It is what it is. Do you know how to not let fouls determine the outcome of the game? Don't play lousy the first three quarters. If SA played a little bit better which they did in the third quarter, it would have been a blowout by the Spurs.

Don't play lousy the first three quarters. If SA played a little bit better which they did in the third quarter, it would have been a blowout by the Spurs.

They didn't play lousy the first 3 quarters, they were ahead by 7 at halftime. And how could've SA played "a little better" better in the 3rd quarter, they outscored us by 17?

Do you know how to not let fouls determine the outcome of a game?

Don't let Fish play the entire 4th quarter and OT and switch on every PR so he is guarding Duncan or Diaw.

Bench Points

SA-51
OKC-5

Yeah, they were the better team. When Derek Fisher is your only source of offense of the bench, things aren't good.

Really? Thunder is up 2 with 19 seconds and Duncan fouls the crap out of Fish with no call and Genobli hits a 3? If the refs gets the call right and Fish hits the FTs we are up by 4 with 19 seconds and probably are going to SA for game 7. Tell me again how SA DESERVED to win this game.

Westbrook and Durant were 1 of 12 in overtime. There is your defeat.

We could cherry pick calls all through the game favoring one side or the other, but I have to agree with others that the Spurs deserved the win. Pop is a great playoff coach.

The Thunder had a great season and I imagine many more are ahead of this team.

They didn't play lousy the first 3 quarters, they were ahead by 7 at halftime. And how could've SA played "a little better" better in the 3rd quarter, they outscored us by 17?

Do you know how to not let fouls determine the outcome of a game?

Don't let Fish play the entire 4th quarter and OT and switch on every PR so he is guarding Duncan or Diaw.

Both teams played lousy the first half. The Spurs missed a lot open shots(and they had a lot of opportunities since the Thunder couldnt rebound tonight). If the same SA team showed up that played games 1,2, and 5 it would have been a blowout.

The Thunder didnt play any worse the 3rd quarter. Sa just finally starting making baskets. Thats what I meant by a little better.

I think we saw our last game with Brooks.

You really think that Durant will let that happen? I agree that something needs to be done but I just don't see KD allowing Brooks to be thrown under the bus. I also think that Westbrook is just playing out his contract and then he's a Laker, unless something dramatic happens.

I think we saw our last game with Brooks.

Nah. He was out coached by the best in the business. No shame in that.

Perhaps, had he put Lamb, PJ3, Fish, and Butler into the game during the first half and given his top four a chance to rest, then those top four might not have run out of gas during the OT...

But hindsight is usually 20/20, and it's much easier to coach from the crowd than from the bench. The question is "What did he learn from this?" or maybe "Did he learn at all?"

I think that Presti and the owners see what we see. The question is, is there something they see that we don't? I actually think Brooks will be fired. I know KD loves him, but I suspect KD also wants to win and if Brooks isn't getting it done, the players know that as well. They see it from a different vantage point than us, but they also know a lot more about basketball than we do too and they watch a hell of a lot of tape. If management doesn't fire Brooks, it's not about the money, which I've heard some people say. It's either because they can't find anyone they think will do a better job or they see/know something we don't.

I was thinking KD's relationship with Brooks would keep Scotty around until for the first time I saw KD forcefully lash out at him late in the 4th quarter for calling a timeout. That, to me, was telling and makes me think KD has become frustrated with Brooks' coaching.

I was thinking KD's relationship with Brooks would keep Scotty around until for the first time I saw KD forcefully lash out at him late in the 4th quarter for calling a timeout. That, to me, was telling and makes me think KD has become frustrated with Brooks' coaching.

I agree. That was the first time on public display that Durant was PISSED at Brooks. And I agree that we should not have called a TO during that moment. We had a chance to go up in the game with the momentum.

Another one was when KD had to tell Brooks to get Ibaka out of the game at the end of game 4.

I don't say much. Last night I got really disgusted with the announcers when they kept saying there was no contribution from "the bench". I saw some of this in the conversation this morning. I would like to point out that the "bench" can't score when the "bench" is sitting on their behinds on the bench and not allowed to play by their coach. Give the "bench" a break.

Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Thunder

https://sp2.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608046590505451546&pid=15.1

for a competitive NBA season.

http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

I think that Presti and the owners see what we see. The question is, is there something they see that we don't? I actually think Brooks will be fired. I know KD loves him, but I suspect KD also wants to win and if Brooks isn't getting it done, the players know that as well. They see it from a different vantage point than us, but they also know a lot more about basketball than we do too and they watch a hell of a lot of tape. If management doesn't fire Brooks, it's not about the money, which I've heard some people say. It's either because they can't find anyone they think will do a better job or they see/know something we don't.

I don't think they'll fire a coach who won 58 games. And that's 58 games with three of the starters missing close to 75 games. I do think they'll request Brooks get an assistant who is savvy on the motion/passing offense and insist that Brooks turn over the offensive game planning to this guy. I also think they'll go about beefing up the bench and maybe bust the salary cap a bit.

There is one coach in the league who is in love with Perkins and Sefalosha and that's Thibideux at Chicago. I think it's possible if Thibs thinks Derrick Rose can come back he'll trade Hinrich and maybe even Carlos Boozer for Perkins, Sef and either Caron Butler or a draft pick. Sefalosha is good friends with Noah and Perkins has always been a Thibs favorite. Boozer's relationship in Chicago is a little strained. Could be a possibility.

Although I think Boozer would be a nice fit (moving Serge to the 5) there are a couple of holes in your theory:

1. Butler is a FA as of this morning.
2. Sefolosha is a FA as of this morning.
3. Perkins is a C and the Bulls have no need for both Perkins and Noah.

I don't say much. Last night I got really disgusted with the announcers when they kept saying there was no contribution from "the bench". I saw some of this in the conversation this morning. I would like to point out that the "bench" can't score when the "bench" is sitting on their behinds on the bench and not allowed to play by their coach. Give the "bench" a break.

Idk whether to LOL or ask SERIOUSLY?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

I'm no basketball expert; there are certainly many on this thread that know a lot more than I do (meant sincerely, not sarcastically). What pleases me is NOT seeing on the news today cars being overturned and burning, windows smashed, etc. I hope and pray you never turn into that kind of a "big league" city.

I'm no basketball expert; there are certainly many on this thread that know a lot more than I do (meant sincerely, not sarcastically). What pleases me is NOT seeing on the news today cars being overturned and burning, windows smashed, etc. I hope and pray you never turn into that kind of a "big league" city.

Really? How often does that happen in "Big League" city besides LA? Those people are looking for any reason to riot.

Just as a small reminder that one of our "bench" players, Jackson, was playing on the first team this round. He usually does score a few points as the 2nd team PG.

San Antonio definitely trusted their bench to get the job done, whereas we threw guys in sheepishly. Role players for the Spurs knew exactly what was expected of them in their time on the court and played accordingly. We put in guys and just kind of said, "Try to make something happen, will you?" That's where not having any kind of half-court offense really hurts us. Superstars like KD and Russ can get off on any given night and win you some games; role players need exactly that -- a role to play.

Although I think Boozer would be a nice fit (moving Serge to the 5) there are a couple of holes in your theory:

1. Butler is a FA as of this morning.
2. Sefolosha is a FA as of this morning.
3. Perkins is a C and the Bulls have no need for both Perkins and Noah.

Good point!

Perkins wouldn't be welcome in Chicago.

You recall when Sefolosha brought Joakim Noah into the Thunder's locker room:

Joakim Noah and Kendrick Perkins exchanged words in Thunder locker room.

They just let anybody in the locker room?” Perkins asked Noah, according to The Oklahoman. After Noah volunteered to leave if his presence was unwanted, Perkins replied: “Get your a– up out of here.”

Kendrick Perkins tells Joakim Noah to 'get your a-- up out' of Thunder locker room | The Point Forward - SI.com (http://nba.si.com/2013/12/20/kendrick-perkins-joakim-noah-locker-room-exchange-thunder-bulls/)



http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Good point!

Perkins wouldn't be welcome in Chicago.

You recall when Sefolosha brought Joakim Noah into the Thunder's locker room:

Joakim Noah and Kendrick Perkins exchanged words in Thunder locker room.

They just let anybody in the locker room?” Perkins asked Noah, according to The Oklahoman. After Noah volunteered to leave if his presence was unwanted, Perkins replied: “Get your a– up out of here.”

Kendrick Perkins tells Joakim Noah to 'get your a-- up out' of Thunder locker room | The Point Forward - SI.com (http://nba.si.com/2013/12/20/kendrick-perkins-joakim-noah-locker-room-exchange-thunder-bulls/)



http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Thibs was crazy about Perkins in Boston. I think that little dust up was just for show.

I don't know if it was as much for show as it was an old-school move. Perkins works hard to cultivate the us-against-them team mentality and doesn't go for the new-age buddy-buddy hugs after games and say-sweet-things-in-post-game-interviews stuff that's so pervasive in the league these days. He's not in it to make friends. I didn't take that as anything personal with Noah or Chicago; it was just snarling protect-this-house attitude.

I should be paid by the hyphen for that post.

There is almost no chance that brooks gets fired. It is not his fault that we didn't box out and that we had too many turnovers against the best team in the league.

Perk will also be back.

We have the full mid level to offer as well as the bi annual and 2 draft picks.

The bench for OKC will necessarily look a lot different next year.

The most telling stat I saw regarding game 6 was bench points: SA 51, OKC 5.

Yikes.

I think the way the OKC bench was constructed is reflective of the way OKC's offense is designed - its very much oriented to getting KD and RW their looks, getting into gaps and spacing, with someone like an Ibaka as an "extra option." I don't know enough about bkb to say that's bad or good, it's just the way it is as best I can tell. Since there is really no formal system, eg they don't really run the "XYZ" offense, you get a bench of role players. And that's zactly what OKC has.

I think, in contrast, SA relies on their system. Ball movement. Structure. Move the ball around enough times with enough speed because you trust that system, and you know someone is going to get open, someone will blow a defensive assignment. It's a system that has allowed a bunch of guys to contend for an NBA title/division for a lot of years. Their reliance on the structure of their system is one of the reasons Pop didn't even bother trying to recompete in Game 4 when OKC got on a roll and out-everything SA - Popovich wasn't going to waste energy or minutes trying to get his athletes to "out-athlete" OKC's best. He didn't need to. He was willing to live or die by his system, and he won.

I don't know how much formal offensive structure you can insinuate into what OKC does. I heard someone mention whether KD should develop some sort of low-post presence, but if he does, does that take away opportunities for those little off-the-key floaters he tosses up? Is RW really still RW if he's following a more heavily structured offensive system? Don't know. Others who know bkb better than I do will have to answer that one.

Best I can see is that we try to get at least one more solid, two-way player, someone hopefully with some post presence to give what OKC does run some additional options. I, personally, am hoping against hope SA wins the whole thing now, because I think if they do, a lot of their senior players will hang it up :)

Just have to see how next year unfolds, I s'pose.

The bench for OKC will necessarily look a lot different next year.

The most telling stat I saw regarding game 6 was bench points: SA 51, OKC 5.

Yikes.

I think the way the OKC bench was constructed is reflective of the way OKC's offense is designed - its very much oriented to getting KD and RW their looks, getting into gaps and spacing, with someone like an Ibaka as an "extra option." I don't know enough about bkb to say that's bad or good, it's just the way it is as best I can tell. Since there is really no formal system, eg they don't really run the "XYZ" offense, you get a bench of role players. And that's zactly what OKC has.

I think, in contrast, SA relies on their system. Ball movement. Structure. Move the ball around enough times with enough speed because you trust that system, and you know someone is going to get open, someone will blow a defensive assignment. It's a system that has allowed a bunch of guys to contend for an NBA title/division for a lot of years. Their reliance on the structure of their system is one of the reasons Pop didn't even bother trying to recompete in Game 4 when OKC got on a roll and out-everything SA - Popovich wasn't going to waste energy or minutes trying to get his athletes to "out-athlete" OKC's best. He didn't need to. He was willing to live or die by his system, and he won.

I don't know how much formal offensive structure you can insinuate into what OKC does. I heard someone mention whether KD should develop some sort of low-post presence, but if he does, does that take away opportunities for those little off-the-key floaters he tosses up? Is RW really still RW if he's following a more heavily structured offensive system? Don't know. Others who know bkb better than I do will have to answer that one.

Best I can see is that we try to get at least one more solid, two-way player, someone hopefully with some post presence to give what OKC does run some additional options. I, personally, am hoping against hope SA wins the whole thing now, because I think if they do, a lot of their senior players will hang it up :)

Just have to see how next year unfolds, I s'pose.

This is a very well reasoned reply.
We are not a back to the basket or run an offense through the center team.
Memphis is, the Clippers are, Trailblazers are, and somewhat the Spurs are.
The Heat, for most of their plays are not and we are not.
We take advantage of the mobility and the special skills of our superstars.

With that comes the exposure of our weaknesses, which is mainly Durant has
certain strength issues and at times, our offense, because the players are not
in constant motion, becomes stagnant.

If Durant developed a low post presence like LeBron or Carmelo, they'd quit guarding
him with little guys and he'd quit getting the ball stripped.

Russell Westbrook is a fantastic point guard. Three triple doubles in the playoffs? And,
he's still learning. If Russ had a reliable non-Perk center and/or a JJ Redick outside shooter
he'd average 11 assists per game. Hopefully, Steven Adams will develop like I think to be
the "Lob City" equivalent of DeAndre Jordan. Adams is already a better passer.

I think Mark Stein is right on most of his points: Summer Scoop: Thunder's road ahead - Marc Stein Blog - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/2475/summer-scoop-thunders-road-ahead)

I don't see the Thunder making any big moves, but you never know with Presti. The Thunder have a decent number of okay assets (PJ3, Lamb, Roberson, two 1st round picks), but I really think the team just needs to add a more consistent two-way bench player that can hit 3s and space the floor. Ideally, the Thunder can land a vet chasing a ring on a minimum deal. They could just re-sign Caron Butler who was good in the regular season, but largely disappeared in the playoffs. However, any vet takes away minutes from any of the young guys getting the experience needed to develop. It's very possible the Thunder stand pat until the trade deadline in the spring and make a move then if necessary.

Aaron Afflalo.

Aaron Afflalo.

He would be ideal. He's a great 3 point shooter and a pretty good all around player. But... he doesn't fit in financially unless (a) we trade/don't re-sign someone like Reggie or (b) plan on going way over the tax (not happening), right? Or is the tax line rising enough that we could get creative and get under it with him? Orlando's GM is Rob Hennigan, who came up in the Thunder organization. Maybe he'd take a young player (PJ3 or Lamb) and a 2-3 draft picks for him. He has 7.3 million due to him next season with a player option for the season after. He might choose to turn down his player option because he's underpaid currently. He's on a relatively cheap contract considering his production. Man, he could be the missing piece. I'd love to see it.

I'm no basketball expert; there are certainly many on this thread that know a lot more than I do (meant sincerely, not sarcastically). What pleases me is NOT seeing on the news today cars being overturned and burning, windows smashed, etc. I hope and pray you never turn into that kind of a "big league" city.

Is this a joke or serious? Honestly asking because I can't remember one time an NBA team was eliminated from the playoffs resulted in anything close to what you're describing. Do you have even one example?

I'm no basketball expert; there are certainly many on this thread that know a lot more than I do (meant sincerely, not sarcastically). What pleases me is NOT seeing on the news today cars being overturned and burning, windows smashed, etc. I hope and pray you never turn into that kind of a "big league" city.


We're in the infancy stages of a 'Big League City'.

One of the finder qualities that brought me back to Oklahoma City was the sincere heart and hospitality of her people (true friendships). Oklahoma City is a jewel of a city; she doesn't attempt to attract attention nor does she act a fool. OKC doesn't tolerate foolishness!


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Is this a joke or serious? Honestly asking because I can't remember one time an NBA team was eliminated from the playoffs resulted in anything close to what you're describing. Do you have even one example?

He must think every city is full of Vancouver hockey fans.

Thibs was crazy about Perkins in Boston. I think that little dust up was just for show.

Seriously Stan, Who in the 'hell' is Thibs?

You know that Perkins sometimes comes off as somewhat of a bully. Must admit, he has yet to back down or blink!

His opponents probably will never know and they are not to testy to challenge him to find out. Perkins has learned how to play 'big bad wolf with his opponents.' His bark is probably more lethal than his bite. If looks could kill :evilsmile; then you don't want to mess with Kendrick Perkins. He stared down Memphis' Mighty Jo Z-Bo and sent Tayshaun Prince walking in the other direction.

The Thunder needed an 'enforcer' on the team and Kendrick Perkins is the perfect mold for that role character. He does need to step up his game and become more of a threat under the basket. Since his injury, it doesn't appear that he can jump 6 inches off the ground.

Trending: Fisher to coach Knicks or Lakers?

Sources: Lakers cool on Derek Fisher, who is Knicks' top head-coaching target

Y! SPORTS (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--lakers-cool-on-derek-fisher--who-is-knicks--top-head-coaching-target-172421527.html)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Thibs = Tom Thibodeau, coach of the Bulls and former Celtics assistant

I'm no basketball expert; there are certainly many on this thread that know a lot more than I do (meant sincerely, not sarcastically). What pleases me is NOT seeing on the news today cars being overturned and burning, windows smashed, etc. I hope and pray you never turn into that kind of a "big league" city.

Please tell when this has happened in an NBA series loss ? I can think of some college students going nuts and acting this way during the NCAA Playoffs (usually with a little liquid courage), but not in the NBA ???

Seriously Stan, Who in the 'hell' is Thibs?

You know that Perkins sometimes comes off as somewhat of a bully. Must admit, he has yet to back down or blink!

His opponents probably will never know and they are not to testy to challenge him to find out. Perkins has learned how to play 'big bad wolf with his opponents.' His bark is probably more lethal than his bite. If looks could kill :evilsmile; then you don't want to mess with Kendrick Perkins. He stared down Memphis' Mighty Jo Z-Bo and sent Tayshaun Prince walking in the other direction.

The Thunder needed an 'enforcer' on the team and Kendrick Perkins is the perfect mold for that role character. He does need to step up his game and become more of a threat under the basket. Since his injury, it doesn't appear that he can jump 6 inches off the ground.

Trending: Fisher to coach Knicks or Lakers?

Sources: Lakers cool on Derek Fisher, who is Knicks' top head-coaching target

Y! SPORTS (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--lakers-cool-on-derek-fisher--who-is-knicks--top-head-coaching-target-172421527.html)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Against back to the basket players, Perkins has value. But not what we're playing, on a minutes basis. If we could somehow trade Perkins for Boozer we'd have an enforcer with offensive moves.

Against back to the basket players, Perkins has value. But not what we're playing, on a minutes basis. If we could somehow trade Perkins for Boozer we'd have an enforcer with offensive moves.

Boozer? Nah!

You're going to need something stronger than coffee to get that deal done. Boozer is making more than Ibaka...

Kendrick Perkins ($8,727,437) Oklahoma City Thunder 2014 Team Roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
Carlos Boozer ($15,300,000) Chicago Bulls 2014 Team Roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls)

Greivis Vasquez ($2,150,188 - Toronto)? Would make a good backup point guard. Move Westbrook over to the 2 (Shooting guard). He is familiar with Kevin Durant (both played for Montrose Christian School, D.C. area).




http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Boozer makes $16.3 million next season... No thanks. That's just an absolutely awful contract for a player that's really deteriorated.

Would you trade him for the son of a pro boxer - Marcin Gortat - who makes $ 7.7 million? Or do you think Gortat lacks the enforcer type physique?

Stop trying to move Russ to the 2. He is close to being the best pg in the league

Geez no kidding. Enough already.

He would be ideal. He's a great 3 point shooter and a pretty good all around player. But... he doesn't fit in financially unless (a) we trade/don't re-sign someone like Reggie or (b) plan on going way over the tax (not happening), right? Or is the tax line rising enough that we could get creative and get under it with him? Orlando's GM is Rob Hennigan, who came up in the Thunder organization. Maybe he'd take a young player (PJ3 or Lamb) and a 2-3 draft picks for him. He has 7.3 million due to him next season with a player option for the season after. He might choose to turn down his player option because he's underpaid currently. He's on a relatively cheap contract considering his production. Man, he could be the missing piece. I'd love to see it.

Would rather push for Avery Bradley. He just finished his Rookie contract with Boston, and they're looking to totally revamp the team. I bet they'll let him walk if they don't get a really good deal on him. The dude plays great defense and can also create his own shot. Literally exactly what we need at the 2…and he's young.

Only down-side is his injury history.

Stop trying to move Russ to the 2. He is close to being the best pg in the league
He's my favorite Thunder player; however he doesn't play like a true point guard. The advantage you would have moving Westbrook to the shooting guard (two); he can attack from the left or the right side of the court. He and K. D. can give you that balance from any side of the court. Russell is a great passer, he doesn't like to distribute. His biggest weakness is driving into a trap and then trying to pass the ball back out or cross zone; this results in wild shots or turnovers which allows the opponents to fast break.

Thabo [$3.9 million*] played great defense; but let's face it, he's not a two.

If Russ maintains consistent play; yes, he would be the best point guard in the league. Russell Westbrook sometimes can be as 'bull headed' as any player can get (unpredictable). When Russell Westbrook is hitting on all cylinders; the Thunder looks great--when Westbrook is out-of-control; the Thunder looks bad.


https://sp2.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HB.149818317434&pid=15.1
[*$2.2 million]? Greivis Vasquez (Age 27) 6'6" 211lbs., would make a good point guard/shooting guard or back up.
2014 Toronto - Stats: 9.6 PPG, 85% Free Throws, 2.2 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists Per Game.

Greivis Vasquez Stats - Toronto Raptors - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4291/greivis-vasquez)

Toronto Raptors 2014 Team Roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors)

Vasquez (6'6") is not afraid to shoot or drive the ball to the basket. You could probably sign this guy for $2.5 - $3.0 million. Get this guy while he is available.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

If Russ were going to move the 2, which he's not, why wouldn't Reggie just play PG? Tony Parker isn't a traditional PG. Is everyone complaining about him? Russ is actually a pretty solid passer and his assist numbers back it up. And, Thabo is definitely a 2. Just not a very good one.

I could see us running a system where Reggie and Russ have somewhat interchangeable roles to take advantage of what the defense gives. Our offensive system needs improvement, but Russ doesn't need to move positions in my opinion. He has probably been the second best player in the playoffs behind LeBron all while playing PG.

I like Greivis Vasquez. He was a high school teammate of Durant's. Then try for Aaron Affalo, college teammate of Westbrook's. If you get those two the second team becomes better and they can mix in with the first team as needed. I don't know who we'd trade to Orlando for Affalo unless they'd want Pleiss and PJ and a draft pick.

Afflalo wouldn't fit in our trade exception so we'd have to trade back some contracts... Who else besides Perk? I just don't see how that deal happens. I'd love to have Afflalo though. He'd really help space the floor.

What's this Latvian talk I'm hearing?

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Here is an early congrats to the San Antonio Spurs! Thanks for finally ending Miami's streak!

But, Thunder will win it all next season! lol