There has been surprisingly little conversation here about a season that's getting ready to start. Anyone have any thoughts on the upcoming season?

Westbrook still isnt' certain about being ready for the first game.

http://newsok.com/russell-westbrook-still-uncertain-on-return-date/article/3887381

I hope they suck!

Go Magic! :D

Going to all hinge on Westbrook's health...If he ain't Westbrook then I see an 8 seed in our future

Going to all hinge on Westbrook's health...If he ain't Westbrook then I see an 8 seed in our future

I think he'll start the last pre-season game. The miniscus tear is the easiest to recover from. Some players, usually late career, have had the operation and returned in just a couple or weeks. Artest did this a couple of years back.

I think the Thunder are going to have another great season. Russ may not be back to start the season, but I expect him to get back to his old self sometime in the first month or so. I'm also looking forward to seeing Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb play. I think they'll play key roles in how our season turns out. I know a lot of the national media types have made a big deal out of the Thunder not re-signing Kevin Martin, but I have to believe that if the Thunder were really worried about it, they would have made more of an effort to sign him or find a replacement. Since they didn't, that makes me think that they feel pretty good about the guys they already have.

63-19

64-18

I'm going with 58-24 and hoping for better. Russ' health and the improvement of Serge, Reggie, and Lamb are all key variables in my mind. I'm ready to see what we can do.

Guys...this is not a prediction thread for OU/TX

As an OSU fan...that wasn't my goal.

I hope they suck!

Go Magic! :D

Well, nobody here has to hope for the Magic to suck. We know they'll suck. ;)

Russell had surgery on his knee again to reduce swelling. Projected to be out the first 4-6 weeks of season.

Russell had surgery on his knee again to reduce swelling. Projected to be out the first 4-6 weeks of season.

the surgery also confirmed that the mcl repair he had done this summer was 100% a success

Well, nobody here has to hope for the Magic to suck. We know they'll suck. ;)

Haha, very funny!

Just bought my Magic-Thunder ticket! :D

the surgery also confirmed that the mcl repair he had done this summer was 100% a success

Not an MCL repair. It was a meniscus repair. He did not sustain damage to any ligaments requiring surgery...only cartilage.

Not an MCL repair. It was a meniscus repair. He did not sustain damage to any ligaments requiring surgery...only cartilage.

you are right thank you for the correction ... clearly that was major mistake ..

More troubling news...Really bad we don't have Harden around as another scorer

http://m.newsok.com/surgeon-says-injury-will-absolutely-impact-russell-westbrooks-game/article/3889003



“What do they say about real estate,” Klapper continued. “Location, location, location. When we are talking about the lateral meniscus, the meniscus on the outside of your knee, versus the medial meniscus, the difference between the two is the lateral meniscus gets all the rotational pivoting when you make maneuvers. And that is Russell Westbrook’s game. It’s not just a pounding structure, it’s actually a rotatory stabilizer. So his game is absolutely going to be impacted because it’s the lateral meniscus and not the medial meniscus.”

I hate ESPN.

There is zero reason to distrust Presti when he says: "He has been pain-free and has performed at a high level during practice but has experience recent swelling that had not subsided...During the procedure it was determined that the source of swelling was due to a loose stitch, and fortunately we were able to confirm that the meniscus has healed properly."

And also: "Although we lost a little bit of time, we gained a tremendous amount of confidence in the recovery and the knee itself," Presti said.

If there was any doubt about this, Presti would not be couching this in these terms, not even the most inept front office personnel would take a lie to this extent.

Westbrook will be fine and he'll come back, be rusty, but once he knocks that off, be back to his normal self.

Hopefully OKC has learned how to play within an offensive system by that point.

Nobody should get themselves in a tizzy over what some "expert" ESPiN is pushing out there.

I am going to take the word of the doctor that actually performed the surgery over a quack on TV comparing kneecaps to pies. But if you want to FREAK OUT and proclaim the season over, by all means take some Xanax and go cry in a corner. Seriously, I think RW will be just fine.

I'm sure he will be fine as well but just how aggressive Westbrook 2.0 will be remains to be seen

And I haven't spotted anyone freaking out on here...Just some not quite as optimistic as others since my man Westbrook is not a jump shooter

I am curious if his insistence to finish the game versus Houston injured him more than if he would have stopped playing when he hit Beverly.

I am curious if his insistence to finish the game versus Houston injured him more than if he would have stopped playing when he hit Beverly.It probably didn't help that he kept playing. But there most likely would have been surgery either way. If they're giving us the straight scoop the current situation is an after effect of the original surgery, not the original injury.

More troubling news...Really bad we don't have Harden around as another scorer

Orthopedic surgeon says injury will impact Russell Westbrook moving forward | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/surgeon-says-injury-will-absolutely-impact-russell-westbrooks-game/article/3889003)


He wouldn't sign the contract extension though as 13/14 million a year wasn't enough. That just means other guys have to step up and play better.

He wouldn't sign the contract extension though as 13/14 million a year wasn't enough. That just means other guys have to step up and play better.

Not only that, he was able to get the 5 year contract exception from Houston, where Westbrook got our 5 year contract. It was all about the money, kind of don't blame him.

He wouldn't sign the contract extension though as 13/14 million a year wasn't enough. That just means other guys have to step up and play better.

Most definitely several players will need to ramp up their scoring but ole KD will never see an open jump shot without Westbrook in there...He will have two to three bodyguards escorting him at all times until Westbrook gets going again lol

Vegas odds for the season.

Vegas oddsmakers still project the Thunder as Western Conference playoff favorites | News OK (http://newsok.com/vegas-projects-the-thunder-as-western-conference-favorites/article/3890926)

Western Conference


1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 11/4 odds
2. Los Angeles Clippers – 4/1 odds
3. San Antonio Spurs – 9/2 odds
4. Houston Rockets – 11/2 odds
5. Golden State Warriors – 13/1 odds
6. Memphis Grizzlies – 15/1 odds
7. Dallas Mavericks – 15/1 odds
8. Denver Nuggets – 22/1 odds
9. Los Angeles Lakers – 35/1 odds
10. Minnesota Timberwolves – 50/1 odds
11. New Orleans Pelicans – 50/1 odds
12. Portland Trail Blazers – 65/1 odds
13. Sacramento Kings – 90/1 odds
14. Utah Jazz – 90/1 odds
15. Phoenix Suns – 250/1 odds

I was watching this recap of the Thunder/Sixers pre-season game


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=japUyCCqS4g

and I heard the narrator say something quite interesting:

"... they're watching Durant drive and kick out to Jeremy Lin who gets it back to Durant..."

Holy cow, he has Jeremy Lin on the Thunder now!

Of course, he meant to say Jeremy Lamb. But he clearly says Lin. Had something else on his mind, I guess.

Thought he said Jeremy Limb.

Most definitely several players will need to ramp up their scoring but ole KD will never see an open jump shot without Westbrook in there...He will have two to three bodyguards escorting him at all times until Westbrook gets going again lol
Hopefully Ibaka actually develops a real back-to-the-basket game that takes some pressure off.

Daniel Orton waived by the Thunder.

I revise my win statement to 57 games...cause losing Daniel Orton is huge (sarcasm...since it's not catching on).

Not really something I wanted to post:

Kendrick Perkins Accused Of Assault - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/23661424/kendrick-perkins-arrested)

Apparently it happened on July 20th...why just now come out with it. Who knows...

Well that's annoying....but it's not really going to result in anything.

Yeah, I don't think it will either. I'm trying to play out the scene in my head and I know that if I had been there, I would have been filming it and laughing my butt off!

Those morons over on ESPN are claiming Miami is winning it all this year, next year, the year after etc. That network is a total joke. At least NBA TV analysts think that someone from the East this season (Chicago/Indiana/Brooklyn) could beat the Heat.

I'm a bit optimistic on the Thunder's chances this year. They may be a #3 or #4 seed this year in the playoffs. Lets hope Russ gets back to 110% and Durant shoots lights out etc.

If they end up a 3 seed, I'll be happy. I think it's gonna be a dog fight for that 8th spot and that the top 4 seeds may only be separated by 1.5 games each. As for the prediction about the Heat, if they stay intact, that very well could be the case.

Well that's annoying....but it's not really going to result in anything.

Yep, chances are, everybody within a 2 mile radius of that bar was drunk out of their mind and won't be a reliable witness to anything. Look for this one to be settled out of court since Perk wants to get it over with and back to playing basketball.

they are going to win 60 again

Oklahoma City Thunder to rebuild basketball courts at three schools destroyed by tornado - NBA News | FOX Sports on MSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/oklahoma-city-thunder-rebuild-basketball-courts-three-schools-destroyed-tornado-101313)


The communities near Oklahoma City hit hard by the May 20 tornado can say that “Thunder cares” is more than just a phrase used by the NBA club to burnish its image.

On Sunday, the Thunder announced the club will rebuild three outdoor basketball courts at schools destroyed by the tornado. Briarwood Elementary, Plaza Towers Elementary and Highland East Junior High School will get new courts, featuring a Thunder look. The funds are coming from the Thunder Cares Foundation.

Oklahoma City Thunder to rebuild basketball courts at three schools destroyed by tornado - NBA News | FOX Sports on MSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/oklahoma-city-thunder-rebuild-basketball-courts-three-schools-destroyed-tornado-101313)

That is nice and all but what is a Thunder look?

That is nice and all but what is a Thunder look?

I believe they've done a court at a local park, and put their logo at center court.....

I believe they've done a court at a local park, and put their logo at center court.....

Stupid idea unless the Thunder team is playing on it

Stupid idea unless the Thunder team is playing on itI would bet the kids that will be playing on them disagree with you. And the kids is what it's all about.

Stupid idea unless the Thunder team is playing on it

??? You make no sense at all.....

??? You make no sense at all.....

Not really because some kids could be a fan of other team and refuse to play on it because they hate the Thunder and refuse to play on the court because of the Thunder logo on the court so that is why it is a stupid idea

I really don't think most kids are as petty as this. And if they are, they need to get over it.

Of course, if you are concerned about neutrality on youth basketball courts, you are more than welcome to put up your own money to build these.

I really don't think most kids are as petty as this. And if they are, they need to get over it.

Of course, if you are concerned about neutrality on youth basketball courts, you are more than welcome to put up your own money to build these.

Sure, I would put a Orlando Magic logo on the court :D

they're outdoor parks...it's not like we're talking about the gym.

they're outdoor parks...it's not like we're talking about the gym.

It does not matter where, it is still a basketball court with the Thunder logo on it

Sure, I would put a Orlando Magic logo on the court :D

Why would they put the logo of the worst team in the NBA? ;)

Sure, I would put a Orlando Magic logo on the court :D

Monkeesfan,

Are trying to make this an Orlando magic thread again ? You could always start one for the Magic, but you'd probably get pretty tired of answering your own postings.

Monkeesfan,

Are trying to make this an Orlando magic thread again ? You could always start one for the Magic, but you'd probably get pretty tired of answering your own postings.

I would but I doubt anybody would reply

I would but I doubt anybody would reply

I actually might. I'm a pretty avid NBA fan. Watched a quarter of Mavs-Magic last night. It was good to see Romero Osby playing well.

Steven Adams had 10 and 15 tonight against the Pellies. No Thunder center has ever done that. I didn't want to draft him, but he's looked great in summer league and preseason. I can't think of a reason Perk should start over him besides Brooks' notorious stubbornness.

Lamb looked better tonight too.

I keep reading where the players are high on Adams from the camp workouts. It showed tonight that he can play. Not sure of Anthony Davis's stats, but Adams seemed to dominate him. He's got great hands, stout as a bull, and only 19 years on. Perk may not be moved this year, but I'd seriously doubt he's here past this coming June.

Adams is not in Anthony Davis' class, but he doesn't need to be. Adams didn't outplay him, but generally held his own. I think Davis will break out as a superstar this season.

I can't think of a reason Perk should start over him besides Brooks' notorious stubbornness.


I love Adams but he isn't ready to start. He has a ton of upside and he is probably our best offensive center already, but he is not ready defensively. He has fouled out of 2 preseason games and had 5 fouls in 15 minutes in another game. He needs to get a lot of minutes this year either here or in Tulsa. I hope we trade/amnesty Perk next summer and start Adams next year.

Durant thinks Adams is ready to be a starter:

Steven Adams ready to start for Thunder - Durant - One Sport News | TVNZ (http://tvnz.co.nz/basketball-news/steven-adams-ready-start-thunder-durant-5650268)

http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_images/basketball_news/2013/10/steven_adams_of_the_oklahoma_city_thunder_dunks_ho me_N2.jpg


Strange how New Zealand is suddenly so interested in the Thunder. :wink:

I love Adams but he isn't ready to start. He has a ton of upside and he is probably our best offensive center already, but he is not ready defensively. He has fouled out of 2 preseason games and had 5 fouls in 15 minutes in another game. He needs to get a lot of minutes this year either here or in Tulsa. I hope we trade/amnesty Perk next summer and start Adams next year.

He only had one foul tonight. He appears to be a significantly better offensive player, shot blocker, and rebounder than Perk already. It's early so he has to continue to prove himself, but if he keeps this up then I don't care if he starts right away, but should at least get starter minutes and let Perk start for his self-esteem. There is no reason for Adams to play in Tulsa at all this season if he keeps this play up. Even if Perk starts, he should get 15 minutes a game.

This isn't baseball. You don't have to play in the minors (aka D-league) if you're ready. Rookies contribute right away every year.

Also, that New Zealand article is hilarious.