https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8IY7r6LWi4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AtbLFWtmeE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63PxXgZa6-8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCPSnUyv0Xo

Excited to (hopefully) see some more Thunder/Spurs playoff matchups.

I am guessing our starting five will be Giddey, SGA, Dort, Jalen and Chet. Jaylin, Isiah, Poku and Tre will get obvious playing time among others. What are in the most of a need for? I feel like a PG isnt need as much as we have Giddey, Tre, not to mention Jalen and others playing at point from time to time. Sarr and Dario will play some at Center and we have Chet. Do we need a more wing player? I feel like we are stacked at the Forward position. And I mean this in the nicest way possible, I only watched a handful of games last year, so I really don't know. I plead ignorance on this one.

2023 NBA Draft: Complete 1-58 order of picks


12. Oklahoma City
37. Oklahoma City (from Washington via New Orleans)
50. Oklahoma City (from Miami via Boston, Memphis, and Dallas)

Link: https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-draft-order

Bud is not getting fired and there is nothing special about Nurse so Bucks are not going to hire him

I was wrong about Bud getting fired but I was right about Bucks not hiring Nurse, Bucks have hired Adrian Griffin

:) Now if they hire Nick Nurse I'll be double right!

You were wrong, Bucks hired Adrian Griffin

I was wrong about Bud getting fired but I was right about Bucks not hiring Nurse, Bucks have hired Adrian Griffin

Griffin will end up being worse than Bud, imo. Most of these front offices aren’t very smart.

Griffin will end up being worse than Bud, imo. Most of these front offices aren’t very smart.

I do not know if he will end up being worse than Bud, Griffin has never been a head coach before and keeps getting passed for head coaching jobs until now, he could surprise some people so we will see

You were wrong, Bucks hired Adrian Griffin

So close! Dang Giannis had to vouch for Griffin to get him in there. It was too fitting for the 76ers to go from a Doc to a Nurse. I liked that.

https://library.sportingnews.com/styles/crop_style_16_9_mobile_2x/s3/2023-05/GFX-948%20NBA%20Draft%20Big%20Board%20FTR.jpg?h=920929 c4&itok=0JlU7tI3


The 2023 NBA draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.

The Thunder are looking at adding two players via the draft.

Reminder, mark your calendar:




2023 NBA Draft. Thursday, June 22, 2023 - ABC-KOCO 5 -TV Oklahoma City/KTUL 8 - TV Tulsa 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/06/29e25-16873597298908-1920.jpg?w=840
Victor Wembanyama (#1 pick, Spurs) & teammate Bilal Coulibaly (#12 pick, Thunder???)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8RM_SsQckM
Meet Bilal Coulibaly…the Hidden SUPERSTAR in the 2023 NBA Draft!!

Down to Dunk is hosting a big draft party at Fassler Hall for those interested in watching with fellow fans.

Draft Projections by various media outlets for Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th pick:


ESPN: Thunder: Kobe Bufkin – Michigan Wolverines
Bleacher Report: Thunder - Kobe Bufkin (Michigan)
NBA.com: Thunder - Kobe Bufkin, Michigan, Bilal Coulibaly, SF France
CBS: Thunder: Bilal Coulibaly SF France
Tankathon: Thunder - Bilal Coulibaly SF France
Sporting News: Thunder: Jordan Hawkins, UConn
SBNation: Thunder - Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
NBA Draft Room: Thunder - Dereck Lively C – Duke
The Ringer: Thunder - Gradey Dick Kansas

.

Draft Projections by various media outlets for Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th pick:


ESPN: Oklahoma City Thunder: Kobe Bufkin – Michigan Wolverines
Bleacher Report: Oklahoma City Thunder - Kobe Bufkin (Michigan)
NBA.com: Oklahoma City Thunder - Kobe Bufkin, Michigan, Bilal Coulibaly, SF France
CBS: Oklahoma City Thunder: Bilal Coulibaly SF France
Tankathon: Oklahoma City Thunder - Bilal Coulibaly SF France
Sporting News: Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Hawkins, UConn
SBNation: Oklahoma City Thunder - Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
NBA Draft Room: Oklahoma City Thunder - Dereck Lively C – Duke
The Ringer: Oklahoma City Thunder - Gradey Dick Kansas

.

the espn latest mock has the thunder taking Bilal Coulibaly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ak65Rvq4M

the espn latest mock has the thunder taking Bilal Coulibaly

Coulibalby is the player I hope we get. :) IMO he, SGA, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe will spread the floor.

Thunder will need some height (Coulibalby 6'7") alongside Chet Holmgren ( 7′ 1″).

The #10th Pick of the NBA Draft,

Oklahoma City Thunder select: Cason Wallace

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mens-college-basketball/players/full/4683692.png&w=350&h=254
Kentucky Wildcats - HT/WT 6' 4", 193 lbs - Guard 10th pick by Dallas, traded to Oklahoma City.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFy2Z2Bdoys
12th pick by Oklahoma City traded to Dallas Mavericks.

NBA draft 2023: What Oklahoma City fans need to know about 1st-round pick Cason Wallace: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2023/06/22/nba-draft-2023-oklahoma-city-thunder-get-kentucky-guard-cason-wallace/70217848007/

https://clutchpoints.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.clutchpoints.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2F3-reasons-cason-wallace-is-perfect-fit-for-thunder-with-no-12-pick-in-2023-nba-draft.jpg&w=828&q=75

Jay Bilas was gushing about Wallace earlier. I know they do that for all of them to an extent but what he was saying rings true in what you read about him. Also is sort of an SGA parallel - similar draft spots from Kentucky, wear same numbers. Wallace even wore SGA shoes in pre-draft workouts.

Makes me wonder if we’re planning to move Dort or another guard at some point. I get that The Pres wants to plays positionless basketball, but this feels like too many players at #1 through #3.

Help! I'm so confused, who did we finally get . . . Wallace or Lively II.

Help! I'm so confused, who did we finally get . . . Wallace or Lively II.

Wallace

NBA Draft picks 2023: Live results, complete list of selections from Rounds 1-2 https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-draft-picks-2023-results-list-rounds-1-2/bthezrjp4v7ejrwaq5mk9syd

^Its a lot easier to follow the draft on Twitter - many steps and moves ahead of TV.

The #50th Pick of the NBA Draft,

Oklahoma City Thunder select: Keyontae Johnson
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sc7TgCAAMng/maxresdefault.jpg
FROM: Kansas State HT: 6-4 WT: 239 - POSITION: SF

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fs-wJK3aAAAUven?format=jpg&name=small

Added muscle to his frame > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ^ - ^ - ^ - ^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EbYm_hDQt8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fs-wJK3aAAAUven?format=jpg&name=small

Added muscle to his frame > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ^ - ^ - ^ - ^

Now he can bench 63lbs instead of 60.

Makes me wonder if we’re planning to move Dort or another guard at some point. I get that The Pres wants to plays positionless basketball, but this feels like too many players at #1 through #3.

Tre Mann and JRE are going to be moved it feels like.

Help! I'm so confused, who did we finally get . . . Wallace or Lively II.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one!? I tried to watch the draft, but the announcers weren't explaining the "Proposed Trades", and they weren't even showing actual picks, in favor of talking to players and their families. I gave up and watched "John Wick" instead.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one!? I tried to watch the draft, but the announcers weren't explaining the "Proposed Trades", and they weren't even showing actual picks, in favor of talking to players and their families. I gave up and watched "John Wick" instead.

This is the most annoying thing about the NBA draft versus the NFL. They should just make it obvious he went to the Thunder and get that cap on and everything. NBA makes it very confusing.

And yes the human interest pieces where you miss 5 picks. ESPN is pretty awful.

^Its a lot easier to follow the draft on Twitter - many steps and moves ahead of TV.

I watch the draft every year and this was by far the worst job ESPN has ever done. I was shocked at how bad their coverage was. Agree Twitter was the place to be to understand what was happening.

^ABC coverage was more focused on the personal interest side of it and interviews and was WAY behind on reporting picks, trades, etc. ESPN was coming closer to trying to cover the actual draft but was still well behind. It was pretty pitiful coverage overall.

I watch the draft every year and this was by far the worst job ESPN has ever done. I was shocked at how bad their coverage was. Agree Twitter was the place to be to understand what was happening.

ESPN has managed to run off all of its decent on-air talent.

Hard to think of anyone less interesting than JJ Reddick. Guy is a total snoozefest.

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mens-college-basketball/players/full/4395714.png&w=350&h=254

Keyontae Johnson

Keyontae Johnson (Forward) our 50th pick will be an interesting piece. This guy is a solid at 6' 6" and 230 lbs another Luguentz Dort, who is 6' 4" and 220 ibs the two will be a train wreck on defense against opponents.

He shoots 40.5 percent from three-point range), Johnson can lead fast breaks off the defensive rebound, push the tempo, and run well in transition.

Needs work: Johnson must improve his tendency to turn the ball over (at times he is too loose), averaging 2.9 turnovers per game.

If Johnson works on his game, he could be a more taller version of Lu Dort type on defense.

ESPN has managed to run off all of its decent on-air talent.

Hard to think of anyone less interesting than JJ Reddick. Guy is a total snoozefest.

JJ has some good points at times but the way he carries himself just bugs me for some reason. I don’t watch ESPN or Fox Sports, I mostly scroll Reddit every so often for transactions (I’ve learned that the less I engage with opinions on r/nba the better my experience is on there) and the clips I watched with him were fine at first but the more he talked, the less I liked him. I’ve gotten to where I will only watch highlight clips from games now because all the shows have become unbearable unless you’re drawn to overdramatized, unnecessary arguments.

https://clutchpoints.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.clutchpoints.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F06%2FWallace-Johnson.jpg&w=1920&q=75
Keyontae Johnson (Left): Born: 1999 (age 23 years) - Height 6'5", Weight 229 lbs, NBA draft: 2023: 2nd round, 50th pick- Education: Kansas State - Position: Forward

Cason Wallace (Right): Born: 2003 (age 19 years) - Height: 6′ 4″ - Weight: 193 lbs, NBA draft: 2023: 1st round, 10th overall pick - Education: Richardson High School, TX - Position: Point guard.

JJ has some good points at times but the way he carries himself just bugs me for some reason. I don’t watch ESPN or Fox Sports, I mostly scroll Reddit every so often for transactions (I’ve learned that the less I engage with opinions on r/nba the better my experience is on there) and the clips I watched with him were fine at first but the more he talked, the less I liked him. I’ve gotten to where I will only watch highlight clips from games now because all the shows have become unbearable unless you’re drawn to overdramatized, unnecessary arguments.

Lots of great NBA podcasts if you’re looking for good content. Down to Dunk, Lowe Post, and lots more.

Anyone else see these new guys born post 9/11 and realize how old you have gotten?

Anyone else see these new guys born post 9/11 and realize how old you have gotten?

Yes, you need not remind any of us--like you we realize we have aged long before 9/11.

OKC will be on track targeting a new State-of-the-art NBA arena. We have the population to support an NBA franchise (1.46 million/37% of our State's population) with state-wide support as well as regional eyes tuned in b/c our Thunder represent a large region that includes competitors like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, New Orleans, Denver, Phoenix and Memphis. Kansas City & St. Louis--once NBA members want back into this exclusive NBA 'good company' club.

A large peer city, Louisville (Former ABA member) waits on her chance to follow OKC's blueprint into the Big Leagues. Louisville pursued NBA long before Oklahoma City.

The turn of 2000, many of us never envisioned OKC or Tulsa in the Big Leagues. Will any of the new players be around to see OKC's 2nd chapter of Big League City .

Any way, it's time to move on beyond our first big league fragment of an arena and get it right this time.

Yes and we have all but confirmed that Seattle and Vegas get expansion teams so I'm sure the arenas will be top notch.

Seattle and Las Vegas are the odds on favorites if the NBA expands.

Expansion into Seattle may open up an old 2008 14 year old scab, a potential new rivalry between Seattle and Oklahoma City.

Yes, I get it the tourists angle--supports gambling & sports (NFL-NHL); it also cuts into that gambling pie since they want MLB and NBA in a city with a MSA 2.3 million--projected MSA--4.3 million in 2030--all 4 major leagues envisioned.

There are cities like Austin and Louisville who will be bidding for NBA expansion. You think the Mavericks didn't like seeing OKC in the NBA--will Houston and San Antonio be happy if Austin is awarded an NBA franchise anytime soon.

You think the Mavericks didn't like seeing OKC in the NBA--will Houston and San Antonio be happy if Austin is awarded an NBA franchise anytime soon.

If I remember correctly, Dallas and Portland ownership were the only ones to vote against the move to OKC.

Lots of great NBA podcasts if you’re looking for good content. Down to Dunk, Lowe Post, and lots more.

Thank you for the recommendations. It’s funny, I listen to specific podcasts for educational purposes all the time but always overlook podcasts existing if it’s more of a personal interest. Such is ADHD brain sometimes.

Seattle and Las Vegas are the odds on favorites if the NBA expands.

Expansion into Seattle may open up an old 2008 14 year old scab, a potential new rivalry between Seattle and Oklahoma City.

Yes, I get it the tourists angle--supports gambling & sports (NFL-NHL); it also cuts into that gambling pie since they want MLB and NBA in a city with a MSA 2.3 million--projected MSA--4.3 million in 2030--all 4 major leagues envisioned.

There are cities like Austin and Louisville who will be bidding for NBA expansion. You think the Mavericks didn't like seeing OKC in the NBA--will Houston and San Antonio be happy if Austin is awarded an NBA franchise anytime soon.

would also be looking at an expansion draft. during the last one, each team could protect a max of eight players. i wonder if they would drop that to seven if they decided to add two expansion teams in a year.

https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/draft_central_expansion_rules_summary.html

would also be looking at an expansion draft. during the last one, each team could protect a max of eight players. i wonder if they would drop that to seven if they decided to add two expansion teams in a year.

https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/draft_central_expansion_rules_summary.html

I wonder if they could go ahead and get them a GLeague team to have some extra players for the bench?

Curious how many national TV games the Thunder get this year given SGA's rise and the team's performance last year. 15? 20?

Curious how many national TV games the Thunder get this year given SGA's rise and the team's performance last year. 15? 20?

(17) Make the playoffs 19 - 21

Thunder tops in Total Points (TP) in Salt Lake City Summer League final results.

Salt Lake City summer league results: https://www.flashscore.com/basketball/usa/nba-salt-lake-city-summer-league/#/8lw4vwa2/table/overall


Utah Jazz 98 vs Memphis Grizzlies 83
Oklahoma City Thunder 100 vs Philadelphia 76ers 91

Las Vegas Summer League Thunder Schedule:


July 8, Mavericks vs. Thunder - 2:30 p.m. ESPN2
July 11, Rockets vs. Thunder - 5:30 p.m. NBA TV
July 12, Thunder vs. Pacers - 6:30 p.m. NBA TV
July 14, Thunder vs. Wizards - 4 p.m. ESPNU

Full schedule; https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/summer-league-schedule-2023-watch-las-vegas/pjes07pl6zjhyyigwndqbndz

Day One:


Timberwolves 102, Pelicans 88
Bucks 92, Nuggets 85
Bulls 83, Raptors 74
Rockets 100, Trail Blazers 99
Cavaliers 101, Nets 99
Spurs 76, Hornets 68
Kings 80, Hawks 76
Lakers 103, Warriors 96

July 15, 16 and 17 TBD

I highly recomend the 30 for 30 "Luckiest Man In The World" series about Bill Walton. Seeing the OG dunkers Dr. J and David Thompson as well as other pre Bird/Magic highlights brought back memories. The play was much rougher with only 2 refs in that era.

^Agree - really good documentary. Always liked Bill W but I do even more after watching it.

^^^^^
For a split second I was trying to figure out how this thread had veered into a discussion about Alcoholics Anonymous.

What are thoughts in this NBA mid-season tournament?

https://www.nba.com/news/in-season-tournament-101

Seems a little weird. I guess we’re supposed to care that players are competing for a pay bonus?