The NBA is by far the most well documented rigged professional league in North America. Everyone remember all the referees being caught in the mid 2000s for bribes and rigged officiating? So, your tinfoil hats may not be tight enough if you ask me.

Lol. One ref -- Tim Donaghy -- was caught gambling. There was no widespread corruption or conspiracy. The NBA's track record is good compared to any other professional leagues. In fact, the NBA is probably the most transparent sports league there is. They literally release two minute reports after games criticizing their own officials.

Furthermore, sometimes you HAVE to go Hero ball. Hero Ball is the only reason Golden State won Game 6. Great as Iguodala's defense was, Klay hitting everything he threw up is what won them the game. that 30-footer over Westbrook would have gotten him crucified if he missed and OKC scored. It was TERRIBLE.

But he hit it, and was praised for it. The problem for Durant and Westbrook is that they couldn't close a game when they needed to. Not surprising considering KD's jump shot has been broken most of the post season. He at no point took over during this series. Every other star did.

You pay superstars and let them eat up a large percentage of your salary cap because they are supposed to do things that nobody else can do. And while KD did some of that, he just didn't do it at the rate he needed to.

We're using the term "hero ball" differently. To me, hero ball is when you abandon your offensive system to "take over" a game. At the end of game 6, Russ and KD abandoned the offense the Thunder had been running all game and series, held it to late in the shot clock, and took contested difficult shots. That is not at all what Klay and Steph did. While some of those shots were tough, they occurred within the flow of Golden State's offensive system.

I am not at all saying Russ and KD should not take contested shots as they're two of the best at it. But, they still have to do so within an offensive system.

Regarding your comments about KD, I disagree. He did take over offensively in numerous instances, including his 7-0 run to get the Thunder back in it before Ibaka's dumb foul. But what KD really did this series is take over defensively. He was amazing and easily the Thunder's best player. And I think he was the second best player in the series behind Klay.

We're using the term "hero ball" differently. To me, hero ball is when you abandon your offensive system to "take over" a game. At the end of game 6, Russ and KD abandoned the offense the Thunder had been running all game and series, held it to late in the shot clock, and took contested difficult shots. That is not at all what Klay and Steph did. While some of those shots were tough, they occurred within the flow of Golden State's offensive system.

I am not at all saying Russ and KD should not take contested shots as they're two of the best at it. But, they still have to do so within an offensive system.

Regarding your comments about KD, I disagree. He did take over offensively in numerous instances, including his 7-0 run to get the Thunder back in it before Ibaka's dumb foul. But what KD really did this series is take over defensively. He was amazing and easily the Thunder's best player. And I think he was the second best player in the series behind Klay.

Yeah KD really took over to close one game against the Spurs as well.

Lol. One ref -- Tim Donaghy -- was caught gambling. There was no widespread corruption or conspiracy. The NBA's track record is good compared to any other professional leagues. In fact, the NBA is probably the most transparent sports league there is. They literally release two minute reports after games criticizing their own officials.

Donaghy stated multiple times that the mob controlled and controls more than we know and that their grip went past just him. Donaghy was the one caught and thus was the fall guy.

Hey, I'm just saying it was a big deal. Heck I didn't even start the conspiracy talk! :cool:

Donaghy stated multiple times that the mob controlled and controls more than we know and that their grip went past just him. Donaghy was the one caught and thus was the fall guy.

Hey, I'm just saying it was a big deal. Heck I didn't even start the conspiracy talk! :cool:

Wait, so we're supposed to trust the guy who was caught red-handed participating in illegal activities? Criminals always say it's bigger than them to divert attention, but there's not much evidence (at least that I've seen) to show there were widespread problems. Feel free to link to any credible sources saying otherwise as it's obviously been a while since I've read up on the topic though...

Last time I thought I read up on it, I thought I read something about Donaghy's mental state that would normally discredit anybody else's opinion.

The Mob, NBA officials, TV network moguls etc. are not hitting three pointers for the Slpash Brothers.

The Mob, NBA officials, TV network moguls etc. are not hitting three pointers for the Slpash Brothers.

Haha, I heard that same quote listening to a radio show yesterday on XM

The Mob, NBA officials, TV network moguls etc. are not hitting three pointers for the Slpash Brothers.

Exactly. Steph set the all-time NBA record for three pointers in a series against OKC. Klay would have set a new all time record in this series except Steph set it. But KD and Russ are just chokers. Lol.

Haha, I heard that same quote listening to a radio show yesterday on XMNot where I got it. I don't have XM. LOL

Exactly. Steph set the all-time NBA record for three pointers in a series against OKC. Klay would have set a new all time record in this series except Steph set it. But KD and Russ are just chokers. Lol.

While their three point shooting was absolutely insane. Everyone dogging on the people saying "OKC choked" are taking those people out of context.

The facts about Game 6 is yes: Thompson went absolutely crazy mode and kept GSW in the game. However, OKC still had a chance to take the win down the stretch, but with 3-4 poor possessions (KD and Russ) and some very ill-timed turnovers (KD and Russ) - yes it was a choke.

The Thunder had a chance to withstand the Klay Thompson storm, just like they did in game 4 (where he had 19 pts in the 3rd), and still win. But in game 6 the team forgot what got them there and were careless with the ball.

Yes, I agree. You could certainly say the Thunder choked down the stretch in game 6. KD and Russ went away from everything that had got them there. It was the one time in the Golden State series where the team really faltered IMHO. But saying that they choked in the series is to not give credit for their incredible series overall.

I projected it to be more exciting than the Finals, and I'm right so far.

I projected it to be more exciting than the Finals, and I'm right so far.

Amazing that Thompson and Curry finally cool off for a game, and their bench comes out of nowhere and destroys CLE. I am beginning to think the only time this GSW squad has collectively had a bad game was against the Lakers in the regular season.

Amazing that Thompson and Curry finally cool off for a game, and their bench comes out of nowhere and destroys CLE. I am beginning to think the only time this GSW squad has collectively had a bad game was against the Lakers in the regular season.

They weren't great against the Pistons either.

I have never seen this story before, but it was linked on reddit earlier.

It is about how KD drove behind an ambulance to get thru traffic faster, but the media and paramedics are somehow spinning it like he did something heroic. Very weird and doesn't even make sense.

http://kfor.com/2016/05/17/kevin-durant-being-honored-with-everyday-hero-medal-for-helping-local-paramedics/

These kinds of things make OKC look hilariously desperate to try and keep KD. Like really, this little goofy award and a spun story is going to keep him here, good job.

OKC should be desperate to try and keep KD.

It is about how KD drove behind an ambulance to get thru traffic faster, but the media and paramedics are somehow spinning it like he did something heroic.If you actually read the report, his backing up cleared enough space that the ambulance had room to get around the traffic that was blocking its progress.

Quite often EMSA can get a call via radio, and the first thing surrounding drivers know about it is when the light bars begin to flash and the siren sounds. If the rig happens to be in rush-hour traffic at the time, with vehicles packed in close on all sides, then something like what KD did is indeed a great help, allowing many seconds to be shaved from the response time. It's fortunate that he had space behind his vehicle, but his action may have prompted other drivers to make more room also. I don't see anything underhanded in the report as published!

Its too bad KingGilbert got banned. He can't tell us how great Cleveland is doing against Golden State.

This popped up on my feed earlier. Although the guy is clearly biased (he even states that), still has some interesting points about Presti that do make you wonder.

http://clnsradio.com/boston-celtics-news/item/13902-5-reasons-kevin-durant-needs-to-leave-the-oklahoma-city-thunder

This popped up on my feed earlier. Although the guy is clearly biased (he even states that), still has some interesting points about Presti that do make you wonder.

http://clnsradio.com/boston-celtics-news/item/13902-5-reasons-kevin-durant-needs-to-leave-the-oklahoma-city-thunder

That's about as absurd of an analysis of Presti's work as I could imagine someone writing. There is also a lot of incorrect information. It's really not worth reading. He obviously decided Presti was a bad GM and then wrote an article to fit that narrative. There's a fair debate to be had about Presti's job, especially surrounding the Harden trade and the Cole Aldrich pick. However, there is no doubt that Presti is either the best or among the best drafters in the NBA. I think he is the best. It's amazing what he has done. His free agency work has been mixed, but he's also had a lot of limitations. Anyway, if KD stays in OKC, Presti will have been a big reason why.

This popped up on my feed earlier. Although the guy is clearly biased (he even states that), still has some interesting points about Presti that do make you wonder.

http://clnsradio.com/boston-celtics-news/item/13902-5-reasons-kevin-durant-needs-to-leave-the-oklahoma-city-thunder


The guys an 'idiot'. I'd trade Harden for the pick that landed Steven Adams all day long. If I remember, they kept Ibaka because of his defense, and the fact that Harden couldn't guard a trash can was well know at the time.

The guys an 'idiot'. I'd trade Harden for the pick that landed Steven Adams all day long. If I remember, they kept Ibaka because of his defense, and the fact that Harden couldn't guard a trash can was well know at the time.

The guy's article is pretty ridiculous, but I think the Harden trade is still a fair debate. People act like Harden is terrible, which is absurd. He's a top two shooting guard in the NBA. The Rockets were a mess this season, but Harden wasn't the reason why. He actually put up MVP numbers. Of course, he should shoulder some of the leadership blame. But I think OKC might already have a title if they hadn't made that trade.

Pretty much everything else in the article is bogus though.

It's not called the Harden Trade anymore. It is now called the Adams Trade. :cheersmf:

I agreed with you guys sentiment. I think Presti is fantastic.

The guy's article is pretty ridiculous, but I think the Harden trade is still a fair debate. People act like Harden is terrible, which is absurd. He's a top two shooting guard in the NBA. The Rockets were a mess this season, but Harden wasn't the reason why. He actually put up MVP numbers. Of course, he should shoulder some of the leadership blame. But I think OKC might already have a title if they hadn't made that trade.

Pretty much everything else in the article is bogus though.

Harden wasn't necessarily the reason for Houston being terrible, but his patented defense (or lack thereof) certainly didn't do them any favors.

Neither did getting rid of the coach who got them to the WCF.

That's about as absurd of an analysis of Presti's work as I could imagine someone writing. There is also a lot of incorrect information. It's really not worth reading. He obviously decided Presti was a bad GM and then wrote an article to fit that narrative. There's a fair debate to be had about Presti's job, especially surrounding the Harden trade and the Cole Aldrich pick. However, there is no doubt that Presti is either the best or among the best drafters in the NBA. I think he is the best. It's amazing what he has done. His free agency work has been mixed, but he's also had a lot of limitations. Anyway, if KD stays in OKC, Presti will have been a big reason why.

Possibly, but Golden St's GM drafted 3 key contributors in his 1ST draft (2012). He got Barnes at 7, Ezeli at 30, and Green at 35. Meanwhile, Presti drafted Perry Jones at 28 in the same draft.

Possibly, but Golden St's GM drafted 3 key contributors in his 1ST draft (2012). He got Barnes at 7, Ezeli at 30, and Green at 35. Meanwhile, Presti drafted Perry Jones at 28 in the same draft.

The 28 pick in most drafts rarely pans out. There are no busts beyond the lottery really as most players don't amount up much. Yes, Golden State's GM had a great draft, but Presti has done the same. He picked Westbrook and Harden above where they were projected, hit on Ibaka and Reggie Jackson in the 20s, and got a top 3 player in the 2013 draft at #12. I think Cam Payne will turn out to be another steal in the 20s. He's been amazing.

Let's leave Ezeli out. He either does average, or everything horribly wrong.

Well, for a 30th pick, is Ezeli is about as good as it gets.

The 28 pick in most drafts rarely pans out. There are no busts beyond the lottery really as most players don't amount up much. Yes, Golden State's GM had a great draft, but Presti has done the same. He picked Westbrook and Harden above where they were projected, hit on Ibaka and Reggie Jackson in the 20s, and got a top 3 player in the 2013 draft at #12. I think Cam Payne will turn out to be another steal in the 20s. He's been amazing.

I don't know if I'd call Adams top 3, but it was a good pick for sure. 2013 had Antetokounmpo, Noel, Gobert, McCollum, and Oladipo. Adams is still realizing his potential, so he could jump ahead of these guys in my mind.

Noel and Gobert are monster defenders.

I don't know if I'd call Adams top 3, but it was a good pick for sure. 2013 had Antetokounmpo, Noel, Gobert, McCollum, and Oladipo. Adams is still realizing his potential, so he could jump ahead of these guys in my mind.

Noel and Gobert are monster defenders.

That's fair, but I'd put him at 4 as of now. I'd go 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2. Gobert, 3. McCollum, 4. Adams. The Thunder drafted him at #12 so it is still quite a testament to Presti's drafting skills.

We had Shawn Livingston working out with the Thunder during his rehabilitation return in 2009:

http://newsok.com/article/3410667

Livingston didn't just work out with the team, he played for them. I was surprised no reporters asked Livingston about the Thunder being such a big stepping stone on his way back after his injury. His comeback is an amazing story.

I forgot Livingston was with the team.

Oh man, the vengeance I feel after Lebron and Irving destroyed the Warriors is oh so nice. Their fans were all over social media the last 3 weeks laughing about how we choked away a 3-1 lead. It is going to be nice this off-season going about knowing they choked away the same lead, but with home court!

Curry had a relatively miserable Finals for a unanimous MVP.

How about Irving, though? That game winning shot took major kiwis. And of course, Lebron shows once again why he is in the GOAT conversation.

+1

Irving hit some very difficult shots. As usual, LeBron gets all the credit for putting the team on his back.

Curry got outplayed in two straight series.

Pretty poor showing from the "best team in history." Taken to seven in both WCF and Finals, blown out in multiple games, closed out at home by a team who not only had been down 3-1 but who fired their head coach earlier in the season and was not really expected to compete. Heck, the Cavs weren't even Lebron James' best team ever...and they beat the greatest team of all time!

In other news, LeBron is good.

It really was a pretty amazing turn around. The Warriors looked like a potential dynasty, and I believed in them. But I really think the Thunder's defensive switching exposed some cracks that hadn't really shown before. Then the Cavs were able to use much of that same strategy. But, as much as anything, Curry and Thompson came down to earth. I wonder if the grind of winning 73 games got to them.

Kyrie's shot was huge, but that was the only make of the final 17 shots. LeBron was amazing and Kyrie hit tough shots regularly. I suspect they'll trade love for some pieces that fit their team better this offseason. Next season is going to be really fun with several teams contending.

Also, if there are implications for KD's free agency, I think it's a good thing that a small market, Eastern conference team won. Why go East if that's where the best team is now? And, why leave a small market if you can win? KD probably didn't need to see the Cavs win, but I don't think it'll hurt. I expect KD to sign a one year contract, but I'm really hoping he just makes a crazy sacrifice and signs the long term deal now.

It really was a pretty amazing turn around. The Warriors looked like a potential dynasty, and I believed in them. But I really think the Thunder's defensive switching exposed some cracks that hadn't really shown before. Then the Cavs were able to use much of that same strategy. But, as much as anything, Curry and Thompson came down to earth. I wonder if the grind of winning 73 games got to them.

Kyrie's shot was huge, but that was the only make of the final 17 shots. LeBron was amazing and Kyrie hit tough shots regularly. I suspect they'll trade love for some pieces that fit their team better this offseason. Next season is going to be really fun with several teams contending.

Also, if there are implications for KD's free agency, I think it's a good thing that a small market, Eastern conference team won. Why go East if that's where the best team is now? And, why leave a small market if you can win? KD probably didn't need to see the Cavs win, but I don't think it'll hurt. I expect KD to sign a one year contract, but I'm really hoping he just makes a crazy sacrifice and signs the long term deal now.

A weird part of me thinks this could actually happen. Kind of like when he signed his current contract, he was so chill about it. But he is human, and that could be a lot of money forgone for a few years, for really no reason since he can just do 'Summer of KD' again in 2017.

I kinda think he will do it, just so he doesn't have to deal with the distraction again next year.

And, if understand the rules correctly a players current team can pay more than the other teams. If so then Durant would lose less money on a long term deal if he stays here.

And, if understand the rules correctly a players current team can pay more than the other teams. If so then Durant would lose less money on a long term deal if he stays here.

Even with that, KD would be sacrificing a huge amount of money. I actually think it would be unprecedented. The Spurs guys and Dirk didn't do it until far later in their careers.

Pretty poor showing from the "best team in history." Taken to seven in both WCF and Finals, blown out in multiple games, closed out at home by a team who not only had been down 3-1 but who fired their head coach earlier in the season and was not really expected to compete. Heck, the Cavs weren't even Lebron James' best team ever...and they beat the greatest team of all time!

In other news, LeBron is good.

Going to give you props on your earlier call out of those of us labeling the Warriors one of the best in NBA history. I don't believe anybody did not expect the Cavs to compete after firing Blatt however. Interesting that the Cavs and Penguins both fired their head coach after the season started on their way to their respective championships.

Even with that, KD would be sacrificing a huge amount of money. I actually think it would be unprecedented. The Spurs guys and Dirk didn't do it until far later in their careers.I know he'd still be giving up a huge amount, just not quite as much.

Guys, there is ZERO chance that he signs a long-term deal, here or anywhere. It wouldn't simply be a nice gesture or even a nice chunk of change for the team to work with; it would be a colossal business mistake. Expect a one year deal with whoever, or a two year deal with player option on second year. Personally I think he does this deal with the Thunder for a number of reasons, but no matter who it is with, it won't be a long term deal.

If he signs a shorter deal, when that one expires he will be a ten year player. Right now, he can only command 30% of a team's cap (any team). But if he waits til he is a 10 year guy, he can get 35% of a team's cap. For 2016-2017 the team cap is expected to be $92 million (last time I looked), and for 2017-2018 it expected to jump to $107 million. If you look at those numbers and apply a 35% of cap vs 30% of cap, - AND if you wait another year to sign the long-term deal - you can see that the difference is TENS of millions of salary to the player over the course of a five year deal.

I'm all for players using their salary structure to help sign good players around them, and honestly hope KD and Russ buy in and leave some crumbs on the table to help out there, but you can't expect a player to give up family-altering, generational money for the sake of being a good teammate. Giving up a few million here or there to grease the wheels? Absolutely. Giving up tens of millions? Ridiculous to ask, and no agent worth his salt would allow such a thing.

Personally, I expect a two year deal with player option on second, or perhaps just a straight one year. But the two year plays better.

Yeah, I agree. It would be unprecedented to sign a long term deal and sacrifice that kind of money.

The things is the way the salary cap worked out, if KD takes the full 35% of the cap AND the Thunder try to keep this team together, it'll be really tough to fill in supplemental pieces. Now, KD could make some smaller sacrifices in a long term deal if he so chose.

It's going to be interesting to see if Waiters is willing to take a little less to stay with the Thunder. If he decides to go to the open market then he might find a team that will pay him close to a max. There will be an unprecedented amount of cap room this summer and a lot of teams won't have a lot of good options -- which will lead to players getting overpaid. However, Dion has had a rocky career without ever having the same coach in consecutive seasons. He talked about wanting to stay with OKC, but if he wants what he's worth on the market then it could be tough for OKC. Of course, OKC could match any absurd offer and then make tough decisions down the road. The bad news is, like Kanter last year, if Waiters gets offered a max, the Thunder really won't be able to go out and get someone else. It's kind of Waiters or bust.

Similarly, the Thunder can try to get Adams and Roberson to sign extensions. Adams extension could be another max contract, but a max this year isn't as bad as a max in the future. Roberson might take a long deal, but it's more likely he bets on his continued improvement and tests the market next year.

In short, the Thunder cannot afford to maintain team this team -- much less improve it -- without some players making financial sacrifices. It's kind of an unfair situation for players too. In my opinion, players shouldn't have to sacrifice for rich owners who already benefit immensely from the public subsidizing stadiums along with a very owner-friendly CBA, but it's up to them. If players decide to take their market value then the Thunder will have to decide who is expendable (probably Kanter, maybe Roberson or Waiters) and how they'll replace them. Again, everything about the recent CBAs have worked against the Thunder maybe more than any team. It's tough, but it's a good problem to have with KD and Russ in play... :)

Guys, there is ZERO chance that he signs a long-term deal, here or anywhere. It wouldn't simply be a nice gesture or even a nice chunk of change for the team to work with; it would be a colossal business mistake. Expect a one year deal with whoever, or a two year deal with player option on second year. Personally I think he does this deal with the Thunder for a number of reasons, but no matter who it is with, it won't be a long term deal.

If he signs a shorter deal, when that one expires he will be a ten year player. Right now, he can only command 30% of a team's cap (any team). But if he waits til he is a 10 year guy, he can get 35% of a team's cap. For 2016-2017 the team cap is expected to be $92 million (last time I looked), and for 2017-2018 it expected to jump to $107 million. If you look at those numbers and apply a 35% of cap vs 30% of cap, - AND if you wait another year to sign the long-term deal - you can see that the difference is TENS of millions of salary to the player over the course of a five year deal.

I'm all for players using their salary structure to help sign good players around them, and honestly hope KD and Russ buy in and leave some crumbs on the table to help out there, but you can't expect a player to give up family-altering, generational money for the sake of being a good teammate. Giving up a few million here or there to grease the wheels? Absolutely. Giving up tens of millions? Ridiculous to ask, and no agent worth his salt would allow such a thing.

Personally, I expect a two year deal with player option on second, or perhaps just a straight one year. But the two year plays better.

He already has family-altering, multi generational money. He could take a ridiculous $15M/year deal and he'll still probably approach $500M by the time he retires. No amount of money can buy him a championship, and he will never make as much as an NBA player as he does as a brand. Unfortunately for him, his brand will be relatively worthless in the long run if he retires with less than 3 championships.

I certainly don't EXPECT him to do anything other than take the 2-year deal. But taking the money and never winning a championship in his prime could be just as colossal of a business mistake.

He can make up whatever money he leaves on the table in his 40s and 50s. He won't be on an NBA roster past 42, and probably not past 39. And realistically he only has 5-7 more years of being *the* guy on his team.

Unfortunately for him, his brand will be relatively worthless in the long run if he retires with less than 3 championships.

Lol. What are you talking about?

I never understand the whole "he already has..." line of reasoning. It's a business. I don't doubt for a second that someone can (or will) make concessions here and there, especially when it is beneficial in another area, such as facilitation of a championship. But to expect that someone will forgo tens of millions of dollars because they already happen to be rich is lunacy. If he did that I'm pretty sure his agent would walk, and probably should. Being a part of a deal like that would ruin him with other clients.

Guys, it. is. a. business. The decision will primarily be a BUSINESS decision, not an emotional one. Fortunately for OKC, right now we make as much or more business sense than just about any other team. Certainly for next year. If he truly would like to be here, it makes the decision so much easier. But mark it down, he won't leave TENS of millions on the table.

I never understand the whole "he already has..." line of reasoning. It's a business. I don't doubt for a second that someone can (or will) make concessions here and there, especially when it is beneficial in another area, such as facilitation of a championship. But to expect that someone will forgo tens of millions of dollars because they already happen to be rich is lunacy. If he did that I'm pretty sure his agent would walk, and probably should. Being a part of a deal like that would ruin him with other clients.

Guys, it. is. a. business. The decision will primarily be a BUSINESS decision, not an emotional one. Fortunately for OKC, right now we make as much or more business sense than just about any other team. Certainly for next year. If he truly would like to be here, it makes the decision so much easier. But mark it down, he won't leave TENS of millions on the table.

It's roughly a $50mm difference waiting one year. It's up to the Thunder to figure out how all the pieces fit together, but KD would have to be crazy to sign a max contract this year.

^^^^^^^^^
Exactly. And expecting someone to forgo that type of money for the feel-good factor or because you already have a bunch of money is a reality disconnect. Not a single person on this board would do that in real life, nor should anyone expect that you would.

Just continue to get this weird feeling that Kevin Durant had already made his mind up about resigning with the Thunder prior to the 2nd round series against San Antonio. We could be in for a real bombshell.

Resigning? Do you mean re-signing, or resigning, as in quitting?

Resigning? Do you mean re-signing, or resigning, as in quitting?

LMAO, yes Urbanized that a word with a double edged sword.

Exercise his option to stay on board. K.D. probably made plans to go elsewhere long before we played the Spurs.

I'm not following. You think he was set to leave, but now he is staying?

I'm not following. You think he was set to leave, but now he is staying?

I think he made plans to leave and now he's leaving. There's probably been some wheels put in motion that Durant can't rewind.

K. D. is GONE!

Well, whatever he does, we'll find out next month.