Look at the differential with Russ on the floor and without then decide whether he's shooting to much. It doesn't matter, our bench just flat out sucks. What a world of difference Waiters would have made with this team. Not to mention Nene completely dominated our soon to be $100M dollar man.

I don't have a problem with Russell using a press conference to send a message to his team, but Tramel is an incredible sports reporter and I liked his persistence. I admire Tramel a lot as a journalist. He thinks for himself and does his research.

Tramel is an okay reporter. He had the right to ask the question that he asked but the question was really weak. He asked a player to publicly throw his teammates under a bus. I think that the answer he received was appropriate. Adams is usually not on the court when Westbrook is on the bench so any analysis would be a critique of teammates. That is not a good position for a player to be put in. Perhaps a better question would have been to ask Adams about what he thought about Nene finally missing a shot against the Thunder.

Tramel is an okay reporter. He had the right to ask the question that he asked but the question was really weak. He asked a player to publicly throw his teammates under a bus. I think that the answer he received was appropriate. Adams is usually not on the court when Westbrook is on the bench so any analysis would be a critique of teammates. That is not a good position for a player to be put in. Perhaps a better question would have been to ask Adams about what he thought about Nene finally missing a shot against the Thunder.

The question Tramel asked was based on a an obvious fact - the Thunder bench is getting destroyed when Russ is off the floor. It's a fact of this series. The plus minus numbers with Russ on and off the court suggest that the bench is a big reason why OKC's season is going to end in round 1. If none of the reporters asked about it then they wouldn't be doing their jobs. Russell and Steven are getting paid enough money to take on questions like that and there are plenty of ways to answer it without throwing teammates under the bus. Having said that, I don't have a problem with Russ using the press conference as a place to stick up for his teammates, but Tramel was just being a good reporter in asking the question and following up for an answer. The problem is that a lot of Thunder fans would rather the media act as a PR machine for the team. But that's not their job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNnEDGQ8LFU&t=337s

Ok... We can quit all the bickering about our playoff team sucking.... I'll take the blame for this... I washed my Thunderwear between games... I should have known better than to even take them off until after Game 6 but the wife was protesting that plan.

Nene played a great game. It happens. Sometimes players just overachieve and this was the game Nene happened to do that.

Trammel is a jerk and the paper he works for is a joke. JMO

When Russell was on the court the Thunder outscored the Rockets 99 to 85.

14 points to the good, which is all you need to know.

Tramel asked a good question.

Props to him for asking that instead of lobbing softballs at the team like a lot of the other local outlets do.

Tramel did ask a good question. But the problem for Tramel is he has a history of antagonizing Westbrook (e.g., see his lame post about RW knocking his glasses off and how taxing it is to spend time around him...boohoo), so don't expect Westbrook to play nice. There's a reason RW doesn't like Tramel.

Tramel did ask a good question. But the problem for Tramel is he has a history of antagonizing Westbrook (e.g., see his lame post about RW knocking his glasses off and how taxing it is to spend time around him...boohoo), so don't expect Westbrook to play nice. There's a reason RW doesn't like Tramel.

Berry, Barry or Bury...[/I]

That's what a leader is all about; knowing when to step in and squash that question. IF you know Tramel's history, he won't stop until he gets the answer he wants. Adams is not as savvy with the press as Westbrook. It was obvious where that question was leading... ...Westbrook wants to bond the team.

IMO: Westbrook read that question; it was loaded with diverseness.

Fans generally have no beef with the visual, verbal or print media. The Media in general are always looking for something to prompt up their viewership, listeners or subscribers, so they look for cracks in an individual or organization's Armour. They (media) don't care who they bring down; they are particularly disgruntled with the Thunder organization because it's so professional in its spokespersons & hush-hush about internal affairs.

As long as it's the other organization or individual that gets hurt; they don't give a rats ass. They want to be able to say you heard or saw it first on their engine. Media loves to plant seeds; if they can find an unnamed source in an organization that gives them credibility to their story or agenda--they will put it out there. IF they are wrong in their reporting--they can always give a quick retraction that doesn't undue the damage they've done.

Westbrook knows he owns (leadership) the team; therefore, he knows that the media will take advantage of someone who looks-like Attila the Hun, who had an impressive Game 4; but hasn't made that much of an impact up til game 4.

WE ARE THUNDER! http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Halftime of the elimination game and our guys are missing wide open shot after shot. Unless they get fired up coming out in the 3rd, this is going to turn ugly.

Well, Westbrook gave it his all.

Team needs a better roster.

1 can't beat 5

1 can't beat 5

Disappointed in bringing Russ out to start the 4th. I knew it was over at that point. I'm sure he was gassed, but it's 12 minutes, do or die. I'm going to guess Russ could have gutted it out. I understand he has to take a breather, but I think the entire series Donovan waited way too long to get him back in. Every time, leads simply evaporated in no time. I'd like to see the stat on how much of this series we led.

It was a really fun season, just hated to see it end. Will be fun watching to see the moves we make...at least I hope there are moves. Now just gotta root against the Warriors.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d131/supimnolan/oklahoma-city-thunder-wave.gif

Want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Oklahoma City Thunder on a thunderous season. Players did their best. Looking forward to next season where we have some pieces around my MVP Russell Westbrook.

http://www.chesapeakearena.com/assets/img/Crowd-Shot_Thunder-8af5b6aed5.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jENgcn4xRY

Really fun season from Russy and the boys. The team just didn't fit together great. Great series from Roberson. Despite the free throws, him and Taj were the only ones who brought it throughout the series. Adams (I think he's injured) and Oladipo really struggled. After an incredible playoffs last season, Donovan was disappointing too. Giving Christon and Cole playoff minutes is unacceptable. Neither are NBA players.

Looking to next season, OKC has very few assets or flexibility so Presti will have to get creative. OKC needs vets who are ready to win now while Russ is in his prime. I'd love to see this team spend it's money on Roberson and Taj. I'd look to trade a young prospect like Sabonis if it could bring in a vet in return. I like Sabonis, but he probably will take a few years to develop and that doesn't match Russ' timeline. In the short term, I'm more bullish on Abrines and Grant. If the Thunder care about postseason success then it's also time to move Kanter. You can't pay a guy $18 million who can't play against half the teams in the playoffs. Unfortunately, I doubt Kanter has much value around the league. Centers that can't play defense don't fit well in the modern NBA. Also, time to get Singler, Christon, and Collison (I know, it hurts to say that about Hair Jordan, but we can't waste his roster spot anymore) off the roster and try to find some contributors.

Still, this was a really young Thunder team and a good showing overall. If Russ resigns then this team might be able to make some moves and stay in the middle of the Western Conference pack. That's probably what the Thunder should hope for and maybe you get the breaks to make a Western Conference Finals in the next few seasons.

I know they are all young, and some will probably end up like other former Thunder players and thrive elsewhere... But after that series - the Adams, Kanter, and Oladipo contracts look like poo.

I also like Roberson, and hope his horrible FT percentages scare teams away from offering him a big contract.

It really sucks that all of these pieces were for the KD/RW duo, and we never got to see the full strength performance because KD wanted to chill on the bench on his way to a ring. Yes, I am still not over it.

I know they are all young, and some will probably end up like other former Thunder players and thrive elsewhere... But after that series - the Adams, Kanter, and Oladipo contracts look like poo.

I also like Roberson, and hope his horrible FT percentages scare teams away from offering him a big contract.It really sucks that all of these pieces were for the KD/RW duo, and we never got to see the full strength performance because KD wanted to chill on the bench on his way to a ring. Yes, I am still not over it.

I wonder if anyone has talked to him about Rick Berry ? That could be the answer to his lack of free throw performance.

Really fun season from Russy and the boys. The team just didn't fit together great. Great series from Roberson. Despite the free throws, him and Taj were the only ones who brought it throughout the series. Adams (I think he's injured) and Oladipo really struggled. After an incredible playoffs last season, Donovan was disappointing too. Giving Christon and Cole playoff minutes is unacceptable. Neither are NBA players.

Looking to next season, OKC has very few assets or flexibility so Presti will have to get creative. OKC needs vets who are ready to win now while Russ is in his prime. I'd love to see this team spend it's money on Roberson and Taj. I'd look to trade a young prospect like Sabonis if it could bring in a vet in return. I like Sabonis, but he probably will take a few years to develop and that doesn't match Russ' timeline. In the short term, I'm more bullish on Abrines and Grant. If the Thunder care about postseason success then it's also time to move Kanter. You can't pay a guy $18 million who can't play against half the teams in the playoffs. Unfortunately, I doubt Kanter has much value around the league. Centers that can't play defense don't fit well in the modern NBA. Also, time to get Singler, Christon, and Collison (I know, it hurts to say that about Hair Jordan, but we can't waste his roster spot anymore) off the roster and try to find some contributors.

Still, this was a really young Thunder team and a good showing overall. If Russ resigns then this team might be able to make some moves and stay in the middle of the Western Conference pack. That's probably what the Thunder should hope for and maybe you get the breaks to make a Western Conference Finals in the next few seasons.

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say here!

Yes, I am still not over it. Don't worry you're not alone. Will now root against both HOU and GSW for remainder of playoffs.

Such a fun season. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The team exceeded my expectations. Let's hope Presti has a plan..

Presti probably has like 4 plans for options.
Looking at the salaries, we are trouble next year.
Let's say the salary cap moves up to $100 mil for the 17-18 season.
At that number, we would have 4 people making $89.7 mil next year.

I've played the 2K dynasty enough to know that being "top heavy" like that can ruin you.

Presti probably has like 4 plans for options.
Looking at the salaries, we are trouble next year.
Let's say the salary cap moves up to $100 mil for the 17-18 season.
At that number, we would have 4 people making $89.7 mil next year.

I've played the 2K dynasty enough to know that being "top heavy" like that can ruin you.

This is definitely a concern; if anyone can figure it out Presti will be the one with the plans. My take is we have two centers (Adams & Kanter), the NBA game has evolved to a more faster small-ball game.

Thunder will have to give up one of those 4 players in the $89.7 million category you mentioned.

Thunder will have to give up one of those 4 players in the $89.7 million category you mentioned.

My guess is Kanter will start the new season with the Thunder, but Presti will have to move him before the trade deadline.

There were a lot of rumblings about Blake this offseason, but with his injury that looks like it won't happen. He might not be the perfect piece, and I'm not sure if Presti would have pulled the trigger due to how injury-prone he is even before this latest injury.

My guess is Kanter will start the new season with the Thunder, but Presti will have to move him before the trade deadline.

Unless he breaks his hand/forearm again... I think he would have been traded this season had it not been for the injury.

Unless he breaks his hand/forearm again... I think he would have been traded this season had it not been for the injury.

HA! I actually thought that too.

There were a lot of rumblings about Blake this offseason, but with his injury that looks like it won't happen. He might not be the perfect piece, and I'm not sure if Presti would have pulled the trigger due to how injury-prone he is even before this latest injury.

It has been reported that Blake enjoys living in California. Factoring in this with what he will command on the market, I don't believe there is a realistic chance of this occurring. The Thunder will have a payroll problem for awhile.

It has been reported that Blake enjoys living in California. Factoring in this with what he will command on the market, I don't believe there is a realistic chance of this occurring. The Thunder will have a payroll problem for awhile.

I hate to tell everyone this but we will always have issues getting free agents. Most of these young players want to play in big cities or nice weather. Lebron had that issue in Cleveland and luckily managed to get a sign and trade deal. OKC will have to go Sign and Trade to get any sort of big name to come here.

Any thoughts on if Collison will retire after this year? League min for 2 years? Coach?

Any thoughts on if Collison will retire after this year? League min for 2 years? Coach?

Said he's not ready to retire but we'll find out for sure in July.... Wouldn't be surprised to see him as an assistant since he's pretty much coached the bigs this year.

Said he's not ready to retire but we'll find out for sure in July.... Wouldn't be surprised to see him as an assistant since he's pretty much coached the bigs this year.

Is Mark Bryant no longer with team coaching the big men?

Thank you to all the Thunder season ticket holders for adding $2.6 million to state coffers from this point forward!

Is Mark Bryant no longer with team coaching the big men?

As far as I know he is but Nick was one of the best pick and roll forwards in the game.... After re-reading my sentence I can understand how that could be confusing... Didn't meant it to sound like he was the only one coaching the bigs but his role on the roster this year left him a lot of time to help coach the bigs.

I hate to tell everyone this but we will always have issues getting free agents. Most of these young players want to play in big cities or nice weather. Lebron had that issue in Cleveland and luckily managed to get a sign and trade deal. OKC will have to go Sign and Trade to get any sort of big name to come here.

Al Horford was set to sign last summer but Durant couldn't tell him if he was staying or not. So he went with Boston.

Free agents want money and the chance to win first and foremost, location plays a factor but not as big as the first two. Look at who Lebron has supporting him in Cleveland.

Starting to see more teams announce jersey sponsors. While I'm not a huge fan they are small and have done a good job making them blend. I was kind of thinking the thunder would get one. Might help with money since we are a small market team. I think we should do more to sell sponsorships in general.

Oklahoma City will enter its 12th year in support of the NBA (Hornets 2/Thunder 9).

OKC continues to grow despite the current financial crisis of our state. Don't want to get too comfortable with our arena as Seattle did with KeyArena (1996 renovation).

The framers who crafted MAPS had vision in that they seized upon an opportunity to bring major league sports to the state. The arena was our springboard to put us in an enviable position to acquire an NBA franchise.

Sometime before 2020, we need to look at our current arena situation (feasibility study); stay ahead of the trends so that we secure a venue that will allow us to keep the Thunder here for the long-term as well as provide for the needs to attract major events that will infuse new money into our local economy.

Oklahoma City will enter its 12th year in support of the NBA (Hornets 2/Thunder 9).

OKC continues to grow despite the current financial crisis of our state. Don't want to get too comfortable with our arena as Seattle did with KeyArena (1996 renovation).

The framers who crafted MAPS had vision in that they seized upon an opportunity to bring major league sports to the state. The arena was our springboard to put us in an enviable position to acquire an NBA franchise.

Sometime before 2020, we need to look at our current arena situation (feasibility study); stay ahead of the trends so that we secure a venue that will allow us to keep the Thunder here for the long-term as well as provide for the needs to attract major events that will infuse new money into our local economy.

+1

oklahoma city will enter its 12th year in support of the nba (hornets 2/thunder 9).

Okc continues to grow despite the current financial crisis of our state. Don't want to get too comfortable with our arena as seattle did with keyarena (1996 renovation).

The framers who crafted maps had vision in that they seized upon an opportunity to bring major league sports to the state. The arena was our springboard to put us in an enviable position to acquire an nba franchise.

Sometime before 2020, we need to look at our current arena situation (feasibility study); stay ahead of the trends so that we secure a venue that will allow us to keep the thunder here for the long-term as well as provide for the needs to attract major events that will infuse new money into our local economy.

100% yes!