This has been a...challenging year for Thunder fans. Sadly. Every turn has been off a cliff.

Not if you were a fan that went into this season with realistic expectations of a team in disarray after losing one of the best players in the league.

I knew the beast in Russ was going to be unleashed but the rest of the pieces would be a big question mark.... And that's pretty much exactly what I got. I see a lot of upside to this team with it's youth and actually think that youth has overacheived at times..... Barring losing Russ to free agency next year. I see a lot of future potential on the court.

Not if you were a fan that went into this season with realistic expectations of a team in disarray after losing one of the best players in the league.

I knew the beast in Russ was going to be unleashed but the rest of the pieces would be a big question mark.... And that's pretty much exactly what I got. I see a lot of upside to this team with it's youth and actually think that youth has overacheived at times..... Barring losing Russ to free agency next year. I see a lot of future potential on the court.

Completely agree. If you were a fan before this season, then this has actually been pretty exciting, especially seeing the Beast of Russ let loose. This season has turned out about how I expected record-wise (maybe a bit better), but far more entertaining than I thought it would be.

Just need a few good shooters, Maybe Abrines turns into one but beyond him I don't see much potential for a deadly 3 point specialist. Sabona will be a very good player IMO but don't see him as a consistent 3 point sharp shooter.

They made a bad decision not bringing Waiters back. Very bad IMO. Could have had him on a decent deal. That number 2 lineup with Waiters, Jofferry , Grant, Abrines and Kanter would have been pretty good. They could be pushing for the 3 seed with that lineup IMO.

They made a bad decision not bringing Waiters back. Very bad IMO.

So, you'd rather have signed Waiters instead of re-signing Westbrook? Because if the Thunder had re-signed Waiters then they couldn't have offered Westbrook his extension.

Waiters would have been a great piece to retain on the Thunder's offense; however his current contract would have escalated his pay.

As Dan mentioned the Thunder would have had a difficult time resigning Westbrook to his extension had we kept Waiters. Waiters would have cost the Thunder $6.8 million; he was willing to go to Miami where he took a cut in salary accepting $2.9 million:

Report: Former Thunder guard Dion Waiters agrees to one-year, $2.9 million deal with Miami Heat http://newsok.com/article/5511035

Beginning disclaimer: I'm not being serious don't rip me!
Rosenberg, a short, fat, old record producer just hit a nothing but net 3 pointer in the celebrity game. Should we sign him?

Beginning disclaimer: I'm not being serious don't rip me!
Rosenberg, a short, fat, old record producer just hit a nothing but net 3 pointer in the celebrity game. Should we sign him?

;) Put him on a 10-day contract...

Jabari Brown, China
33.2 mpg 33.4 ppg 4.1 rpg 3.1 apg
49.2% FG 40.7% 3PT 87.2% FT

If I am Presti

Nice to see Russ would have won MVP if he got the "starter" position. Solid weekend of KD memes. Russ kept it so real this weekend that he is impossible not to love.


EDIT: Side note, Cousins doesn't need to fly back to Sacramento now.

Really looking forward to attending the Thunder-Pelicans game on Sunday now!

I feel so bad for Kings fans. Having a completely incompetent owner is one thing I couldn't take.

Really looking forward to attending the Thunder-Pelicans game on Sunday now!

I feel so bad for Kings fans. Having a completely incompetent owner is one thing I couldn't take.

It just blows my mind that they keep trading away their key pieces/All Stars so consistently. It's almost as if they don't want to let their fans enjoy the game.

Jabari Brown, China
33.2 mpg 33.4 ppg 4.1 rpg 3.1 apg
49.2% FG 40.7% 3PT 87.2% FT

If I am Presti


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dQ2QWziJK4
Jabari Brown, (Age 24, SG, 6' 5", 214 lbs) has been thru the L. A. Lakers' system; he could have a promising upside.

Presti has always appeared to me to be a student of the game of pics & player trade. Can't imagine that someone of Jabari Brown's caliber has managed to elude Presti's radar.

Brown looks like a player that the Thunder could use. He appears to be better than several of the bench guys they have and is a decent size player that can shoot or make his own shot.

Curious where this Jabari Brown interest is coming from. It doesn't seem any NBA team is much interested in him since he's been waived by a couple and passed over by the rest. Where did you all even come across him?

Curious where this Jabari Brown interest is coming from. It doesn't seem any NBA team is much interested in him since he's been waived by a couple and passed over by the rest. Where did you all even come across him?


Brown appears to be coming into his own. The Thunder needs scorers and Brown is a scorer. I am not sure what it would take but he appears worth checking out. Bring him in and give him a shot on that 2nd unit. The Thunder are a little hamstrung since they really don't have any draft picks to trade. They also don't have much in the way of players that will bring value unless you want to unload Kanter.

That's what I'm getting at and I'm honestly asking, what makes you think Brown is coming into his own? Is there an indication NBA teams are interested?

Why do we think Brown is a scorer? His stats in China are not indicative of performance in the NBA because of the lower quality of basketball played there. In fact, while he was in the NBA, he wasn't a great scorer. I don't see anything that says Brown would fill a need we have.

Why do we think Brown is a scorer? His stats in China are not indicative of performance in the NBA because of the lower quality of basketball played there. In fact, while he was in the NBA, he wasn't a great scorer. I don't see anything that says Brown would fill a need we have.

Brown is a good scorer. Look at those numbers he's putting up in China. No he wouldn't put those numbers up in the NBA but he would be better than the junk the Thunder have on the bench. I seen Brown play at Mizzou and he was a very good player with them. He is not a point but he can play it. He kind of reminds me of Deon Waiters. Look-We are grasping right now. The Thunder don't have much to trade so they need to get creative because this team they have now just doesn't have enough ammo on that 2nd team. I think he had a few pretty decent games with the Lakers but he was never part of their rotation. Sign him up and stick him on the 2nd team and turn him lose. He is not afraid to take control and get after it. He doesn't lack confidence in his shot. He has NBA talent and he will end up on some teams roster I bet.

Kanter participated in non-contact practice today, and was able to catch and shoot without pain. He could realistically be back in the next week.

Kanter participated in non-contact practice today, and was able to catch and shoot without pain. He could realistically be back in the next week.

Great news!

Kanter participated in non-contact practice today, and was able to catch and shoot without pain. He could realistically be back in the next week.

Hopefully he has learned his lesson and has taken the time to know how to control his emotions when he gets upset!

Kanter participated in non-contact practice today, and was able to catch and shoot without pain. He could realistically be back in the next week.

Good news, we don't want to bring him back too early; a grim reminder of what happened with Westbrook, Durant & Payne when Thunder attempted an early return.

Let him sit out L.A. Lakers & N. O. Pelicans--all home games. Bring him back @ home against Utah on the 28th with limited minutes; then he should be ready @ Portland on March 2.

Rumors swirling around Andre Roberson got traded. Seen at the Thunder offices hugging lots of people.

Morrow and Lauvergne for a 2018 pick, Doug McDermott, and Taj Gibson.

Presti sure is something else...

Morrow and Lauvergne for a 2018 pick, Doug McDermott, and Taj Gibson.

Presti sure is something else...

Just heard the same.... Presti has to have some explicit photos of someone in the Bulls front office tucked away in a manila envelope somewhere to work that deal! ;)

SB Nation is reporting they got Payne, Morrow, & Lauvergne.

Yup, apparently it includes Payne. Which makes way more sense, but still seems like a win for OKC.

The real question is what the hell is our PG situation? Christon is GOAT now?

Yup, apparently it includes Payne. Which makes way more sense, but still seems like a win for OKC.

The real question is what the hell is our PG situation? Christon is GOAT now?

We'll move quickly now for a backup PG. We have an open roster spot and an exception... it will be interesting to see who we go after. Deron Williams was just waived and may be a decent vet to pickup.

We'll move quickly now for a backup PG. We have an open roster spot and an exception... it will be interesting to see who we go after. Deron Williams was just waived and may be a decent vet to pickup.

Not so hot on Deron Williams; he's been toxic for the teams he's been on since blowing up Utah.

Gibson has the speed needed to keep up with Russell Westbrook. Now, McDermott has been injured off & on; let's see if we can keep him healthy.

Is Chalmers still available?

So how much cap space is this trade freeing up? I'm hoping we can land a free agent this coming summer. Plus, I hope Westbrook doesn't take it too hard with Payne leaving. They seemed close. Surely, Presti listens to Westbrook and let's him offer his opinion when it comes to things like this. We want to keep him happy, so wouldn't that be the right thing for Presti to do?

Is Chalmers still available?

Chalmers is still working his way back from a torn Achilles injury that he suffered last March. His minutes are down. It's reported that he's on New Orleans & Cleveland's radar.

Thunder's has received a lot of raves (NBA-TV) for the Gibson & McDermott acquisition.

Thunder's has received a lot of raves (NBA-TV) for the Gibson & McDermott acquisition.

I love this trade! It definitely helps the Thunder. well done Presti

So how much cap space is this trade freeing up? I'm hoping we can land a free agent this coming summer.

It doesn't really free up any. Payne and McBuckets are a wash. Morrow, Lauvergne, and Taj are expirings.

The Thunder won't have much space to go after free agents and, for the most part, never will be a big player in the free agent market. OKC will make it's moves through trades and the draft.

This is a good trade. More than anything, Taj Gibson will be a huge upgrade over Sabonis, who has fallen off a cliff offensively in the last month. Sabonis will be good eventually, but Russ won't/shouldn't be willing to watch rookies struggle in the playoffs. Gibson won't help spacing as he doesn't shoot much beyond the mid-range, but he is okay there. But Gibson is a really tough player, a serious competitor, and great team leader. It would be great to find a way to re-sign him this summer, but we'll see...

McBuckets has been inconsistent and a bit disappointing this season, but he's had some concussions. He's still shooting 37% from three, which is okay. But I think opposing players respect his shot and that should create spacing.

The Thunder now have a void at backup point guard. Semaj can fill in, but I don't think he can once the playoffs roll around. He's really not good enough to be getting consistent NBA minutes. Maybe the Thunder can find a buyout candidate, but there's a lot of competition for anyone with a pulse.

Overall, I think this was a pretty good move for the Thunder. None of the guys that left were really contributing much towards winning games, but I'll particualrly miss A-Mo. He seemed like a really good guy. This should be a fun rest of the season...

Anthony Morrow seemed like a total class act. Really liked him.

McDermott's 3 point percentage (.373 - 56-150) numbers are still higher than Morrow's numbers (.294 - 35-119) for this season.

McDermott (Minutes average - 24.5): http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2528588/doug-mcdermott

Morrow: (Minutes average - 15.7): http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3474/anthony-morrow

This trade looks great on paper. Let's see how these additions work in Donovan's system.

McDermott's 3 point percentage (.373 - 56-150) numbers are still higher than Morrow's numbers (.294 - 35-119) for this season.

McDermott: http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2528588/doug-mcdermott

Morrow: http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3474/anthony-morrow

It appears that the Thunder got the better on this trade but you never know. Morrow might regain his shot with some regular playing time. Gibson should be a solid starter for the rest of this season. McD I worry about since his defense is pretty bad but if he can knock them down at close to a 40% clip he should be able to stay on the floor. I would give the edge to the Thunder since they are getting a solid starter for at least the rest of this season. In reality though it's not the one sided trade that some would want you to think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et7vMj8PbCM

McDermott has shown good signs of defensive improvement lately.

ESPN NBA Oklahoma City Thunder roster:

http://www.espn.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder

Additions: Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson
Deletions: Joffrey Lauvergne, Anthony Morrow & Cameron Payne
Open: 1

9 days without Thunder basketball...ready for tonight's game!

.

Oklahoma City Thunder 110 - Los Angeles Lakers 93

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400900267



Gibson: 21 minutes - 12 points
McDermott: 19 minutes - 8 points
Roberson: 29 minutes - 19 points 3 - 3 on 3PM-A

The new guys did pretty good and will get better when they get in the groove with the team. Roberson played surprisingly well on offense. Lets pray this continues. The team feels much deeper now and we shouldn't have to worry about a total collapse when the 2 team filters in. Good job Presti!

With this new roster and weak schedule I could see us move up to the 5th seed and survive a 1st round series.

With this new roster and weak schedule I could see us move up to the 5th seed and survive a 1st round series.

I'm stilling calling the 4th seed!

I like to think back to July and how so many people on Twitter and elsewhere were panicking, convinced we wouldn't even make the playoffs this year. Pretty funny. It really just showed how much they underestimated the ability and talent of Russ.

Don't forget; Dre's 3-point shooting of late has been outstanding--3-3 against L.A., 1-1 against Cleveland. He has adjusted his shot; put slightly less of an arch on it. 19 points against LAL following the ASG.

We've got a young man in Dre who can improve on his shooting; let's not forget, he has the ability to drive the basket or receive a pass as he makes that cut. PLUS, he's the best defensive player we have.

Get Dre signed, IMO you're see more of a commitment this summer for him to mesh with this team.

I like to think back to July and how so many people on Twitter and elsewhere were panicking, convinced we wouldn't even make the playoffs this year. Pretty funny. It really just showed how much they underestimated the ability and talent of Russ.

Twitter? Look back through this thread. Plenty of doom & gloom here too.

Twitter? Look back through this thread. Plenty of doom & gloom here too.

And there was good reason for it after the Kanter VS chair fight. Luckily he came back much sooner than anticipated and with the new guys there's new life to this team. There's hope to make some noise in the playoffs now. The Thunder should be able to play with any team in the west except GS.

You can see the culture change take place among Thunder players. Westbrook's leadership & demeanor has much to do with this shift.

Presti has confidence in Doug McDermott (#25) & Taj Gibson (#22) as the type of players who should fit the Thunder's mold; these guys came to town not knowing what to expect. Their initial interviews indicate that they are ready to adapt to a new environment. The reception they received by fans at Will Rogers World Airport caught them by surprise; something you don't see in most NBA cities.

You couldn't help but notice the OKC hospitality magnified by Thunder players; especially the Loud City fans (18,203) who enthusiastically exploded in Friday night's return following the All Star break.


:Welcome:

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9898017-nba-los-angeles-lakers-at-oklahoma-city-thunder.jpeg
Doug McDermott
http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2017/02/9898033-nba-los-angeles-lakers-at-oklahoma-city-thunder-850x560.jpeg
Taj Gibson

Let's not forget the services of Joffrey Lauvergne, Anthony Morrow & Cameron Payne, we wish them the best of luck with the Chicago Bulls.

.

Oklahoma City Thunder 118 - New Orleans Pelicans 110

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400900286


Russell Westbrook's 29th Triple-double of the season

I missed most of the game. I didn't even know I got the channel that it was playing on until early in the 4th quarter. I hate Comcast!

It is nice to have Kanter back. I'm pretty excited to see what this team can do after another week of it being together.

Fun game last night. The new guys seemed to really be enjoying themselves after the game.

Abrines has been playing very well recently.

Abrines has been playing very well recently.

i like how he's playing lately too! hopefully his progression continues once Oladipo comes back.

Abrines has been playing very well recently.

Agreed. I'd kinda like to see him start over Domantas.

Agreed. I'd kinda like to see him start over Domantas.

i would think Taj Gibson would eventually start and Domantas coming off the bench.

Agreed. I'd kinda like to see him start over Domantas.

Arbines over Domas would put 3 guards out there (RW, VO and Abrines). I think that the only change to the starting lineup will be Taj for Domas once he gets acclimated. However, I think if the past few games are any indicator Abrines should be getting more playing time, and more with the starting unit. I think 25 minutes/per game would be great. I also think that once we get later into the season and are jockeying for seeding and then into the playoffs, VO's minutes will be staggered a little more than they are now so he can run the second unit over Semaj. That is unless we fill our remaining roster spot with another PG. Brandon Jennings was waived today and would be a pretty intriguing pickup, but there hasn't been any indication that we have interest in him so far.

Thunder did an outstanding job as Westbrook got back on track with a 41-point performance. Gibson & McDermott are still in the process of learning the sets. Dermott's presence at the 3-point line with Gibson's short range threat, opened up the belly of the Pelicans defense inside the paint. Eventually got 'Boogie Nights' Cousins ejected with his 6th foul.

Roberson is 5 for 5 (100%) at the 3-point line in the last three games (Cleveland 1-1, Los Angeles 3-3 & New Orleans 1-1).

Gotta to give it up to Presti when you consider what he had to offer; he pulled off the best trade value the Thunder could have gotten.

Was at last night's game. I can tell McDermott and Gibson need some more time to gel with the team but Kanter and Westbrook were firing on all cylinders. I jumped when Westbrook dunked Boogie out of game.