Donovan is probably fired next week. Anthony has done nothing except stunt Grant's growth. Donovan should have been fired back in February and we may have had a chance @ something other than this horrendous offense. It took one of our guys hitting 8/11 threes to beat the Jazz @ home. Otherwise this is a Blazers/Pels sweep.

What is up with Abrines not getting any minutes? I mean at least he tries and has a chance on defense. He wasn't doing too badly @ the end while he was on Mitchell.

Watch we are going to lose Grant this off season and he will go somewhere and be a huge contributor - just like every Thunder player that leaves.

I'm not sure if we're watching the same Abrines, he got roasted on defense last night... he gets lost on some many rotations and they resulted in wide open threes.

[QUOTE=Anonymous.;1030557Watch we are going to lose Grant this off season and he will go somewhere and be a huge contributor - just like every Thunder player that leaves.[/QUOTE]

Probably to Indiana. Victor O and Grant go way back.

http://www.slamonline.com/nba/victor-oladipo-jerian-jerami-grant-interview/
http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2013/03/indiana_star_victor_oladipo_sp.html

Key players:

Simply put, Anthony & Westbrook are burned out. Will say that they have attempted to make a few adjustments--too little too late.

Coaches:

Not all college coaches can make that adjustment; Donovan inherited a dysfunctional situation in which Scott Brooks never demanded discipline or defense of Westbrook & K.D., these guys never got on the same page; therefore he did not want to upset the apple cart. Case in point, K.D., caught it from players & coaches at GSW; he now plays better defense and team ball. Westbrook never bought into Donovan's system; he's got to become a team player. Donovan should have brought in his own staff--retained too many of Brooks' regime.

Officials: NBA transformations have evolved since 2014 (Post David Stern):

Small ball, space the floor, accurate 3 point shooters & NBA officials. NBA officials are not consistent in the way they call the game; players are allowed to flop with no consequences, some touch fouls are called & some obvious fouls are ignored; most rookies are disrespected unless you're a gem in the rough. Players have to adjust to the officials who make adjustments after they review half-time video.

Brooks wasn't a fan of the 3 point shot; he sat out a year to really study the new NBA game; it has helped him with the Wizards.

Quin Snyder & Brad Stevens made adjustments.

Key:

Donovan has been given the monumental task to manage 3 distinct personalities.

Retain Adams, Abrines & Grant. Shed some salary from 1 of our big 3--who's it gonna be?

NOT READY TO THROW OUT THE WHITE FLAG!

Westbrook and Anthony have guaranteed money next year. Nobody would trade for Melo and he has a no trade anyway. George is worthless for trade now unless you do a sign and trade( with his approval). Only Westbrook has value and can be traded. Good luck with that. It appears this franchise values loyalty over pragmatism.

The Thunder just can’t shoot from any kind of distance and are complete garbage from 3. Athleticism only gets you so far these days especially when the opponent has a big that can play D.

When it rains, it pours file: Suspension for Westbrook?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2772280-russell-westbrook-incident-under-nba-review-for-potential-game-5-suspension

Adams has limitations in that he can't shoot or guard outside the paint; positives, he's strong inside the paint as long as he doesn't pick up his dribble--has improved on free throws.

We have a defensive specialist in Dre; however, you know his free throw shooting is his Achilles' heel.

As he always does, Zach Lowe breaks down the Thunder’s woes here: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23308679/zach-lowe-wolves-rockets-thunder-jazz-nba-playoffs-game-5?

I completely agree with his finishing statement too: “The Thunder are good -- way better than this. Let's hope they show it in Game 5.”

.

Oklahoma City Thunder 107 - Utah Jazz 99

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401029451

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD1gDOeegX0

I am stunned by what I just witnessed. My goodness.

Glad I drove up for the game... Wow!

This was my first year with season tickets and by halftime our group was done. We showed no energy and that continued until halfway through the 3Q. The rest of the game was the most fun, aggressive, exciting Thunder I've seen all year. This is what we have been waiting for. If we can go into Game 6 with that attitude and aggression and force a Game 7... that may rival our first game vs the Lakers in our first playoffs in regards to crowd intensity. No one sat the entire 4th and I regained my full hearing 45 minutes after leaving.

We obviously can't count on ~80 from PG and RW, but we saw some positive rotations (i.e. no Melo on the 40-16 run).

That was one for the ages. Game 6 is going to be lit. It took Billy being down 25 in the third quarter of an elimination game to realize Melo is hot garbage.

That was one for the ages. Game 6 is going to be lit. It took Billy being down 25 in the third quarter of an elimination game to realize Melo is hot garbage.

Last night I yelled at the TV, "GET HIS @$$ ON THE BENCH!" in the first quarter, referring to Melo. If he can't make mid range or three point shots, he is a dumpster fire on defense, so there is no reason for him to be on the court. He was 2-6 in 25 minutes with seven points and five rebounds. I would much rather have Grant out there on both offense and defense, especially with Gobert on the floor. Melo can't rotate and cover him and PG is usually too far away from the paint to do it, so it is Adams and Gobert 1:1.

Helluva game, helluva performance by RW and PG, helluva comeback. Props to the winners last night.

Utah gave up the game so they can win the series at home.

Utah gave up the game so they can win the series at home.

Sounds like a good strategy. Maybe they'll change their mind and decide they want to win the series on the road and lose tonight's game.

Time Out!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaE8gllg6D0

Was this commercial taped at the Cox Convention Center (Old Myriad)?

Ugh

We have some youth on the team with promise (Adams, Grant, Abrines, Ferguson & Huestis), hang on to these guys and move forward. Singler & Anthony will be off our books come 2019-20.

Presti is keen on talent recognition; it may take a few years to get these guys to develop full potential.

Lottery team for a while. ESPN loves to bash OKC. Anyone notice how disrespectful #$$$ Utah fans are. They make the Mavs/Rockets/Spurts/Warriors/Lakers/Idiots in Seattle look like choir boys.

Carmelo's exit interview might have been about the best news for the Thunder organization all season. It sounds like to get him to opt-out, all they have to do is tell him he isn't a starter anymore.

The dude is really incredibly dense. He laughs @ the questions about coming off the bench and then blames his poor performance on the lack of "strategy" in the offense.


"I think the player that they wanted me to be and needed me to be was for the sake of this season," Anthony said. "Everything was just thrown together and it wasn't anything that was planned out. Wasn't no strategy to me being here, me being a part of the actual system and what type of player and things like that."

So what is it about bricking wide open threes is it that you feel doesn't fit? Dude is washed and needs to either play limited minutes against bench caliber players or mail it in.

Best words we've heard come from Carmelo Anthony's mouth. Hold him to this threat he has made toward the Thunder organization.

Tell Melo up front; he's coming off the bench. If he doesn't like it, point him toward Syracuse and put him in cruise control. Let him opt out.

I really disagree with comments that Melo is "dense" or a "diva" as I've seen any other places. From all accounts, Melo is a tremendous teammates, a really nice and thoughtful person, and great citizen. Melo is a superstar whose skills are declining. Almost all superstars struggle with this transition because they're competitors. They don't just roll over and accept that they're not good anymore. It's tough and we know this because this happens over and over again to superstars. Melo changed his game for the team and it didn't work out... is it a surprise that he'd want to go back to a role in which he had more success? Having said all that, I completely agree that Melo needs a lesser role as a spot up shooter and the best thing for OKC is probably if he opts out and leaves. But I'm not here for bashing the guy.

As usual, Zach Lowe nails the Thunder's problems: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23364202/zach-lowe-russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-nba

These quotes are spot on:
"Put simply, Westbrook is an average jump shooter who takes too many contested jump shots worth two points."

"The obvious answer: Unleash Westbrook as the angriest, fastest, spread pick-and-roll point guard in NBA history. Turn those five ugly jumpers into lobs or 3s. There is no defense for a Westbrook-Adams pick-and-roll with three shooters surrounding it."

"This is why those who shrugged at Westbrook's 43 shots in Game 6, arguing he had to shoot so often because everyone else failed, missed the bigger picture. The point is not to cherry-pick one shooting binge and explain it away. The point is to look at that shooting binge, and at the specific shots George and Anthony missed, and wonder how it all might have unfolded had the Thunder ever installed a larger offensive infrastructure."

"The Thunder need other stars, and a coherent system that enables them -- an offense that persists beyond one desultory action. To find both, they need Westbrook to play a little differently. It doesn't have to be some sea change. It can be a bunch of little things -- starting with those five shots a game -- that add up to something larger."

Carmelo's exit interview might have been about the best news for the Thunder organization all season. It sounds like to get him to opt-out, all they have to do is tell him he isn't a starter anymore.

The dude is really incredibly dense. He laughs @ the questions about coming off the bench and then blames his poor performance on the lack of "strategy" in the offense.



So what is it about bricking wide open threes is it that you feel doesn't fit? Dude is washed and needs to either play limited minutes against bench caliber players or mail it in.
I took his comments regarding strategy to mean that they were all thrown together at the last minute without much thought to much more than the fact they were good players, and not about how their individual games might mesh, but with recognition that this was because of the last-minute nature. He is saying that now there must be a plan, and that is fair. I think he is also acknowledging that it is possible that the plan for the team and his own plans might not be able to accommodate his game (also fair).

According to Donovan and everyone with the team, and according to reports I've read online, he has been nothing short of an absolute professional in accepting his diminished role this year. This includes articles I've linked before, where he approached Donovan and asked "what do you need me to do?" According to everything I've seen and heard he has been an incredible lockeroom guy. I don't think he has been a cancer in any way this season; he has just had a difficult time adapting his game.

If anything, in these statements I see recognition on his part that he might never be a good fit to the system and that he needs to evaluate whether he should stick here or whether he needs to find a way to leave. That's also fair.

If he wants to leave, pretty sure he could opt out for a stretched contract that would be tradeable. Meaning if he is prioritizing going somewhere he can play his own style of play and make an impact with a contender, he does so for less money next year but with more long-term stability. Otherwise if he wants to stay he could do so either with an opt in or a stretch deal, but he would need to continue to adapt, which doesn't sound like what he wants. None of this is crappy or egotistical or whatever. People are calling him egotistical or difficult or washed up or whatever, and I don't really think that is a fair assessment. I just think he still believes he's an impact player and wants to be in a system where he is impactful. I don't think he's necessarily wrong. Everybody acts like he's SO old. He's 34. This year there were 25 players in the league older than him. But I will say this: he needs to go on the Vic Oladipo crossfit training regimen in the off-season, no matter where he lands. That would help him tons.

I really disagree with comments that Melo is "dense" or a "diva" as I've seen any other places. From all accounts, Melo is a tremendous teammates, a really nice and thoughtful person, and great citizen. Melo is a superstar whose skills are declining. Almost all superstars struggle with this transition because they're competitors. They don't just roll over and accept that they're not good anymore. It's tough and we know this because this happens over and over again to superstars. Melo changed his game for the team and it didn't work out... is it a surprise that he'd want to go back to a role in which he had more success? Having said all that, I completely agree that Melo needs a lesser role as a spot up shooter and the best thing for OKC is probably if he opts out and leaves. But I'm not here for bashing the guy.
Amen.

This is where many of us disagree; it has nothing to do with bashing.

Does every Thunder player have the right to say whether or not he comes off the bench or when his number is called, if he wants to perform or contribute to the best of his ability?

Recall a game when Donovan attempted to send Anthony in to replace a tired Jerami Grant who had just knocked down a trey; Melo was insubordinate, he told Donovan that Jerami was fine; he wasn't going in to replace him. If we're going to allow well compensated players to decide their role on this team--why do you need a coach... ...think about it.

'Attitudes' by players--and I'll continue to call them divas; you're compensated by the Thunder organization; this gives the head coach & his staff the call (decision) to tweak this team for any situation that occurs. It's the coach's decision. It isn't about EGOS, be it Anthony, Westbrook or George.

If Anthony is allowed to decide whether or not he comes off the bench; then where does it stop... ...the organization needs to get a FIRM grip on players who dictate their role on the team.

The worst of Carmelo Anthony was suppose to be gone by now: https://nypost.com/2018/03/26/the-worst-of-carmelo-anthony-was-supposed-to-be-gone-by-now/

I am surprised my post was taken as bashing. If anything Anthony was bashing Sam and the organization. In what type of offensive strategy is a wide open shot not the goal? It isn't like Melo was having to work on his own to get shots. Russ and PG were finding him, but he was building brick houses. It doesn't matter what system you think you need to be in, 15 second long dribble jab-steps is the most outdated style of play in the NBA today. That is all Melo has ever known, if he can't be a knock down shooter (which was literally his only role we needed him for) then he has no business getting over 30 minutes a game. And when he isn't hitting his shots, he is still getting roasted on defense.

I love Melo and know he is a great locker room guy, as evidenced by the team praising him. But that absolutely does not mean we can't criticize his performance and attitude about it. This is like the Perkins situation all over again, the coach keeps playing the guy who has his feet in concrete and the rest of the league adapts.

Like Laramie said, either Billy needs to go - or he needs to sack up and actually dictate when and where players are to be in the rotation.


There is a post on the frontpage of r/nba right now showing Melo moved the least distance in the entire league this season, dude wasn't even tired and he was out there playing like he is gassed.

^^^
I don't think any posts after yours argued against any of this. I pretty much agree and was speaking more to the trashing of Melo as a person, which was broader than any single post here. I've seen it in numerous places. All that to say, we largely agree that Melo does not appear to be very good at basketball. If it wouldn't hurt the PG3 recruitment, I'd definitely let Melo know he's be coming off the bench to encourage him to opt out.

Melo's not a bad locker room guy.

Seemed like everybody on the team liked him. The local media have spoken highly of him as well. I'm glad he voiced his frustrations after the season ended like a professional and not during the season to make things worse. A lot of people have cited him as a cancer on WelcometoLoudCity, DailyThunder, r/thunder, etc but I've honestly been impressed with how he handled himself during an obviously difficult time of transition in his career.

That being said, the dude is mostly washed. He thinks he's capable of doing more offensively and that he's deserving of a bigger role. That may be true, but it's not going to be on a team that wants to win a title during the year 2018 and beyond. This team already has a ball-dominant, inefficent player in Westbrook. Adding a player that excels at shooting high-volume long 2s only harms the team further.

The way the team is constructed obviously doesn't work. Westbrook and Melo have both contributed to that. The difference is that Westbrook is the face of the franchise and gets to do whatever he wants without changing. Melo doesn't. So if he doesn't like it, he'll need to opt out.

It may be best for both parties that way.

Well I was wrong about winning the series (as I was afraid I would be) but I will never ever blame Russ for doing what Russ does when PG and Melo are out to lunch

I’m also in the camp of wanting to see both PG and Melo back next season but—

I enjoy Zach Lowe’s deep dives but I disagree with him fundamentally on the “religion” of analytics—I am old school and I still believe the 3 point shot has ruined the game of basketball that I grew up playing

I believe an offense can still be effective by hitting the dreaded “non-paint 2” at a 50+% clip as long as the ball moves from side to side via the pass not the dribble

Once upon a time KD and Serge (and Carmelo and even His Airness for that matter) were absolutely automatic from 15-18 feet on the baseline—their length preventing effective close outs from that range (not to mention Russ and his deadly “cotton shot”)

But we got caught up with Warrior fever as did the rest of the league to the point where we print in the game programs that non-paint 2s are bad and corner 3s are most efficient

I firmly believe that the NBA 3 is just a step beyond most player’s natural rhythm shot—and most teams are willing to accept the risk/reward element of that extra point at a lower % because analytics say so (and 29 teams don’t have Steph and Klay and now KD to prove me wrong)

But games are played in 48 minutes—not 100 possessions—and ebbs and flows of the actual game at hand are never taken into account by the number crunchers

tldr version—I wish we would buck the trend and give a green light to a shooter in rhythm to shoot the midrange jumper at will and I think we would be rewarded with more victories

I’ll save defense for another day...

THUNDER UP 4LIFE RUSS REAL MVP

I don’t see Melo opting out. No one else will pay him $27.9M next year. The only scenario I see is him taking less money somewhere else so he can play how he wants.

^^^^^^^^
But that’s NOT the only scenario. He could also opt out for a stretch deal, say 4/$40 guaranteed. Now, would the Thunder want to own that contract? Doubtful, especially in light of not wanting to even consider a bench role now that it’s obvious he doesn’t necessarily fit this team as a starter. But that’s a contract they could move. He knows that. And I think his comments may indicate he’s considering something like that so that he could land on a team where he’s a more obvious fit. Which would be great for everybody.

And Dan’s right; he’s been trashed all over the place on social media, blogs and elsewhere. He doesn’t deserve it. His game’s not a fit, I get it. But he’s been nothing but a pro, and even these post season comments in no way ,ean that he’s trying to dictate a his role to the Thunder. It just means he sees himself in a starting role where he contributes, which quite likely means someplace else.

^^^^^^^^
But that’s NOT the only scenario. He could also opt out for a stretch deal, say 4/$40 guaranteed. Now, would the Thunder want to own that contract? Doubtful, especially in light of not wanting to even consider a bench role now that it’s obvious he doesn’t necessarily fit this team as a starter. But that’s a contract they could move. He knows that. And I think his comments may indicate he’s considering something like that so that he could land on a team where he’s a more obvious fit. Which would be great for everybody.

I don't think you can use stretch contracts the way you're proposing. You can only stretch players contracts when you buy them out and they're not on the team. So, the Thunder can buy out Melo and then stretch his deal over several years and he could then sign with another team.

Here's the scenarios from worst to best:
1. Melo re-signs on a longer deal
2. Melo picks up his one season option
3. Melo opts out and leaves

I didn't add a scenario where Melo opts out and signs a lesser deal with the Thunder because I don't see it as plausible, but maybe I'm wrong. Of course, how these options influence PG is even more important. Re-signing PG is the most important things by far.

I've been told by more than one person whose info I trust that he can opt out and restructure with the Thunder. If this happens he could keep his protective trade clause intact but the upside for the Thunder is that they could get back value in a trade. Similar to a sign and trade. The upside to him is that he isn't on the open market so could dictate some terms in the contract to a team (the Thunder) that would like to lose his $27 million and the associated luxury tax. More protection to him than simply opting out, plus the Thunder receives whatever trade value they can get for a $10M Melo.

By the way, that is essentially option 1. in your list of options. All I'm saying is that it is done with an eye to a trade, which vaults it from worst option on your list to best option. I think the worst option for everybody concerned (including Melo) is that he just opts in for the $27 million.

Interesting. I definitely didn't think players could restructure deals in the NBA. I thought he'd have to opt out and do a completely new deal. But I'm no salary cap expert. Good question for Jon Hamm.

On another note: Report: George will leave Thunder this summer (http://prohoopsdigest.com/report-george-will-leave-thunder/)

If PG3 is gone then that's pretty damaging, especially next year and for Russ' legacy. Fair or not, he'll likely be remembered as the superstar no one wanted to play with. Long wait until July 1st.

I took the time to research the stretch out option. Per the 2011 CBA, a team may stretch out a contract on a player they have waived. I could find no other reason.
A team can stretch out a contract by multiplying by 2 the remaining years and add one. In Melo's case that is total of three years of stretch. Because it is for players that have been waived, there is no player input on this if the team exercises it. Whether Melo stays or goes, it is my opinion that ultimately it is up to Westbrook. If he wants him here, he will be here.

Dan two years ago you said Westbrook could not get a new deal and shortly after he did.

As far a Melo volunteering to do any restructuring, it will have to benefit him. He does not need to leave money on the table and I would not be surprised if he would have to have his baby mama sign off on a deal that could impact support payments. If he does nothing he gets 28 million next year and then leave. Then he goes where it works best for him and get 8 million a year(what he is worth) for a couple more years, netting 44 million over 3 years. Melo is not going to take a hit to make Presti look better.

If PG is gone the damage to Presti is really damaging. He took a huge gamble on this and Melo working out and it looks like he could have made a multi million dollar goof.

Read more on the stretch option here:
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2011/11/28/nba-stretch-provision-may-mean-more-bad-contracts/

I used the term stretch here and I think it is the wrong term as that is specific to paying out a player who was waived. What I mean is that he can opt out to restructure. This can be done if both parties agree.

I'm not suggesting for a second that Carmelo would do something detrimental to his own bottom line, nor do I think he should. It's a business. He can certainly hold the Thunder's feet to the fire on the remainder of his contract, but I don't think that benefits him. If he can get a multi-year deal that roughly equals what he would get for those years on the open market, combined with the money remaining on his agreement, he can (and probably should) do that. It's good business for him and for the Thunder. If it can be structured in such a way that it is palatable to a team that wants to take a flyer on him, and if said team is willing to give up some decent assets to take a shot, once again it is good for him AND good for the Thunder.

Point being that opting out or riding out are NOT the only two options.

^^^
So, here, I think restructuring is also the wrong term. It would just be a completely new deal, not a restructuring of an old one.

On the open market, I'm not sure Melo can get $5 million per year so I can't see how opting out is in his personal interest. And I think having Melo for more than one more year would be against the Thunder's interest... even if he was on a minimum contract. Melo's play was really detrimental to OKC in the playoffs (I was dead wrong and thought he might be helpful in the playoffs...he wasn't). Literally, kicking him off the team would have helped OKC's chances of winning tremendously.

As to what I said about Westbrook's contract two years ago, I am sure I have been wrong plenty of times. Lol.

Hahaha $5 million? C’mon Dan...people dumb. Someone idiot is likely to pony up twice that. I mean, just last year someone thought he was worth 5x that money! ;)

Hahaha $5 million? C’mon Dan...people dumb. Someone idiot is likely to pony up twice that. I mean, just last year someone thought he was worth 5x that money! ;)

We'll see. I don't think there's a $10 million offer out there. Opinions shift fast and the opinion around the league is that Melo is no longer a helpful player for a team, which may or may not be true. And, remember, Melo isn't going to open his market to the entire league. He's not going to play in Sacramento, Phoenix, or Orlando so his market is probably less than 10 teams, maybe less than 5. Since he'll limit his suitors, I could see it as being plausible that he only gets vet minimum offers.

Dan, you are correct in your assessment; 'Opinions shift fast and the opinion around the league is that Melo is no longer a helpful player for a team...'

We agree that Melo fell far short of expectations.
Melo's (Apathy) showed what he was all about in the game where Billy attempted to send him in to replace a tired Grant and Melo flat refused after Jerami canned a trey--saying he'll be alright and took a seat. Did you see Maurice Cheeks get in Melo's ass?

Melo's contract expires after next season 2018-19. Can you blame PG13 if he decides to leave.

Presti brought Melo in; it's incumbent upon him to fix this. Where I do fault Billy, you're the head coach, you need to take charge; our entire management & coaches have gotten too comfortable in their roles--it's time to turn on the heat.

Where I do fault Billy, you're the head coach, you need to take charge; our entire management & coaches have gotten too comfortable in their roles--it's time to turn on the heat.

The reality of today in the NBA is that it is a players league and coaching dictates go nowhere fast. Unlike the Spurs, the coach is not the shot caller, it is the GM. Donovan is severely restricted in what he can dictate or "request".

The reality of today in the NBA is that it is a players league and coaching dictates go nowhere fast. Unlike the Spurs, the coach is not the shot caller, it is the GM. Donovan is severely restricted in what he can dictate or "request".

Quin Snyder didn't have anything to do with the Jazz series win over the Thunder 4 - 2. The Jazz lead the Rockets 56-37 in game 2; 2nd quarter in Houston with less than 6 minutes to go. Big difference when you have players who know how to block out, space the floor & rebound.

Melo's (Apathy) showed what he was all about in the game where Billy attempted to send him in to replace a tired Grant and Melo flat refused after Jerami canned a trey--saying he'll be alright and took a seat. Did you see Maurice Cheeks get in Melo's ass?

I agree with your other comments, but Melo is the opposite of apathy... and I want a player to want to be in the game. I had no problem with Melo wanting in... that's passion and pride. But it was the right move to leave him on the bench. He shoudn't have come back in later either. But this is not a problem unique to the Thunder. Aging stars struggle with declining roles. Melo just got useless real quick.

I agree with your other comments, but Melo is the opposite of apathy... and I want a player to want to be in the game. I had no problem with Melo wanting in... that's passion and pride. But it was the right move to leave him on the bench. He shoudn't have come back in later either. But this is not a problem unique to the Thunder. Aging stars struggle with declining roles. Melo just got useless real quick.

So true!

The pressure to put an overnight winner in the Big Apple took its toll on Anthony.

Just didn't like Melo's comment about coming off the bench; hence OKC is not an assisted living center for aging emeritus superstars.

Utah Jazz just defeated the Rockets in game 2 in Houston 116-108.

Presti made it pretty obvious in his presser that they want Melo gone. He basically only had a spiel about Melo being a complete professional and a great player that sacrificed a lot. But after that, every reference about the team included Russ, PG, and Adams. I think it was obvious that Presti wants a core of Russ/PG/Adams/Grant/Dre.

^^^^^^^^^
Would be a great core and a contender if it could be pulled off. Obviously would need a few other moves to be fully effective. Also a few other retentions would be nice if possible, starting with Felton.

So, with the Thunder being out of the playoffs now, who is everyone rooting for? Personally, I am going for the Raptors or the 76ers. Thoughts?

Mostly the Jazz... Maybe Lebron.

Basically anyone with a shot to overthrow the GSW regime. Rocket fans trash Russ and OKC for losing to the Jazz, now their series is going the exact same. Plus the way Harden plays is infuriating.

Add to the fact that GSW purposely lost to the Jazz to avoid having to play OKC or Utah in the first round is another reason I want the Jazz to face them in the WCF.

Mostly the Jazz... Maybe Lebron.

Basically anyone with a shot to overthrow the GSW regime. Rocket fans trash Russ and OKC for losing to the Jazz, now their series is going the exact same. Plus the way Harden plays is infuriating.

Add to the fact that GSW purposely lost to the Jazz to avoid having to play OKC or Utah in the first round is another reason I want the Jazz to face them in the WCF.

Personally, I am not going for any team in the West. I, obviously, don't want GSW to win and don't want the Rockets to win, because then we hear all about Harden and how bad that trade was. I would be ok with NO, but would prefer anybody in the east over any team in the West.

The Celtics- they are punching above their weight, great ball movement, and play a good team concept.

Any salary cap experts out there: If PG decides to leave, that basically means we are screwed for the purposes of signing another elite level player because we would only have somewhere in the range of $10-11 million in cap space (assuming we buy out/trade Melo), right?

Our contract obligations are at $137 million on a cap of $100 million/$120 luxury apron. Melo is owed $28 million and George $20 million (player option). So if George leaves, our obligations drop to $117 million. If we waive/buy out Melo or he opts out, our obligation is $89 million. So we have ~$11 million in cap space to sign a free agent.

I assume we would find a free agent willing to sign for that amount and then try to re-sign Jerami Grant using his Bird Rights, but keep us under the luxury apron to avoid the repeater tax.

In fact, it looks like it will be 2020 before we get enough cap space to sign an elite free agent.

I'm one who is slightly optimistic George stays, at least for another year, but I wanted to think through how this might affect our strategy going forward and I'm not a expert in the salary cap (though I'd like to be!)

If George doesn't sign, we're going to be in the 8-5 seed doldrums for the foreseeable future.

I think there's a chance he signs a one year deal, but I'm prepared for the worst.

Don't know if it means anything or not, but Gabe ikard claimed a rumor that George pulled his kid out of High School before the end of the term.


Gabe Ikard‏Verified account @GabeIkard · 5h5 hours ago



There’s a rumor going around that Paul George pulled his kid out of Heritage Hall this morning. Just a rumor...but I’m sure Thunder fans will take this well.

Don't know if it means anything or not, but Gabe ikard claimed a rumor that George pulled his kid out of High School before the end of the term.


Gabe Ikard‏Verified account @GabeIkard · 5h5 hours ago



There’s a rumor going around that Paul George pulled his kid out of Heritage Hall this morning. Just a rumor...but I’m sure Thunder fans will take this well.

I'm pretty sure Paul George's daughter is 4 years old. Pulling a 4 year old out of school is not that big of a deal.

Mostly the Jazz... Maybe Lebron.

Basically anyone with a shot to overthrow the GSW regime. Rocket fans trash Russ and OKC for losing to the Jazz, now their series is going the exact same. Plus the way Harden plays is infuriating.

Add to the fact that GSW purposely lost to the Jazz to avoid having to play OKC or Utah in the first round is another reason I want the Jazz to face them in the WCF.
+1 everything in this post.