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Oklahoma City Thunder's big three has game...

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

Don't know about the minority... I hate to see him go too due to his enthusiasm about being here.

Unfortunately as we both know.. It's a part of the business.

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

Sure, but his contract was absolutely terrible, and he was a complete liability when playing teams like GSW and SAS. Of course Carmello isn't necessarily known for his defense either, but we should be able to score with just about anyone at this point.

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

He will be missed for sure but today’s game doesn’t work well with two bigs.

Thunder signed PG Trey Burke today as well.

Trey Burke?
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2579260.png&w=350&h=254
Age 24, Born Columbus, OH #33 PG 6' 1", 191 lbs

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html

Semaj Christon will probably get cut.

Trey Burke is just invited to compete against Semaj in camp. Burke has been terrible. As bad as Semaj is, he is at least a good defender, which is more valuable for a guy who is not really expected to play. Burke could beat Semaj out, but he's not much to get excited about.

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

I actually think you're in the vast majority. Kanter is really loved because he embraced the city like no other Thunder player. Kanter lost contact with his family because of an authoritarian, murderous dicatator. It meant a lot to Kanter to have a home in OKC. I am really bummed to see him leave.

Having said that, this trade was a smart basketball move.

Dan,

Does the Thunder have enough of these decent defenders that can't seem to play a lick of offense. Perkins was good for 3 or 4 points a game, he was intimidating on defense.

Thunder still has 17 on their current roster with the Anthony change: http://www.espn.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder

My guess, Semaj Christian, Daniel Hamilton & Norris Cole; two of the three are probably hanging by a thread.

Hint: No salary listed for Hamilton or Cole...

Hamilton and Cole are not real candidates for the team. Also, appears Trey Burke changed his mind on coming to camp with OKC. Barring a trade, Semaj still likely for that 15th spot.

I actually think you're in the vast majority. Kanter is really loved because he embraced the city like no other Thunder player. Kanter lost contact with his family because of an authoritarian, murderous dicatator. It meant a lot to Kanter to have a home in OKC. I am really bummed to see him leave.

Having said that, this trade was a smart basketball move.

We're going to agree to disagree. I'm basing my comment from the beginning of this off season.

How many more years are on Melo's contract vs Kanters?

I could see OKC having to waste an asset like a future pick to get rid of Singler's contract and avoid more of the tax.

I so wish we could have offloaded Singler to the NYK instead of Kanter. I hope Enes somehow maintains a relationship with OKC and its budding Turkish community along N May. So sad to see him go.

But GREAT to get Melo, I called this back in July when it was first reported that OKC was 'talking' with him - I knew it was WB going out and getting guys he WANTS to play with and that Presti and Co believe we need to succeed. Now, OKC has a legitimate Big 3 (and maybe a Big 4 if you include Adams, who WILL have to step up) to IMO exceed Houston (far exceed SAS) and hand-idly challenge GSW. I knew Melo was coming once it was clear Houston couldn't make it happen. Nobody really gave OKC credit but now 'everybody' online is discounting Melo as a has been since he's now in OKC. ...

Well, I say - good luck but that OKC finally has the IT guys on the team that should result in OKC being an elite contender. The ONLY issue I have is do we have enough time to get the guys to gel AND does RWB sign or wait and do a lower contract next year to keep everything together, in OKC.

So much for the Big City market argument or that OKC wouldn't pay/afford the luxury tax. But hopefully guys can be a bit more humble and live moreso off their sponsorship deals to make things work. Can't wait for the season, especially how well we'll do now against GSW.

OKC's starting lineup is already the best in the NBA: Westbrook, Roberson, PG13, Melo, Adams - OMG!

Since 2008 I have been on the Russ train and I was always a bit suspicious of KD's heart, determination and sincerity. I have had many spirited discussions with friends, on social media and even on this board when I said in the past that if we lost one guy I'd rather it be KD. I have always thought that Russ was the guy I'd rather build a team around, warts and all. As far as I'm concerned KD will likely never be more than the greatest role player of all time. He is the OPPOSITE of a leader.

I've also had these same feelings and conversations all along. Russ was always #1 to me and I hated it when everybody blamed everything on him and gave KD the accolades for the victories.

Now I wanna see what KD has to say now that OKC has leveled the playing field quite a bit; I think OKC starting line will be the best in the NBA (esp if Roberson and Adam can develop their goto shot), even though GSW bench is still better.

To clarify, Kanter had to be in this deal to make salaries work.

Most people probably know this, but Melo is aging and I think this team will be better in the playoffs than regular season. I don't think this move will make a big difference in the regular season as I still think OKC will finish between second and fourth. Unfortunately, the Warriors are still dramatically better than us. Major injuries are probably still OKC's only hope. But we're back in the game in more ways than one. First and foremost, I think this will encourage Russ to stay and others to consider staying. I never would have imagined OKC could get high profile players like PG and Melo. I'm sometimes still amazed that OKC has a team. :)

To clarify, Kanter had to be in this deal to make salaries work.

Correct! Those trades have to come very close to matching is salaries; then, you can justify a future draft pick to seal the deal.

The combo big three of Westbrook, Anthony & George should make our Thunder competitive against any NBA franchise.

OKC had 66-1 odds of winning the 2018 championship when the offseason began, and those odds have skyrocketed to 16-1 after acquiring PG3 and Hoodie Melo. You just have to tip your hat to Sam Presti; the guy is a miracle worker.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nba/news/okcs-nba-championship-odds-jump-to-161-after-acquiring-carmelo-anthony/amp/ (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nba/news/okcs-nba-championship-odds-jump-to-161-after-acquiring-carmelo-anthony/amp/)

In addition, don't get distracted by the Bulls converting Gary Harris, Jusuf Nurkic, Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson, and a 2nd round pick into Cam Payne.

Obviously this is a great move for OKC. Still quite a ways from being better than the Warriors, but in the age of unbalanced rosters, we are at least now in a position to beat the Warriors, even in a best of seven.

I think you solve the similar player issues with Melo/George by lots of staggering with those two. They also both have obvious pairings at SG (Memo+Robes, George+Abrines)

So much of OKC's ceiling is still going to be determined by what kinds of steps forward Grant and Abrines make. If we can count on them to average 18-20 points between them and to be acceptable defenseman, then watch out. We know that Patterson is a great fit for this team, and Adams' contribution on both ends of the floor should look markedly improved...but if this team is going to win it all, I really think Abrines+Grant+Patterson+Felton are going to have to come in and be markedly better than Iggy+Livingston+Young+Javale/West

We better enjoy the hell out of this season, because it might be our last good one for SEVERAL years coming.

2 things - Trey Burke has now declined and Melo has lost 15 pounds over the summer. Best condition he's been in for years.

And one more - Melo rescinded the trade kicker which would have cost the Thunder 8 million as a bonus to sign him. Now that's a sacrifice to play here.

Roberson's role will continue as a starter with special assignments; to be a hit man to hound & get inside the head of individual players like K.D., Curry, Leonard, Parker, Lillard...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-GxE7JJpMU
Stephen A.: Knicks made right move considering circumstances

https://img.bleacherreport.net/cms/media/image/a9/60/c4/2c/c445/451e/b00f/8f8f5fb00bf4/crop_exact_full_image.jpeg?h=400&w=600&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top
Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

In addition, don't get distracted by the Bulls converting Gary Harris, Jusuf Nurkic, Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson, and a 2nd round pick into Cam Payne.

More than how well OKC develops players and the top notch nutrition we have here (expressed by players of old and current) I feel like Sam Presti does a magnificent job of pulling off these deals where we win big and only give up a little here or there. At times I wonder if the guy has these other teams on camera doing something illegal lol.....because he is just stealing. IMHO - best GM in the NBA. Collectively, according to experts who.have played in the league, Presti is easily a top 5 maybe even top 3 consensus GM in the NBA.

https://img.bleacherreport.net/cms/media/image/a9/60/c4/2c/c445/451e/b00f/8f8f5fb00bf4/crop_exact_full_image.jpeg?h=400&w=600&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top
Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

Damn laramie Lmbo.....posted his picture and everything lol

Isaiah Canaan is now coming in instead of Trey Burke to compete with Semaj for the third string point guard spot. I would take Canaan over either Semaj or Burke. He's a better shooter, which can help keep the floor spaced.

Also, Dwyane Wade "liked" a tweet about a rumor if him coming to OKC. If he's coming on the minimum for his age and he accepts a lesser role then he'd be a great addition to the bolster the bench. The problem with Anthony and Wade is that aging superstars sometimes struggle accepting lesser roles to help the team win. It's a hard adjustment to make. But the reality is that I would only want Wade as long as he accepts that Roberson may be on the floor at the end of the game instead of him. Patterson may need to be out there instead of Anthony at times. That's a hard pill to swallow for superstars, but that's what OKC will need out of them.

Isaiah Canaan is now coming in instead of Trey Burke to compete with Semaj for the third string point guard spot. I would take Canaan over either Semaj or Burke. He's a better shooter, which can help keep the floor spaced.

Also, Dwyane Wade "liked" a tweet about a rumor if him coming to OKC. If he's coming on the minimum for his age and he accepts a lesser role then he'd be a great addition to the bolster the bench. The problem with Anthony and Wade is that aging superstars sometimes struggle accepting lesser roles to help the team win. It's a hard adjustment to make. But the reality is that I would only want Wade as long as he accepts that Roberson may be on the floor at the end of the game instead of him. Patterson may need to be out there instead of Anthony at times. That's a hard pill to swallow for superstars, but that's what OKC will need out of them.

I'm not so sure about superstars accepting lesser roles, let's face it if they can't perform beyond 28 like they did when they were in their prime playing days--why would you be concerned about a reduced role or playing time.

Raymond Felton should be a great backup for RW.

I'm not so sure about superstars accepting lesser roles, let's face it if they can't perform beyond 28 like they did when they were in their prime playing days--why would you be concerned about a reduced role or playing time.

It seems like we're saying the same thing, but I can't tell...

https://img.bleacherreport.net/cms/media/image/a9/60/c4/2c/c445/451e/b00f/8f8f5fb00bf4/crop_exact_full_image.jpeg?h=400&w=600&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top
Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

Anyone who's seen me talk Roberson knows that I don't like him. Having that said, i bet if his practices were filmed/recorded you'd see him making them all the time. Happens to DJ/DH/Drummond all the time.

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

Everyone, please read the above. His FT shooting may be frustrating, but that's not why he's on the team. We have one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has repeatedly shut down top offensive threats and it's awesome to watch.

Everyone, please read the above. His FT shooting may be frustrating, but that's not why he's on the team. We have one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has repeatedly shut down top offensive threats and it's awesome to watch.

Awesome if you love defense (raises hand)... Unfortunately most fans really only care to see flashy crossovers that break ankles and backboard shattering dunks.

^^^^^^
Agree wholeheartedly with the last three posts.

Surprised there's no talk about the tweets last night talking about melo and george trying to get wade to come here... have those rumors been dispelled by now?

Media day is filled with good information so far. Everyone looks so happy. And seeing these guys in their Thunder gear together is bizzare. I cannot believe that PG and Melo are actually in OKC now. What a rollercoaster the last 3 years have been for this front office and organization.

I think Woj reported that OKC could be in the mix for Wade.

I've always wondered what went into saying he was elite though. I looked at the stats, and tried breaking it down. After tuning out all of the center positions and taller PF players the best light I could put him in is that he's top 10 in defensive box plus minus.

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

I get that sentiment, but would you rather have a better chance to win the finals or to just get there? I would argue that he would have a better opportunity to win a championship if he joined the Thunder. Either way, OKC or Cleveland will have to get passed GSW...whether that’s in the WCF or the FInals seems pretty irrelevant. The total salary each team can offer is pretty similar. Wade is good friends with both Melo and PG13 too and spent a bunch of time working out and traveling with both of them last summer. WOJ said that those guys are aggressively pursuing him so it would seem like we’ve got a pretty decent shot.

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

Not necessarily. Boston is going to be a serious challenger in the East this year.

If we can get Wade for 2.3 million you do it, but it's just important to remember that he's an injury prone 35-year old whose numbers and athleticism have dropped off. He's also a bad three point shooter who can hurt team spacing. The game has changed since Wade was elite. If Wade and his teammates still see him as a star then he could take minutes from Abrines and Roberson who might better complement other players on the court as a three point shooter and defensive specialist. Abrines is a mucher better three point shooter, he had a higher effective field goal percentage and offensive rating than Wade last season, but Wade is better at most everything else (see stats (https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.fcgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1_hint=Dwyane+Wade&player_id1_select=Dwyane+Wade&player_id1=wadedw01&y1=2017&player_id2_hint=Alex+Abrines&player_id2_select=Alex+Abrines&player_id2=abrinal01&y2=2017)). If you can get Wade then I would definitely do it even if it is not a clean fit. I just hope Donovan doesn't feel pressured to play him in crunch time if he's not the best option. That pressure can be real. But it would be fun, wouldn't it?!?

Melo, Paul George want Dwyane Wade to sign with Thunder: http://thunder.247sports.com/Bolt/carmelo-anthony-paul-george-want-dwyane-wade-to-sign-with-thunde-107973141


A number of teams are interested in signing Wade but the Cavaliers and Thunder are reportedly the front-runners to land the future Hall of Famer. And while LeBron James' friendship with Wade may greatly benefit the Cavs, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George are hoping that he strongly considers the Thunder.



http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/thunder/sites/default/files/styles/news_block_large_2_col/public/st-mediaday-170925.jpg?itok=SRhC4toR
Small market Oklahoma City continues to be considered by free agents.

My concern: At what point would all of these new additions become problematic for Westbrook; especially the addition of Wade. Westbrook should welcome the new players; once he leaves the floor with a lead, he won't have to worry about losing his mind while he takes his bench rest.

Dwyane Wade apparently close to signing with Cleveland. Having Wade would've been nice, but I was worried he would potentially get minutes that Abrines deserved.

Anthony is a big dude but Adams is such a giant.

Yes I think Abrines is poised for a breakout year. Not to drink the Kool-Aid - and I'm not predicting he is ever going to be an All-Star or anything - but I think he will be a household name among serious NBA hoop fans, sooner rather than later.

OKC's BIG THREE

Home

https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/698/283/hi-res-ee5c3932545d9cf54afa8b1bd8a0506e_crop_north.jpg?h= 533&w=800&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top

Away

https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/carmelo-anthony-russel-westbrook-paul-george-Clutchpoints.jpg

Starters

https://www.slamonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/carmelo_anthony_thunder_perfect_fit_fb.jpg

Expect some good news around 9:30 - 10:00 today from the Thunder.:woowoo:

Singler released!?

Good news? If it gets any better, just don't think I can stand it.

Singler released!?

They said good news not INCREDIBLY AWESOME FANTASTIC news. ;)

They said good news not INCREDIBLY AWESOME FANTASTIC news. ;)

I can hope, right?

So what's the news? It's 10:30.

Well this news (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/thunderextra/oklahoma-city-thunder-s-carmelo-anthony-says-cavs-rockets-deals/article_11add0ab-13ae-5950-a7ff-fa3749da50e9.html) came out at 9:50..... Suppose that could be considered good news instead of old news.

Well this news (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/thunderextra/oklahoma-city-thunder-s-carmelo-anthony-says-cavs-rockets-deals/article_11add0ab-13ae-5950-a7ff-fa3749da50e9.html) came out at 9:50..... Suppose that could be considered good news instead of old news.

This can't be it. I read about this yesterday.

Should have known better than put a time frame on it.... Rookie mistake!
Hearing RW is supposed to sign his extension.

Should have known better than put a time frame on it.... Rookie mistake!
Hearing RW is supposed to sign his extension.

Where did you supposedly hear this?

Well if I told you that I probably wouldn’t “hear” things anymore.. I usually get good info, but I suppose anything’s possible. Will just have to see how it plays out.

Well if I told you that I probably wouldn’t “hear” things anymore.. I usually get good info, but I suppose anything’s possible. Will just have to see how it plays out.

Fingers are crossed!

It would be interesting timing. Today is KD's birthday.

It would be interesting timing. Today is KD's birthday.

Hahaha.