Well, the Thunder literally had their two worst shooting games of the season -- and two of the worst of all time in the playoffs -- in these first two games. Regardless of anything else, if OKC just shot at it's normal level then things would be fine. Sometimes it's a make or miss league. But, man, I can't believe how poorly we shot after game 1. Russ played poorly, but anyone piling on to just him isn't paying attention. Jerami Grant, for example, has completely disappeared. He's been beyond terrible. That's been a huge factor. In the end, if OKC just shoots normal then we can win some games. No reason to think we can't get the two home games.

Our nearly league-worse 3PM % from the regular season has been halved in the post-season. That is almost as incredible as increasing it in anyway for this team.

Team showed zero passion in G2 other than Shroeder defending Dame and Adam's hard screen on Dame near the end when it didn't matter. RW and PG need to step up and lead and spark some fire. Because this team is under the broom right now. Letting CJ and Dame run free and be this comfortable is a massive strategy failure.

Thunder is a 7.5 point favorite in Game 3 with a total of 221.5. Historically, Thunder is 4-0 in game 3's when down 2-0. Hopefully we get a home win, and then another home win, and see what happens in a 2 of 3 series.

The fact Sir Charles picked the Blazers to win the west this morning should make us all feel better.:)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUN-2hV1UU8

Portland Trailblazers @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401126844

I admit I am basing this solely off an ESPN clip, but I must say that Westbrook’s ignoring Tramel’s and saying next question to almost everything asked in the postgame press conference is getting way old. Good lord we know ya hardcore and all, but please remember ya playing a damn game and making millions off it.

Russ has made it clear that he isn't going to give Tramel the time of day but still Tramel needles Russ, why doesn't he direct his questions towards PG instead of trying to continue to add on to this beef?

I am in no way a fan of Tramel, but why should he give in? Russ didn't like a few negative articles or press? whah get over it. OKC media is pretty nice compared to most markets.

He's supposed to be a journalist but to feed his own ego he tries to continue this rift instead of getting a story.

I respect reporters rights to ask questions but I have to stick up for Russ here.

These are forced pressers and happen every game. Imagine knowing after every game you have to go answer same questions from same people 82 + days a year plus even after practices. Pay should have nothing to do with meaning he needs to answer more.

Yes he works in the public light but so does mayor and governor and they are not forced to do this much Q&A. As a player you just spent 2.5 hours of emotional energy in a game plus pre game work which is 2 hours as well.

Russ has done more good for our city than any other single person. Thunder are a huge reason OKC got on the map nationally. The economic impact has been second to none. So when a reporter hounds you game after game its ok to deflect game after game too.

When Russ extended for 5 years he basically kept OKC relevant for 5 more years after a major loss when KD left. If not the Thunder likely drop down to bottom of league and that would have an economic impact as well. In those 5 years we are opening major attractions next to Peake (OMNI/Convention Center/Park) and the exposure when playoff TV and teams come here will be huge.

I know he is a public figure but I have to give him a pass. Lets flip this to ask why does this reporter continue to stalk and hound Russ after years of knowing he is not going to get an answer? IMO he is hoping to get Russ to go off on him to show up Russ. Why else keep hounding him?

Russ has faults and is very emotional. And this reporter is trying to light a powder keg. In the best interest of Russ, Reporter and City/fans he needs to be reassigned. How bad does this reporter keep making OKC look by hounding Russ all year long? It makes us look small league. Away from OKC it makes bad press. So why keep doing it?

He and George also sat in silence after the next reporter’s question as well. It’s just childish behavior especially since these super tough pressers are part of making millions.

He and George also sat in silence after the next reporter’s question as well. It’s just childish behavior especially since these super tough pressers are part of making millions. Just watch the don’t want to answer clip on ESPN. Comes off a little douchey is all.

Did you hear the question that was asked of PG? It deserved the "next question". There was no way for PG to answer it without giving the Blazers bulletin board material.

Don"t know why Portland got pissed about the dunk, they could have ran the clock out, the shot clock was off, but their scrub point guard tried to take it to the rim with 6 seconds left,

As for the game itself, In the final 9:50 of the third quarter, Lillard scored 23 points. In the rest of the game combined, he scored nine points and hit 3-of-12 shots and missed on all five of his 3-pointers. The Thunder was trying to force him to give the ball up and make someone else beat em. Didn’t work in the third quarter but was better for most of the game, including the fourth - he had three points all on free throws and missed all four of his field-goal attempts.

I did some quality yard work in my “sunset” playoff shirt today.:)

Russ has made it clear that he isn't going to give Tramel the time of day but still Tramel needles Russ, why doesn't he direct his questions towards PG instead of trying to continue to add on to this beef?

Good point,

Two stubborn bullheaded bulls, one trying to mount the other--not very productive IMO.

Good knock down head slapping, jock strap wedgie stretching battle between Russell & Damian with 33 & 32 points respectively.

Westbrook was 4-6 (anomaly) & Lillard 3-9 on 3Ps. Not the typical play of these superstars. Thunder's unbelievable 3P barrage 15-29 (51.7%) vs the Trailblazers 12-31 (38.7%) was why home court is pivotal.

Gotta TCHC on Sunday; then get roguest in game 5 in the Moda Center. Their fans are booing & crying about the calls as usual, you know you're not welcome--so trash the place. Return home and treat the Trailblazers like an unwelcome minion unworthy of your facilities. :D

Russ may be saying more than “next question” to Berry T after his column this morning, and you may want to cover the kids’ ears! :)

To paraphrase Mark Twain, Don't be a jackass toward someone who buys ink by the barrel.

Has his column been removed from the online site...all I get is this message..

This newsok.com page can’t be found No webpage was found for the web address: https://newsok.com/more/Berry-Tramel/columnist

Has his column been removed from the online site...all I get is this message..

This newsok.com page can’t be found No webpage was found for the web address: https://newsok.com/more/Berry-Tramel/columnist

I read it in the home delivery paper, and it’s still on the online replica version but not sure about newsok.

In my opinion, Berry Tramel is one of the worst sports columnist in the country-- and I've thought this long before the Westbrook feud--so I'm happy to sympathize with Russ on this one. I know that's sacrilege to some Oklahomans who view him as a sports institution. His writing style of one or two word paragraphs and too obvious attempts to be controversial is uninteresting and played out. He's like a dime store print shock jock who can't write narrative.

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Portland Trailblazers @Thunder Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401126846

Are we entering "blow it up" territory if we get gentleman's swept for a 3rd straight season?

Are we entering "blow it up" territory if we get gentleman's swept for a 3rd straight season?

That’s a bit dramatic. No way we give up George and Westbrook with the warriors likely to start splitting up after this season. Definitely need to find some outside shooting though...not sure why that has been so difficult. If we can get one or two solid three point shooters, we’ll be in the mix....if not, it’s just going to keep being more of this until George’s contract is up.

Are we entering "blow it up" territory if we get gentleman's swept for a 3rd straight season?

Definitely entering “fire Donovan” territory.

Oh, and finding some actual shooters.

Thunder build a lead in 2nd qtr. and Westbrook stops passing the ball and misses 3 in a row and they give up the cushion right before the 1/2. Westbrook was never able to regain his shot after that and the Thunder were toast.

Only possible silver lining without a miracle to win in 7 would be hopefully getting a coach that will reign Russ and PG in.

There is absolutely no reason for Russ to be jacking up long contested 2s. Why did he not drive to the hoop more? Why was he so focused on hitting those 3s over Lillard?

Donovan letting Lillard and Co rack up a 17 point lead in about 6 minutes of the 3rd is completely unacceptable. The strategy to keep switching and not continuously trapping Lillard/McCollum is a failure by Billy.

That person's tweet they showed on the TNT broadcast is so true. "Russ is trying to beat Dame, Dame is trying to beat OKC".

We're missing the point. Portland needs to be given credit for an outstanding performance & game plan adjustments. They hit shots in which they were well guarded and defended.

Thunder can still real this series in. We listen to the strategists who make predictions based on previous stats (which shouldn't be ignored); however anything can happen. In today's NBA, a 3 - 1 series lead isn't a warranty shield. Ask Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors about 3 - 1 leads in their finals' series.

Thunder can go into Portland with nothing to lose because many of us have written them off.

Now that we have Russ and PG locked into contracts, this is time to get a real coach who will be firmer. Worst that happens is one or both ask to leave - but if we do nothing then we will never win it all anyways. I understand not bringing in tougher coach prior to Russ extending we did not want to chase off our biggest last asset. But as is Billy is lost and out of ideas.

We are not winning 3 in a row with 2 on road vs this caliber of team (Portland).

And its sad. Sam drafted better than anyone in history yet no titles and its looking bad long term. We had 3 of the top 10 or so current players on our roster at one time. We still have PG and Russ and Adams yet now lack in coach. Case in point Billy does mot respect leads. With less than 2 minutes to first half we lead by 7 (46-38). After Portland TO they went in 11-0 run and lead 50-46 at half. To me that was ballgame. And Billy did not call a TO! Why? Those 2 minutes are just as important as any other 2 minutes of the game so why dod he just twiddle his thumbs? Its been that way all year too. Billy is out of ideas and we need new ones. We have 2 more years to go all the way until we go to tank mode. Once PG contract is up if we have not made finals he is gone and by then Russ will be in major decline. If we waste those 2 years with Billy we will never find out how far we could go. We need a coach who will hold Russ accountable!

It really all boils down to Westbrook and George playing badly in this series. We live and die by that duo and that duo has not played well AT ALL.

Going forward we need to transition away from a roster trying to out athlete teams to a couple of great athletes kicking it out to guys that can actually hit an open three.

OKCGuy, this goes back to the players, don't know too many superstar players who in my estimation are 100% coachable unless they are having success. Some posters think that the Thunder's lack of success against the T-Blazers had to do with finding somebody to pin the blame.

Doc Rivers with the Clippers doesn't have any 'superstars' on his roster--they have given GSW a real challenge.

Players have ro get the feel of the game as well as their trust in the coaching staff.

Yesterday's loss to Portland was disappointing; if Portland plays to that level in the playoffs, they will be a tough match-up for any NBA opponent if they win this series.

OKCGuy, this goes back to the players, don't know too many superstar players who in my estimation are 100% coachable unless they are having success. Some posters think that the Thunder's lack of success against the T-Blazers had to do with finding somebody to pin the blame.

Doc Rivers with the Clippers doesn't have any 'superstars' on his roster--they have given GSW a real challenge.

Players have ro get the feel of the game as well as their trust in the coaching staff.

Yesterday's loss to Portland was disappointing; if Portland plays to that level in the playoffs, they will be a tough match-up for any NBA opponent if they win this series.

Dirk, Curry, Klay, KD, PG and on and on are coachable. LBJ is not.

Russ has not been the reason we lost but my thing is he does not help prevent it either. He can’t make others make shots. FYI, Russ has the NBA highest “potential” playoff assists by far. What this measures is good open look shots missed that of course do not count. It shows how much Russ tries to involve players. We have a flawed roster, but I attribute part of it to the ripple effect losing snake KD for no value had on us. KD not only hurt us in leaving he destroyed our ability to recover since we got no value for him.

My beef with Russ is stupid emotional outbursts. How many games this year:

A. Russ did not get a call
B. Russ get mad
C. Russ immediately fouls an opposing player just so he can complain to ref
D. Ref T’s up Russ
E. Call is not once ever changed

And how many games Russ goes solo end of games.

He is an amazing player. But he has no control of emotions and opposing teams use it against him.

So is any other team in this year's playoffs with two stars on the roster not up in their best of 7?

Westbrook is definitely getting bad press now about not answering Tramel’s basketball related questions. I could understand if these were non-basketball related questions, but they are legitimate questions that someone making $35MM per year should answer. He is ruining his image with all of these clips for no real reason.

For those that want a firm coach to keep Westbrook in check, be careful what you wish for. Westbrook is 10 years into his career and the organization and coaches have kept Russ happy. It's paid off in a lot of ways. But, Westbrook owns this organization now. And this isn't high school basketball, NBA players have more power. If a coach acts like a hard ass and Russ rejects it, the Thunder will be in a far worse place than they are now: a toxic organization that's not meeting expectations. At least it's only the latter now. The one thing OKC has going for it is a great organizational culture where players love to play. I don't think there's a single other coach the Thunder could get who could demand the type of respect people want here. It's a pipe dream. Finally, Billy has got Russ to change his game this season. His defense and shot selection have been better. However, when the going gets tough, Russ tries to will the team to win in self-destructive ways. That he believes in himself so much is the problem. And, for one season it actually worked. But it's hard to imagine Russ changing much more at this point.

For those that want a firm coach to keep Westbrook in check, be careful what you wish for. Westbrook is 10 years into his career and the organization and coaches have kept Russ happy. It's paid off in a lot of ways. But, Westbrook owns this organization now. And this isn't high school basketball, NBA players have more power. If a coach acts like a hard ass and Russ rejects it, the Thunder will be in a far worse place than they are now: a toxic organization that's not meeting expectations. At least it's only the latter now. The one thing OKC has going for it is a great organizational culture where players love to play. I don't think there's a single other coach the Thunder could get who could demand the type of respect people want here. It's a pipe dream. Finally, Billy has got Russ to change his game this season. His defense and shot selection have been better. However, when the going gets tough, Russ tries to will the team to win in self-destructive ways. That he believes in himself so much is the problem. And, for one season it actually worked. But it's hard to imagine Russ changing much more at this point.

You make compelling points. But don’t underestimate Russ wanting to leave a lasting legacy either. I don’t think he’d undermine or cause too much friction with a tougher coach else it could undo lots of his good will. I do think there are coaches out there who could coach him up better. The problem we had is Scotty failed so we brought in Billy in KDs last year. And Billy did an outstanding job. Even though we lost to GS he put us in position and players let him down mainly KD and Russ. So then KD leaves and Billy could not be let go so fast with how good we did and how shocked we were that KD left. Year 2 was no expectations so we let Russ go all Russ and he willed us to playoffs and won MVP. Year 3 was gaining PG/Melo and feeling we were starting to recover. And recruiting PG. Year 4 is this year where we had less turmoil and higher goals with a high tax. And now more focus on Billy where he has not moved us higher.

Billy is out of options. We have peaked under him. Fans were expecting more of team and now get a boring game. Its bad bb and that we have no ball moving system. Fans are ready for season to be over. Fans left early last night that never happens here in playoffs. If nothing changes fans will start skipping games next year. The newness and extreme playoff vibe is gone. Now its just same ole same ole. If we keep Billy we are saying all we care is to try to make playoffs and get bounced round 1. Fans have wised up.

I think Russ would respond to right coach. He gas a legacy to keep and right now we are at a crossroads. Get a coach in for these last 2 years of Russ/PG paired up or keep Billy and lose fan excitement with zero hope of ever making finals.

So is any other team in this year's playoffs with two stars on the roster not up in their best of 7?

the jazz and spurs come to mind

the jazz and spurs come to mind

I'll give you Utah, but what 2 players for the Spurs are in the top 10 in individual stats? And while SA is not up in the playoffs, they are not down either.

I'll give you Utah, but what 2 players for the Spurs are in the top 10 in individual stats? And while SA is not up in the playoffs, they are not down either.

LA and demar derozan both multi multi time all stars

LA and demar derozan both multi multi time all stars

2 stars was the observation

2 stars was the observation

and i listed 2 guys

For those that want a firm coach to keep Westbrook in check, be careful what you wish for. Westbrook is 10 years into his career and the organization and coaches have kept Russ happy. It's paid off in a lot of ways. But, Westbrook owns this organization now. And this isn't high school basketball, NBA players have more power. If a coach acts like a hard ass and Russ rejects it, the Thunder will be in a far worse place than they are now: a toxic organization that's not meeting expectations. At least it's only the latter now. The one thing OKC has going for it is a great organizational culture where players love to play. I don't think there's a single other coach the Thunder could get who could demand the type of respect people want here. It's a pipe dream. Finally, Billy has got Russ to change his game this season. His defense and shot selection have been better. However, when the going gets tough, Russ tries to will the team to win in self-destructive ways. That he believes in himself so much is the problem. And, for one season it actually worked. But it's hard to imagine Russ changing much more at this point.

Additionally, Westbrook( and maybe Paul) will have veto over any potential hire, just as many franchise stars in the NBA have.

and i listed 2 guys

Let me be more specific and qualify my initial observation. Let us limit the definition of star to someone in the top 10 of individual stats for the 2018-19 season.

Do we expect too much of our NBA stars or superstars?

Following Durant's departure, Westbrook took this franchise on his back; as Dan mentioned in a sense he owns this organization, because of his loyalty and popularity. Russell stayed and Kevin left the organization--that created 'capital' for Westbrook. My advice to Westbrook don't spend it all in one place.

This back & fourth between Trammell & Westbrook has gotten out-of-hand. We can get the same answers from other reporters; is answer what we want? On one hand, since Westbrook makes millions, posters think players (regardless of color) owe the media or press answers--in a sense they do. We don't always like the answers we receive--so what. The press can sometimes be just as arrogant & stubborn in demanding that you owe me (personally) answers--this is the stand-off.

Westbrook will answer questions; this insistence that he answers to Barry Trammell is really what this all about.

Sure Russell could answer Barry's simple questions and move on; they've made this more about the individuals themselves. Some of you see it as a simple thing; this mentality goes way back. Westbrook has earned his reputation as an NBA player, superstar & knucklehead. Barry earned his reputation as a fine outstanding reporter, asks those tough question & a real dickhead.

Look through the glasses of both individuals who have qualities we all like:

RW: I'm not going to answer to you because I don't like you--I'm not going to give in.
BT: I'm going to keep asking you questions until you give in.

It boils down to this; one is trying to break the other--both IMO are BULLISH over BS.

...Look at this from Barry's view. What if Barry asked all the players questions and skipped over Westbrook--believe me, there would be more infused into this conversation--a place where we don't want to go.

I understand where both Westbrook & Trammell stand; both individuals I like and it hurts me to see it come to this. Wish there was a solution.

Do we expect too much of our NBA stars or superstars?

Following Durant's departure, Westbrook took this franchise on his back; as Dan mentioned in a sense he owns this organization, because of his loyalty and popularity. Russell stayed and Kevin left the organization--that created 'capital' for Westbrook. My advice to Westbrook don't spend it all in one place.

This back & fourth between Trammell & Westbrook has gotten out-of-hand. We can get the same answers from other reporters; is answer what we want? On one hand, since Westbrook makes millions, posters think players (regardless of color) owe the media or press answers--in a sense they do. We don't always like the answers we receive--so what. The press can sometimes be just as arrogant & stubborn in demanding that you owe me (personally) answers--this is the stand-off.

Westbrook will answer questions; this insistence that he answers to Barry Trammell is really what this all about.

Sure Russell could answer Barry's simple questions and move on; they've made this more about the individuals themselves. Some of you see it as a simple thing; this mentality goes way back. Westbrook has earned his reputation as an NBA player, superstar & knucklehead. Barry earned his reputation as a fine outstanding reporter, asks those tough question & a real dickhead.

Look through the glasses of both individuals who have qualities we all like:

RW: I'm not going to answer to you because I don't like you--I'm not going to give in.
BT: I'm going to keep asking you questions until you give in.

It boils down to this; one is trying to break the other--both IMO are BULLISH over BS.

BT: I am going to ask you questions because it is my job as a reporter for the only paper in town and you are the biggest player on the only major league team in town.
RW: I am bigger than you and everybody else. Nobody including the head coach tells me what to do.

RW has also played his power trip game with Erik Horne and Royce Young. This attitude is infecting the whole team (Paul George last Friday) and ownership needs to put a halt to it. Ownership does have the power to end this temper tantrum.This goes back further than this year as well.

Let me be more specific and qualify my initial observation. Let us limit the definition of star to someone in the top 10 of individual stats for the 2018-19 season.

or maybe to actual all stars? ?

As with my own family; not going to get caught up in this mess, IMO doesn't amount to a hill-of-beans.

You are correct Jersey Boss; this situation spreads to other players--only hope it doesn't go any further. In Westbrook's defense, "I'm not a horse, therefore you're not going to break me."

Seems to be infecting the fan base; if we draw a line and take sides--again, it's a no win situation.

Somebody start planning a big game 7 watch party for Saturday! THUNDER UP!:cool:

Somebody start planning a big game 7 watch party for Saturday! THUNDER UP!:cool:

You mean Energy? I think they play their 7th game Sat? Otherwise it will be a Thunderless Sat night here. The only watching will be for exit interviews to start off season.

(I would love to be wrong!)

I've spent maybe <10 minutes thinking about how the OK market is considered "easy" on their NBA stars. I couldn't recall any articles in other markets that rip their NBA stars. New york and Chicago rip management more than players.

As for Tramel, he's probably there for a reason. Having said that, nobody I know takes his opinion seriously.

As for Tramel, he's probably there for a reason. Having said that, nobody I know takes his opinion seriously.

I take Tramel's opinions seriously. He's a very good sports journalist. He thinks outside the box. He's knowledgeable and thoughtful. And he's won numerous awards for all these reasons. I have a newfound respect for him continuing to do his job as a journalist in the face of Russell's antics. Why do you not take him seriously?

As someone with limited sports knowledge who doesn’t read s lot of sports columns, he just always comes across as trying to hard to be edgy and contrarian. I have no idea if his columns are accurate or anything, but that’s the feel I get when I read his stuff.

Nm. Was not adding anything of value.

Game 5 - Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

Tip-off 9:30 CST - TV: TNT & Fox Oklahoma

Radio: WWLS-AM 640/98.1 FM

https://lockervision.nba.com/assets/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_SE_3_2.jpg


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d3/4c/57/d34c5796a5919c1039c5c93db2fce9a3.jpg

https://lockervision.nba.com/assets/uniform/Portland%20Trail%20Blazers/POR_AE_1_1.jpg

Bye Billy

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLQXPV12IfI

Thunder @Portland Trailblazers Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401126848

What a disappointing season. I didn't watch a whole lot of it, just had too many things going on. But to have a $145M roster and bow out in 5 in the 1st round is 100% a fire-able offense for Billy.

But regardless of who is coaching this team next year, Russ just has to put it together. I don't even know what "it" is exactly, but it involves an underlying sense of focus and control that has evaded him throughout much of his career, especially without KD's counterbalance. He shows flashes, but he's 30 now and doesn't seem to have the wise-sense. He's got 3 years, max, playing at "Russell Pace" before things start to slow down for him and I just don't see how he keeps it going when his athleticism begins to fail him. He's got 5 years to win a championship as a core-piece of a team and has George guaranteed for 2 more of those.

Tick-tock

To the series itself (which I watched almost every minute of): All I can say is Lillard looks like 2015-17 Stephen Curry right now. He played like a man possessed this whole series. Looks like he's playing to prove a point and very much succeeding at making it.

Unfortunately, he just doesn't have the horses and they'll be out of the playoffs within their next 10 games.

Bye Billy

For who? I can't think of one proven candidate out there. Every coach I'd want has a job.

What a disappointing season. I didn't watch a whole lot of it, just had too many things going on. But to have a $145M roster and bow out in 5 in the 1st round is 100% a fire-able offense for Billy.

But regardless of who is coaching this team next year, Russ just has to put it together. I don't even know what "it" is exactly, but it involves an underlying sense of focus and control that has evaded him throughout much of his career, especially without KD's counterbalance. He shows flashes, but he's 30 now and doesn't seem to have the wise-sense. He's got 3 years, max, playing at "Russell Pace" before things start to slow down for him and I just don't see how he keeps it going when his athleticism begins to fail him. He's got 5 years to win a championship as a core-piece of a team and has George guaranteed for 2 more of those.

Tick-tock

1. Russ did change some this year. Better D, less threes. But, who he is fundamentally as a player, is not changing. If I've learned one thing in this life it's that if people show you who they are, believe them. We've been saying the same thing about Russ his entire career. He's not changing and his athleticism is already in decline. 2. This team is not in any way, shape, or form a title contender and won't be in the future. Let's go ahead and get over that idea.

Rough second half of the season. The team has looked mediocre since the all star break. That's who they became and there was no good reason to think they'd suddenly be a different team in the playoffs. They really tried to tonight and could of won most nights, but Dame played one of the great games I've ever seen.

All we can hope for next year is that guys take another step, Presti to find a shooter, and Roberson to return healthy. Trading Adams or Schroeder should be on the table, but I'm honestly not sure either can return much. Will the owners keep paying $60 million for a first round and out team? If not, then this team could actually look worse around the edges next season and just fight for a playoff spot.

Sorry, we all thought this summer would be drama free, but it's the fourth straight summer of uncertainty in Thunder land. I still enjoyed the season and don't get too down about sports anymore, but I sure would love to see the Thunder exceed expectations and get a playoff series win. With so many young West teams improving, it's hard right now to imagine this team as any more than a low seed and first round exit.