The only notes I'll add:
- Diallo signed a 3-year contract with the Thunder officially so he's on the roster; But yeah, he'll likely spend time with the Blue
- Nader's official date was pushed back to September 1st so we should know soon if he's on the roster
- Surely a Singler waive or trade is coming soon...
- Devon Hall did not sign a two-way contract; He signed to play in Australia; Word is he might be with the Blue the Australian season ends, the Blue season will still be going
- Burton and Davis are the 2 two-way contracts

Same here, Lawton's only 79 miles from OKC. What about Enid, a city whose largest employer Continental Resources (Harold Hamm) relocated to OKC. We could at least offer Enid (68 miles from OKC) an olive branch. Enid, was once home to the Oklahoma Storm, coached by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002.

The Enid Blue would potentially draw more fans in Enid's 2,500-seat Mark Price Arena than in a tarped off 9,000 seat spacious 44 year convention center arena across from The Peake. Enid is about an 1 hour 10 minutes drive from OKC--easy call up on a 12 hour notice. You know why Tulsa or Bixby (Tulsa suburb) didn't want to be OKC's G-League affiliate.



Oklahoma City Blue couldn't draw 1,500 fans or give away that many tickets on its best day, let alone average 1,500 as the USBL Oklahoma Storm did in 2002..

Mark Price Arena doesn't exist anymore. It is now a the CNB Grand Ballroom. If the Blue played here, they would have to play in the arena which holds 3,500 people. Enid won't work also because the lack of a major airport.

Mark Price Arena doesn't exist anymore. It is now a the CNB Grand Ballroom. If the Blue played here, they would have to play in the arena which holds 3,500 people. Enid won't work also because the lack of a major airport.

Is Woodring Regional Airport still in operation? Didn't realize the airport situation would be a problem since most of the NBA & G-League cities use charter flights--Enid's less than 70 miles from OKC. The 6,000-seat Garfield County Expo Center (formerly Chisholm Trail Coliseum) was used on occasions by the USBL Oklahoma Storm coached by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002. The franchise disbanded when the league dissolved in 2007.

Don't know how long the Cox Convention Center will be in operations once the new OKC Convention Center complex is completed. Maybe the Blue will use State Fair Arena, Capitol Hill H.S. Arena or INTEGRIS Health Thunder Development Center.

Kyle Singler to be waived by Oklahoma City Thunder: Report

By Tim Brown tbrown@oregonian.com
The Oregonian/OregonLive



https://image.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/width960/img/nba_impact/photo/mexico-nets-thunder-basketball-f400eaf21f7709c9.jpg

Best of luck to Kyle Singler

Former South Medford High School star and Oregon native Kyle Singler is being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The Thunder are using the stretch provision on Singler, who is set to make $5 million in the final year of his five-year, $25 million contract with Oklahoma City, to mitigate the financial impact of the luxury and salary tax they will incur this season.

Unless a team claims Singler, he will become a free agent upon clearing waivers and is free to negotiate a deal with other NBA teams.

Is Woodring Regional Airport still in operation? Didn't realize the airport situation would be a problem since most of the NBA & G-League cities use charter flights--Enid's less than 70 miles from OKC. The 6,000-seat Garfield County Expo Center (formerly Chisholm Trail Coliseum) was used on occasions by the USBL Oklahoma Storm coached by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002. The franchise disbanded when the league dissolved in 2007.

Don't know how long the Cox Convention Center will be in operations once the new OKC Convention Center complex is completed. Maybe the Blue will use State Fair Arena, Capitol Hill H.S. Arena or INTEGRIS Health Thunder Development Center.

Woodring is still in operation but not up to standards. It had been the backbreaker.

New "city" jerseys this year have a Native American influence. Pretty neat! https://twitter.com/redearthinc/status/1039249444594741249

14904

Didn't know the city unis only lasted one year. I loved the greys but these look just as nice.

I'm curious which Indigenous Nations participated in the design of these uniforms. Oklahoma had a long history of marketing it's Native American cultures (e.g., Oklahoma - Native America plates) without much substance, appropriate inclusion, or Indigenous ownership. Of course, the term "Native American" is particularly irrelevant in Oklahoma where incredibly diverse nations with totally different cultures, langauges, and belief systems were forcibly moved into one place. Which nations do these jerseys represent? Who was consulted or included? I am not saying these jerseys are problematic, but based on the poor track record for honoring/representing Indigenous Nations in the state, I start with a skeptical stance. I hope the Thunder/Nike did this the right way.

Which nations do these jerseys represent?

The nation of New Mexico Turquoise.

I'm curious which Indigenous Nations participated in the design of these uniforms. Oklahoma had a long history of marketing it's Native American cultures (e.g., Oklahoma - Native America plates) without much substance, appropriate inclusion, or Indigenous ownership. Of course, the term "Native American" is particularly irrelevant in Oklahoma where incredibly diverse nations with totally different cultures, langauges, and belief systems were forcibly moved into one place. Which nations do these jerseys represent? Who was consulted or included? I am not saying these jerseys are problematic, but based on the poor track record for honoring/representing Indigenous Nations in the state, I start with a skeptical stance. I hope the Thunder/Nike did this the right way.
I get the skepticism. I suspect the Thunder ownership is pretty astute on stuff like this, and even if they were not, I don't think Nike would let it slip through. They might speak with a forked tongue when employing children in the third world, but they have a pretty strong commitment to Native and indigenous peoples issues as evidenced by the N7 Fund (http://n7fund.com/) and their N7 Collection (https://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/go/n7-native-american-heritage-month).

N7 began over a decade ago and has been very collaborative: https://news.nike.com/news/first-of-its-kind-shoe-designed-specifically-for-native-americans


BEAVERTON, Ore. (25 September, 2007) – Nike today unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, a unique athletic performance shoe designed specifically for Native Americans. The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the Native American community. This first-of-a-kind performance shoe is built on a new and unique last created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. The result is a true Native fitting, performance product.

The Nike Air Native N7 shoe marks another milestone in Nike’s long-standing commitment to Native American communities. Profits from the sale of the Nike Air Native N7 will support “Let Me Play” programs on Native American lands that leverage sport to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Nike Air Native N7 shoe also embraces Nike’s Considered design ethos, where details in the development and design of the shoe are geared to deliver sustainable innovation and reduce waste, without compromising product performance. The Considered design ethos also honors the traditional Native American Seventh Generation philosophy, an approach that respects the impact of decisions made today on seven generations. The shoe’s design draws inspiration directly from Native American culture.

The Nike Air Native N7 shoe and “Let Me Play” programs deepen Nike’s long-term commitments to challenge and address some of the specific health and wellness issues that exist within Native American communities. A strong emphasis was placed on providing a performance product that would cater to the specific needs of Native American foot shapes and help provide motivation to Native Americans predisposed to, or suffering from, health issues that can be improved by leading physically active lifestyles.

As well as being built on a new Native specific last, the shoe is constructed from the inside out to ensure significantly improved comfort and fit. This approach results in reduced seams and layering, while the use of performance foams at key points provides additional cushioning in specific areas of the shoe. In combination these elements help to improve overall fit and help wearers to avoid foot irritations caused by ill-fitting footwear. Creating a shoe designed in this way is another step in helping to promote and sustain physical activity and address health issues prevalent within the Native American community.

“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” explained Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program. “Through the Nike Air Native N7 we are stepping up our commitment to use our voice on a local, regional and national level to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness. We believe physical activity can and should be a fundamental part of the health and wellness of all Native Americans.”

“The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. “This product represents innovation beyond athletic performance, helping to improve Native American communities. It also exemplifies Nike’s broader commitment towards sustainable design and community involvement.” The Nike Air Native N7 project has been a true collaboration with the Native American community and key stakeholders engaged in the health and wellness issues surrounding Native American populations. Research has engaged individuals from over 70 tribes as well as consulting podiatrists and members of Indian Health Services and the National Indian Health Board.

“Nike’s development of the Nike Air Native N7 comes at a critical time for the health and well-being of the Native American population,” said Dr. Rodney Stapp, Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas, one of 36 urban Indian Health Centers funded by I.H.S. and a consulting podiatrist on the Nike Air Native N7 project. “Today, more than ever, we are faced with rising rates of chronic diseases brought on in large part by overweight and inactivity and for which physical activity is a noted step in the prevention of such diseases. The fact that Nike has been a long-time advocate for physical activity on Native Lands through its Native American Business Program speaks volumes to its true understanding of the growing need to tackle Native American health issues with the positive antidote of movement and sport.”

Also worth noting that the leaked photo was originally shared by Red Earth, which would suggest that they saw it early due to some sort of involvement with or connection to those involved in the design and execution.

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Oklahoma City Thunder announce preseason schedule: https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/preseason-sked-180731


https://sportslogohistory-tvgu1jdkm2wvqi.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/oklahoma_city_thunder_2009-pres.png



All preseason games can be heard on the Thunder Radio Network, led by flagship WWLS-The Sports Animal (98.1 FM) in Oklahoma City. The Oct. 7 game versus Atlanta will be televised on FOX Sports Oklahoma, while the other three games will be streamed live on the Thunder App and okcthunder.com.




DATE
OPPONENT
Location
TIME (CST)


Oct. 3
Detroit Pistons
Oklahoma City, Okla
7 p.m.



Oct. 5
at Minnesota Timberwolves
Minneapolis, Minn.
TBD


Oct 7
Atlanta Hawks
Tulsa, Okla
2 p.m.


Oct 9
Milwaukee Bucks
Oklahoma City, Okla
7 p.m.









https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/kfusTkBH07sPtqzkr6DEC9MSf9c=/650x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChesapeakeArena3-56a6c7bb5f9b58b7d0e49092.jpg

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Oklahoma City Thunder 2018-19 Full/Complete Schedule (ESPN): http://www.espn.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder

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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DorJEgvU0AA7acu?format=jpg

Oklahoma City Thunder Roster (NBA Thunder site): https://www.nba.com/thunder/roster

I love the Thunder.

It's the shame the NBA is a joke these days, but I love to watch anyway.

Not a completely horrible showing without Russ or Dre. I am excited for this season.

Not a completely horrible showing without Russ or Dre. I am excited for this season.


This Team played hard, against arguably an all time great roster. They need to improve their shooting, however, getting the 2d unit players time on the court realtime will pay dividends throughout the season. OKC could for sure use at least one more (maybe two) piece (more skilled PF), but I am excited.

Like what we're seeing with the new additions to the franchise--Schroder/Noel as backups for Westbrook/Adams. Better ball movement, getting team play involved.

If the Thunder can break-even by Westbrook/Roberson's return; that will put us in a position to compete in the WC. Adams was very impressive against GSW; 17 points, 11 rebounds in spite of a stiff back.

It's the shame the NBA is a joke these days, but I love to watch anyway.

I never understand when people take the time to post outlandish statements, but not the extra 30 seconds to provide any evidence or reason. Lol. I'm curious why you think it's a joke, but have no clue.

My guess is the existence of the GOAT team: Warriors. Which yes does make the league a joke. But following your favorite players and teams and their own storylines is still fun for the hardcore fans.

I love watching Russ and OKC. Regardless of how easy it is to hand GSW a ring each year, it is fun to be an underdog. Russ, Adams, Dre, and PG truly have unfinished business, and I am excited for the mission.

I hate the Warriors like any good OKC fan, but the league has had a few three-peat, "unbeatable" teams in the past (something that will likely happen with GSW, but you never know!)


1952–1954 Minneapolis Lakers
1959–1966 Boston Celtics (8)
1991–1993 Chicago Bulls
1996–1998 Chicago Bulls
2000–2002 Los Angeles Lakers

It's not exactly new. Rare maybe, but not new.

Regardless of how easy it is to hand GSW a ring each year

Everyone seems to forget that the Rockets took the Warriors to 7 games, led at half of games 6 and 7, and did so after Chris Paul's injury.

I am as ready for the Warriors to break up as anyone, but calling the entire league a joke seems like a pretty big jump.

I think it is also a reaction to the signing of Boogie. Got a $200M player (albeit injured) for chump change. The TNT guys were joking last night about the league and what it would take for the Warriors not to win it again - they went thru a list of natural disasters.:rolleyes:

I find it interesting that baseball which doesn't have a salary cap
12 different teams have won the world series since 2000, Giants x3, Red Sox x3, Yankees x2 , Cardinals, x2 , , D-backs, Angels, Marlins, Phillies, Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Astros
only have 8 have won the NBA title since 2000. Lakers x 5, Spurs x 4, Heat x 3, , Warriors x 3, Mavs x1, Cavs x1, Celtics x1, Pistons x1.

No salary cap but a luxury tax that accomplishes the same.

I find it interesting that baseball which doesn't have a salary cap
12 different teams have won the world series since 2000, Giants x3, Red Sox x3, Yankees x2 , Cardinals, x2 , , D-backs, Angels, Marlins, Phillies, Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Astros
only have 8 have won the NBA title since 2000. Lakers x 5, Spurs x 4, Heat x 3, , Warriors x 3, Mavs x1, Cavs x1, Celtics x1, Pistons x1.

only 19 NBA teams have ever won the title and 70% of all titles have only been one by 5 teams... the NBA has never really had parity...

Professional soccer leagues have no salary cap or luxury taxes and only a handful of teams tend to win all championships.

Basketball is difficult because there are only 5 players on the court at once. This means having a top player is more important in baseketball than any other major sport. It's hard, but not impossible (see mid-2000s Detroit Pistons, maybe even mid-2010s Spurs) to compete for a title without a top 5-10 player. Having said that, it took a perfect storm for the Warriors to acquire Kevin Durant. I also hate they got Boogie, but interest was pretty low on him due to his injury and there is a risk that he's not effective in their only season they'll have him (no way they have him after this season due to the salary cap). The Warriors are definitely frustrating, but I think we could start to see declines coming this season and in the next few. We'll see...

Starting off 0-3 with an L to the Kings for the home opener with Westbrook back?

Donovan needs to go. Why is Ferguson getting 20 minutes of playtime? So many questions.

A team with Westbrook, George, and Adams should not be choking this badly.

Starting off 0-3 with an L to the Kings for the home opener with Westbrook back?

Donovan needs to go. Why is Ferguson getting 20 minutes of playtime? So many questions.

A team with Westbrook, George, and Adams should not be choking this badly.

I totally agree its all just so frustrating again after last years debacle and now this year its a new set of problems and more frustration.

1. Coach is not good at in-game decisions and lineups and is ok with the team shooting 35 to 40 3 pt attempts even though we are a league worst at it or close to it
2. Defense was suppose to be our strength with all the so called uber athletes we have....so far its a big fat fail
3. Offense is Offensive....couldn't hit the water if they were standing in the boat
4. The west is once again tough and now we have new contenders like Denver and especially New orleans, not to mention Golden state and Houston and Portland. Starting 0-3 is not what you wanted and Boston comes to town and we are seriously looking at 0-4
5. I feel like the door is closing on the thunder ever getting back to where we were. Its sad to think we had 3 hall of fame players on the same team and have nothing to show for it.
6. Yeah im pissed again this year and the team and the owners should be as well because this is not a good product we are putting on the floor

It's weird because the team looks to be deeper this season than in the past. Lets hope that can get it together. It's crazy watching a team like this throw up 3 after 3 instead of just working for a good shot they have a chance to make. Defense is pretty much horrible with a few spurts of good here and there.

Defense is pretty much horrible with a few spurts of good here and there.

^^^ Nailed it.... When you put up 120 points in regulation and lose... Offense wasn't your problem.

Not going to participate in a blame game this early. Just want to point out one area where the Thunder is deficient.

Adams is a beast, tough endurance player; Steven has improved under the rim with rebounds & put backs. His height advantage does allow him to get good dunks without taking one. :wink:

He has flaws: not a consistent rim protector, totally inept guarding outside the paint; doesn't appear he can jump 6 inches high or shoot a mid range shot let alone a 3 point threat. Nerlens Noel is a great backup at center to complement Adams.

Not going there on Donovan; he, like most great college coaches doesn't seem to readily adapt to the NBA game. Billy has a reputation for long-term results--give him time.

We're 0-3, it doesn't look bleak for the next 7 games ahead.

Went to the game last night. I’ve never been so frustrated, they had WIDE open shots and just kept bricking them up. I thought Russ looked pretty good but Paul struggled in the first half. Obviously it’s really early but defense definately needs to improve drastically for them to put up a fight against anyone. Also Diallo>Ferguson

Went to the game last night. I’ve never been so frustrated, they had WIDE open shots and just kept bricking them up. I thought Russ looked pretty good but Paul struggled in the first half. Obviously it’s really early but defense definately needs to improve drastically for them to put up a fight against anyone. Also Diallo>Ferguson

If they would step inside the 3 point arc a few feet many of those misses would turn into 2s. This team has no business putting up over 30 3 pointers. 15-20 3 point shots a game and this team would be so much better IMO.

A few thoughts. First, the Thunder need to keep launching those threes. They're good shots. We won't keep missing them like this. And, as others said, the offense isn't the problem right now. All data suggests we'll hit more, particularly Patterson. Second, we have a lot of players playing really poorly by their standards: Adams, Patterson, Ferguson, and Grant. Adams looks injured to me. Maybe he should sit a game or two. I'm not sure if Ferguson will be good at some point, but he's clearly not ready yet. It's not just these three games. He was bad in summer league and bad last season. He just disappears. Billy sometimes seems to think a good defender is a guy that moves around a lot, which is what T-Ferg does. He hustles, but he's still not a great defender and he's a horrid offensive player. I've seen more from Diallo already than I've ever seen from Ferguson. The Thunder tend to value measureables and potential over guys that seem to know how to play. I think Diallo and Burton deserve a chance as they seem to have more confidence and better basketball instincts/IQ. On the bright side, Russ, Nerlens, and Diallo have all looked great. I'm not panicking, but I really don't like Billy's comments on Ferguson. T-Ferg is 20 years old. It's fine to sit him. He's got a lot of chances in front of him. It doesn't mean you have to give up on him. Let's hope he proves us wrong, but I don't see it coming.

Having said that, I'll be in OKC for the Celtics on Thursday. Let's hope that's the start of the turnaround.

A few thoughts. First, the Thunder need to keep launching those threes. They're good shots. We won't keep missing them like this. And, as others said, the offense isn't the problem right now. All data suggests we'll hit more, particularly Patterson. Second, we have a lot of players playing really poorly by their standards: Adams, Patterson, Ferguson, and Grant. Adams looks injured to me. Maybe he should sit a game or two. I'm not sure if Ferguson will be good at some point, but he's clearly not ready yet. It's not just these three games. He was bad in summer league and bad last season. He just disappears. Billy sometimes seems to think a good defender is a guy that moves around a lot, which is what T-Ferg does. He hustles, but he's still not a great defender and he's a horrid offensive player. I've seen more from Diallo already than I've ever seen from Ferguson. The Thunder tend to value measureables and potential over guys that seem to know how to play. I think Diallo and Burton deserve a chance as they seem to have more confidence and better basketball instincts/IQ. On the bright side, Russ, Nerlens, and Diallo have all looked great. I'm not panicking, but I really don't like Billy's comments on Ferguson. T-Ferg is 20 years old. It's fine to sit him. He's got a lot of chances in front of him. It doesn't mean you have to give up on him. Let's hope he proves us wrong, but I don't see it coming.

Having said that, I'll be in OKC for the Celtics on Thursday. Let's hope that's the start of the turnaround.

It’s tough to win when you make Iman Shumpert look like an MVP candidate. Add in the fact that we got absolutely crushed on the glass by Bagley and Cauley-Stein, and it’s easy to see why we took a Big L.

I would hope that we see a bit more Diallo. Guy is not much of a shooter, but he should be lethal in transition if we can start getting some defensive stops.

We need a few less athletes and a few more basketball players.

My over 48.5 total ticket needs for the Thunder to actually win a game. Then 48 more.:rolleyes:

We need a few less athletes and a few more basketball players.

We don’t need less athletes. We need guys who can do both. Diallo and Burton both have potential. Ferguson strikes me as a traditional Thunder 2 who lacks playmaking abilities (see Thabo, Robes, Fisher, Ferg, etc.). Some of these guys have been effective, but I’m just not sure what Ferguson brings right now.

We don’t need less athletes. We need guys who can do both. Diallo and Burton both have potential. Ferguson strikes me as a traditional Thunder 2 who lacks playmaking abilities (see Thabo, Robes, Fisher, Ferg, etc.). Some of these guys have been effective, but I’m just not sure what Ferguson brings right now.

You're right Dan, OKC needs consistency. Right now these guys IMO lack motivation with the exception of new comers Diallo, Burton. Schroder & Noel. Saw Ferguson's play during the preseason injury; thought this may be the year that makes or breaks him.

Again Dan, as you mentioned players need to continue to take advantage of that wide open look--the shots will start to fall.

Insanity- Doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. Time to step forward and take more 2's. I don't see any basis for optimism on 3 point shots, any more than optimism that Roberson will ever hit 3/4 at the charity stripe.

Insanity- Doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. Time to step forward and take more 2's. I don't see any basis for optimism on 3 point shots, any more than optimism that Roberson will ever hit 3/4 at the charity stripe.

Thunder players are shooting dramatically under their individual averages right now and this has resulted in a team average of 23.9%. This is the lowest average for any team in the NBA by 3.5%. The lowest percentage a team shot last season was Pheonix at 33.4%. For the Thunder to NOT to improve dramatically would require one of the most improbable, sustained statistical occurences in sports history. So, I'd say the Thunder have an overwhelming statistical basis for optimism. They will shoot better and should keep taking them as a team.

Now, who takes how many and what kind are important considerations. But, according to all analytic models, the worst thing the Thunder could do is "step forward and take more 2's." Long 2s are the least efficient shot in basketball.

Insanity- Doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. Time to step forward and take more 2's. I don't see any basis for optimism on 3 point shots, any more than optimism that Roberson will ever hit 3/4 at the charity stripe.

Right... use that athleticism to drive the lane and force the defender to foul you. Make that 3 point play the old fashioned way.

Right... use that athleticism to drive the lane and force the defender to foul you. Make that 3 point play the old fashioned way.

Agree, we have that athleticism; my concern is will the officials make that call. We need a balance from both. Again, our free throw % doesn't look encouraging after 3 games; with Boston up next, who knows what to expect.

Keep the optimism and don't lose faith.

Right... use that athleticism to drive the lane and force the defender to foul you. Make that 3 point play the old fashioned way.

If Thunder players aren't taking threes, there will be far less space in which to drive the lane. There's a reason there aren't any "old fashioned" teams anymore. Every NBA team takes a lot of threes today because analytics suggests that it's a better shot and more efficient than anything besides layups unless you have someone elite in the midrange (e.g., Chris Paul). The Thunder don't have any good midrange players so they should try to get as many threes and shots at the bucket as possible.

Having said that, I am not trying to make an either/or argument. The Thunder can find ways to get to the bucket more (which is a great shot) and figure out what are the best threes (statistically: George, Patterson, Abrines, Felton; Westbrook spot up, not off the dribble; Corner threes). However, one of the best things the Thunder have done is taken a lot of good shots, namely the threes. That's encouraging because they will start going in more.

If Thunder players aren't taking threes, there will be far less space in which to drive the lane. There's a reason there aren't any "old fashioned" teams anymore.

Didn't say stop taking threes... Driving the lane causes defenders to collapse and opens people up on the perimeter for 3's... Win/Win

Didn't say stop taking threes... Driving the lane causes defenders to collapse and opens people up on the perimeter for 3's... Win/Win

Yeah, that's fair. No disagreement here. My point is just that I think the threes the Thunder are taking are maybe the most encouraging thing I saw in the first three games. Donovan actually made the same point. We're just missing wide open threes. It won't continue at this rate.

Yeah, that's fair. No disagreement here. My point is just that I think the threes the Thunder are taking are maybe the most encouraging thing I saw in the first three games. Donovan actually made the same point. We're just missing wide open threes. It won't continue at this rate.

I don't think it will either. Shots will start to fall.... And they haven't been stellar from the line either but get defenders in foul trouble and it opens things up too.

Yeah, that's fair. No disagreement here. My point is just that I think the threes the Thunder are taking are maybe the most encouraging thing I saw in the first three games. Donovan actually made the same point. We're just missing wide open threes. It won't continue at this rate.

OKC Melo lives on!

OKC Melo lives on!

The biggest misunderstanding about Melo IMHO is that he was a bad three point shooter last season. He wasn't. He was just above average on high volume, which was really good for the Thunder. Melo's problem is that he took long twos, the ball stuck with him, and he was an awful defender. Melo's three point shooting was the one positive thing he added last season.

If Melo eliminated his tendency for isolation long twos and just stuck to shooting mostly threes then he probably wouldn't be on a minimum contract right now.

Terrance Ferguson is the last one on the court still taking shots:

Maddie Lee
@maddie_m_lee
https://twitter.com/maddie_m_lee/status/1054803083744538624

https://www.brainyquote.com/photos_tr/en/c/colinpowell/385927/colinpowell1-2x.jpg

Wish Terrance success with his NBA career.

Really bad L last night. Russ was horrible, so I am not sure why we exclusively went to him down the stretch. The last 4-6 possessions by OKC were about as pathetic as you could ask for.

I am not sure if it is Russ going rogue, or Donovan not having a clue how to get the guys to run a play. There is no excuse to be 0-4 right now. At this point, I would be interested to see what happens if we lose to the Suns (we always have trouble with them) and probably the Clippers (again).

Someone's head will be rolling soon. You cannot start a season in this competitive Western Conference going 0-5 or 6.

Up 9 with 4+ min to go, the next 8 of 10 shots were 3 pointers for the thunder. At the same time you keep fouling a team that's in the bonus and send them to the line 18 times in the 4th. That's how you shoot yourself out of a game. The natives are starting to get restless.

Well, to our discussions in this thread, the Thunder are either the worst shooting team in recent NBA history or things are going to improve. But last night was a rough one. After so much talk about this team being different, things feel very much the same. This team needs shooting in the worst way. Presti's inabiity to find any shooters over the last 10 years has been such an underdiscussed shortcoming.

The Thunder look very, uh....not good.

Welp, looks like my reverse psychology jinx worked. You're welcome, Thunder fans.

Welp, looks like my reverse psychology jinx worked. You're welcome, Thunder fans.

Thank you

Cleveland has been awarded the 2022 All-Star game. That bodes well for OKC having a chance sometime in the further future.