All you can evaluate players on are their strengths, weaknesses and potential. You can't simulate their performance in actual game situation because each player is different.

Younger rookies have to be developed...

There are fewer diamonds-in-the-rough players out there like a Luguentz Dort or a Donovan Mitchell.

Like the direction the Thunder are headed.

the current thunder projected roster (as of today) is going to be very competitive ..

SGA Dort Oubre Horford and Adams is a solid starting 5 ..

the current thunder projected roster (as of today) is going to be very competitive ..

SGA Dort Oubre Horford and Adams is a solid starting 5 ..

That lineup would be the worst in the West. Of course, you can't actually start Horford and Adams together. They would get absolutely roasted. Anyway, more trades are coming.

That lineup would be the worst in the West. Of course, you can't actually start Horford and Adams together. They would get absolutely roasted. Anyway, more trades are coming.

Acquired from Boston Celtics in exchange for a protected 2021 second-round draft pick:

Vincent Poirier, (C ) Age 27, averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds last season in 22 games. ANOTHER KENDRICK PERKINS...

the current thunder projected roster (as of today) is going to be very competitive ..

SGA Dort Oubre Horford and Adams is a solid starting 5 ..

You can knock Oubre out of the lineup. Traded to GS. I'm curious about this one, he's a good young player, why were we so determined to trade him?

Yeah, that's a weird one to me. Guessing they didn't want to pay him after this season, but you'd think they could have gotten a slightly better return for him than what's likely going to end up being two second-round picks.

You can knock Oubre out of the lineup. Traded to GS. I'm curious about this one, he's a good young player, why were we so determined to trade him?

i think trading him now and depending on the order of the transactions might let the thunder still sign and trade Gallo

I’m not really understanding the Poirer signing. He seems like a total scrub with limited to no upside, other than the fact that he’ll help us lose a ton of games.

I think you answered your own question.

i think trading him now and depending on the order of the transactions might let the thunder still sign and trade Gallo

He's also on an expiring contract. Instead of paying him $14.375mm this year might as well get some value out of him.

He's also on an expiring contract. Instead of paying him $14.375mm this year might as well get some value out of him.
I really have no idea so can someone explain? From a Gallo point of view why sign and trade instead of just walking away since he's a UFA?

I’m not really understanding the Poirer signing. He seems like a total scrub with limited to no upside, other than the fact that he’ll help us lose a ton of games.

If you're scratching your head about Thunder moves (whether this one or the Oubre trade), reminder yourself: The Thunder want to lose this season. They want their pick to be a top 5 pick in a great draft. They want to give their minutes to their young developmental guys.


I really have no idea so can someone explain? From a Gallo point of view why sign and trade instead of just walking away since he's a UFA?

Because very few teams have cap space. So, the Thunder can sign and trade and those teams can then trade back a player (and their salary) and an asset. It benefits the Thunder and the other team.

If you're scratching your head about Thunder moves (whether this one or the Oubre trade), reminder yourself: The Thunder want to lose this season. They want their pick to be a top 5 pick in a great draft. They want to give their minutes to their young developmental guys.



Because very few teams have cap space. So, the Thunder can sign and trade and those teams can then trade back a player (and their salary) and an asset. It benefits the Thunder and the other team.
OK. Now I get it.

Adams traded to the Pelicans for future first round pick and second round picks

A couple things I am wondering about, but can't find the answer:

1. How many of our own first round picks do we own over the next 4 years?

2. What is the salary floor for this season?

https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed

With all of the changes going on with the Thunder, does Rumble still have a job or has he been replaced with a yak?

With all of the changes going on with the Thunder, does Rumble still have a job or has he been replaced with a yak?

I am hearing rumors that he is being traded for Ripple the Goat an four half-time shows.

Adams traded to the Pelicans for future first round pick and second round picks

Also George Hill and Darius Miller it seems. Hill Can be flipped for... probably another pick.

Really sad to see these guys go, particularly Adams, but these are the right moves.

I am pretty sad to see Adams go. I recall when I still worked at Harkins one time I was approached by a tall fellow with an accent and several other member of seemingly his family nearby (all tall and sporting some kind of Thunder gear). We had a brief conversation about movie theatres and mine in particular and then he and his family headed out or into their movie, whichever.

Being only a casual fan, I didn't and don't pay a ton of attention to off-season stuff other than "its happening". After my conversation with the tall accented fellow I walked over to a colleague who was much more sport knowledgeable and asked him if we had drafted any Australians. His response was, "Uh, no, but we did get a guy from New Zealand, Steven Adams."

Its dumb, but since that tiny, inconsequential conversation (that he no doubt has no recollection of) I held an odd affection for Steven Adams. It was fun to see him stay with us for so long and watch him develop this known personality and stick around even after other long-running Thunder players had left or been traded.

A couple more trades and the Thunder will own the entire draft!

:)

As crazy as it is, the Thunder still seem to have quite a few moves to make. They're not that bad right now and I believe they want to lose this season to guarantee a high draft pick in next year's draft. They may be the worst team in the West, but not by much. I suspect the Thunder would like to move Trevor Ariza, George Hill, and Al Horford when they can get any type of asset.

Also, I'm really looking forward to watching our draft pick, Aleksej Pokusevski (a.k.a. Poku) play. He's the youngest player in the draft. I suspect he'll play for both the Blue and the Thunder throughout the season. For a 7 footer, he really moves and plays more like a guard. In other words, he moves a lot like KD. He won't be near as good as KD, but his skill set should translate well to the NBA as he matures. Really the biggest question about him is how much weight can he add. He's just so skinny right now. Should be fun to see him develop.

I wouldn't be surprised if they keep Horford around, his contract is so bad that they'd probably have to give up a pick to ship him off somewhere else right now. My guess is they're hoping he will have a bounce-back season like CP3 did last year and then they can get some assets for him at the trade deadline or next offseason.

I do think they will trade Ariza and Hill ASAP.

That's exactly right. Presti won't give up assets to move Horford, but they'll try to rehab his value, encourage him to seek out interested teams, and take any deal that's even just dumping him. In the meantime, he should be a good vet in the lockerroom. That could be a day, month, or year.

I was looking at the Thunder's picks and they keep their own picks if they miss the playoffs the next two years. I'd say you can count on that happening.

Guys, my advanced intellect had led me to the realization of what Sam Presti is doing next: He is gonna use the league record, $27 million trade exception and bring in Blake Griffin! This will allow the 18 win team to still draw eyeballs and attendance with a hometown hero.

Guys, my advanced intellect had led me to the realization of what Sam Presti is doing next: He is gonna use the league record, $27 million trade exception and bring in Blake Griffin! This will allow the 18 win team to still draw eyeballs and attendance with a hometown hero.

I doubt it since Blake is injury prone

I doubt it since Blake is injury prone

That's the beauty of it! We aren't trying to win for a year or two, so this let's us have our "Home Grown All-Star", while he sits on the bench and cheers the team, and we blame Satan for the injuries. We continue to think we would be a sleeper for number 8 in the west if Blake weren't injured and keep hoping for his return. All the while , we keep on knocking out 18 wins and keep our eyes out to make sure we do our part to keep the "Lottery Protected" picks and swaps turned to our advantage.

That's the beauty of it! We aren't trying to win for a year or two, so this let's us have our "Home Grown All-Star", while he sits on the bench and cheers the team, and we blame Satan for the injuries. We continue to think we would be a sleeper for number 8 in the west if Blake weren't injured and keep hoping for his return. All the while , we keep on knocking out 18 wins and keep our eyes out to make sure we do our part to keep the "Lottery Protected" picks and swaps turned to our advantage.

Haha!

Guys, my advanced intellect had led me to the realization of what Sam Presti is doing next: He is gonna use the league record, $27 million trade exception and bring in Blake Griffin! This will allow the 18 win team to still draw eyeballs and attendance with a hometown hero.

It won't happen, but if it were to happen, here's how:

Thunder get: Blake Griffin ($37, $39 million next 2 years), 1st round pick
Pistons get: Al Horford ($27.5 next 2 years and partial guarantee on 3rd year), George Hill ($10 million next 2 years)

Then either Blake is injured and the Thunder lose as they want or he's good and they can trade him for more assets. The problem is that I don't know why the Pistons (who are overloaded at center) would do this. It maybe gets them in the play-in, but not the playoffs.

It won't happen, but if it were to happen, here's how:

Thunder get: Blake Griffin ($37, $39 million next 2 years), 1st round pick
Pistons get: Al Horford ($27.5 next 2 years and partial guarantee on 3rd year), George Hill ($10 million next 2 years)

Then either Blake is injured and the Thunder lose as they want or he's good and they can trade him for more assets. The problem is that I don't know why the Pistons (who are overloaded at center) would do this. It maybe gets them in the play-in, but not the playoffs.

But remember, with the trade exception we don't have to send out $27 million in salary. If I read the explanation properly.

It is tough for me to get into the NBA because the rosters rotate too frequently and we have a general idea of who will win the championship before the season even starts.

But Sam Presti is the man we need during the Covid crisis and in 2021's NBA. It is the best time to rebuild. With no fans in stands, LeBron still recruiting super teams, may as well keep the payroll low and look for a brighter future.

We’ve got more scrubs on this team than Integris!

Presti couldn't screw up this franchise with his best try. :rolleyes:

It won't happen, but if it were to happen, here's how:

Thunder get: Blake Griffin ($37, $39 million next 2 years), 1st round pick
Pistons get: Al Horford ($27.5 next 2 years and partial guarantee on 3rd year), George Hill ($10 million next 2 years)

Then either Blake is injured and the Thunder lose as they want or he's good and they can trade him for more assets. The problem is that I don't know why the Pistons (who are overloaded at center) would do this. It maybe gets them in the play-in, but not the playoffs.

horford to the celtics is something that just became interesting ..

The Thunder will open the season with out fans at home games

The Thunder will open the season with out fans at home games
Sound decision.

The season ticker holders had to decide whether to opt-out completely or 1/3, 1/2 or 100% of this season last week. I'm curious if that played any part in their decision.

The season ticker holders had to decide whether to opt-out completely or 1/3, 1/2 or 100% of this season last week. I'm curious if that played any part in their decision.

i don't think it did .. . they are going with 25% when they allow fans ...

i think this was 100% an optics thing ( and showing these optics goes with their belief that covid is very dangerous)

we’ve got more scrubs on this team than integris!


Quote of the Year, Award. LOL

Oklahoma City Thunder 2021-22 NBA Roster

Oklahoma City Thunder to begin upcoming season without fans in the arena amid coronavirus pandemic
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https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/k5ebg6couD27hjMlloKWoNuNHcs=/1660x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/G2J4V6SRPUCEL3KHSX3JOY4FCM.jpg

https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2019/12/usatsi_13850720.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Guard Age 22 6' 5" 180 lbs Kentucky $4,141,320 (trade from L.A. Clippers 2019-20)
https://thunderousintentions.com/2020/11/30/okc-thunder-training-camp-roster-2/

Three highest paid players on this unofficial roster rebuild vying to secure a spot...

Al Horford C 34 6' 9" 240 lbs Florida $27,500,000
Trevor Ariza F 35 6' 8" 215 lbs UCLA $12,800,000
George Hill G 34 6' 3" 188 lbs IUPUI $9,590,602

Each NBA team can have a maximum of 15 players, 13 of which can be active each game.

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


Thunder training camp: https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/training-camp-quotes-of-the-day-201203

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1297918403165016064/Wk1ji2Su_400x400.jpg

Meet 18 year old, 7 footer Aleskej Pokuševski, Belgrade, Serbia

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Oklahoma City Thunder selects Aleksej Pokusevski with the 17th overall pick (vis MIN) | 2020 NBA Draft | CBS Sports HQ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1MDYk1G6c0

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jhyjRXQMhR8/maxresdefault.jpg

https://www.koco.com/article/thunder-acquire-17th-pick-pokusevski-from-timberwolves/34720214

i think this was 100% an optics thing ( and showing these optics goes with their belief that covid is very dangerous)

It's always good "optics" to actually give a **** about the community's health.

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Thunder ranked 30th in new ESPN Power Rankings: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30463586/nba-power-rankings-camp-edition-resetting-league-hectic-offseason

First Half of Thunder's schedule: https://www.nba.com/thunder/schedule

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Thunder ranked 30th in new ESPN Power Rankings: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30463586/nba-power-rankings-camp-edition-resetting-league-hectic-offseason

30th in the NBA power rankings, #1 in Cade Cunningham's heart.

Hear you Dan,

From a fan perspective this team is seeing disaster exceptions by the polls and media. No one thought this team would win over 40 games last season let alone make the playoffs. Anything they can do to make this season to enlighten the fans that progress is coming is a win-win situation IMO.

Anxious to see the development of SGA, Blazley and Luguentz Dort who no one thought would play yet he worked his way into the starting lineup and became a thorn in Harden's side and others.

Could Pokusevski, Miller or F. Jackson mirror what Luguentz Dort achieved...

Thunder's unfinished roster: https://www.espn.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc

Hear you Dan,

From a fan perspective this team is seeing disaster exceptions by the polls and media. No one thought this team would win over 40 games last season let alone make the playoffs. Anything they can do to make this season to enlighten the fans that progress is coming is a win-win situation IMO.

Anxious to see the development of SGA, Blazley and Luguentz Dort who no one thought would play yet he worked his way into the starting lineup and became a thorn in Harden's side and others.

Could Pokusevski, Miller or F. Jackson mirror what Luguentz Dort achieved...

miller just got injured and was only singed to make the adams trade work .. don't expect him to play at all this year ..

Hear you Dan,

From a fan perspective this team is seeing disaster exceptions by the polls and media. No one thought this team would win over 40 games last season let alone make the playoffs. Anything they can do to make this season to enlighten the fans that progress is coming is a win-win situation IMO.

Anxious to see the development of SGA, Blazley and Luguentz Dort who no one thought would play yet he worked his way into the starting lineup and became a thorn in Harden's side and others.

Could Pokusevski, Miller or F. Jackson mirror what Luguentz Dort achieved...

Could one or more of them do that? Maybe. Do we want them to? No! Even with the multiple picks we have over the next years none of them are high enough to get a Cunningham or similar hopeful superstar. We need to be bottom 3 horrible to have a chance at a #1 pick and we need at least one over the next few years.
This is why I hate rebuilding. I know I've said before that my beloved Dolphins have been rebuilding since Marino retired. It scares me.

The likely best thing for the Thunder long term is to be a bottom 3 team this season. I am 100% on board. I am looking forward to seeing the young guys develop, but I'll be strategically rooting for some losses. But, it's important to realize even making losing decisions can contribute to winning long term. For example, letting SGA and Bazley take over the offense in a close game might result in a loss, but can provide them meaningful experience.


I know I've said before that my beloved Dolphins have been rebuilding since Marino retired. It scares me.

Most NBA teams that are consistently bad have bad management. The Thunder do not. Besides, one right pick can transform an NBA team more so than an NFL franchise.

Keep in mind the Thunder has 18 first round draft picks through 2026. The pretense is that they can use several picks to trade up for top level picks if they really want someone.

Keep in mind the Thunder has 18 first round draft picks through 2026. The pretense is that they can use several picks to trade up for top level picks if they really want someone.

For sure. They did it this season, but you usually get ripped off by packaging picks to move up. The Thunder traded 25, 28, and Ricky Rubio just to get up to 17 to draft a player who could be worse than pick 25, pick 28, and Ricky Rubio. Remember, the Celtics tried to trade 4 first picks so they could draft Justice Winslow, a role player. I think the Thunder will move up with some of these picks (they can't use them all), but they have to be willing to walk away when team's ask for too much.

https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.news.thunderinsider.c om%2FEloquaImages%2Fclients%2FOklahomaCityThunder% 2F%257B815dc892-cb9c-445c-afbd-2a38b2e01164%257D_201210_Trade.jpg&t=1607642298&ymreqid=25fbd58b-0389-fdf5-1cf7-b0105e015400&sig=s6SNayLCVn37H.Tk9QiMSQ--~D
Center - Age: 34 Height 6' 9" Weight 240 lbs., Florida - $27,500,000

.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFqG8G6DzDY

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19JDOAqLYJE

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCQ9sUk1KZc

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Preseason: Thunder 121 @ Spurs 108



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3dx9vtWiVc

Box score - https://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=401265791

Big preseason game takeaway: Theo Maledon looked like the absolute real deal. He has great pace for a 19 year old. You can tell he's been mentored by Tony Parker. Really look forward to seeing an SGA-Dort-Maledon backcourt.

I was already pretty high on Maledon but he looked even better than I anticipated! Excited to watch him get minutes this season.

Hoping Theo Maledon will have a solid season much like Dennis Schroder's achievement last season.

Game on TV tonight at 7:00. Billy is back in town.

Game on TV tonight at 7:00. Billy is back in town.

next game is Wednesday, not tonight