https://cdn.nba.com/manage/2022/06/lu-dort-thunder-blue-cropped-1536x864.jpg

Report: Free agent Lu Dort agrees to 5-year deal with Thunder



The 23-year-old guard averaged a career-high 17.2 points and 4.2 rebounds with Oklahoma City last season.

.

Ticket sales is actually a pretty good reason to be competitive

It’s actually not because of revenue sharing. OKC is sent money from tax teams if they are not in the tax. It means they’ll be fine and longterm success is more important.

It’s actually not because of revenue sharing. OKC is sent money from tax teams if they are not in the tax. It means they’ll be fine and longterm success is more important.

My entire point is that the Thunder has a war chest of future first round picks. They can trade up to acquire lotto picks just like they did. They can compete and still gain quality picks either by trade or with the picks they already have. Players want to win, and I know the front office wants top picks. Yes they will receive revenue from the league, but they want fans in the stadium too. True they need to develop the new guys, but they have enough talent now to consistently win.

My entire point is that the Thunder has a war chest of future first round picks. They can trade up to acquire lotto picks just like they did. They can compete and still gain quality picks either by trade or with the picks they already have. Players want to win, and I know the front office wants top picks. Yes they will receive revenue from the league, but they want fans in the stadium too. True they need to develop the new guys, but they have enough talent now to consistently win.

absolutely, all the way up until 2028 with top draft numbers

not sure if this has been posted on the thread

https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/draft-coverage/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-thunders-future-draft-picks

^^^^^^^
Really helpful chart. Haven’t had a chance to review them in that manner before. Also…that’s nuts.

Clay Bennett’s daughter in law works for barstool sports and she has a YouTube channel as well as a YouTube channel with her mother and both are hilarious

https://youtube.com/c/ChicksAtBarstool

…but they have enough talent now to consistently win.

They don’t. Name one team in NBA history that played 4 rookies and 4 second year players and won consistently. The Thunder are a couple years away even if they tried to win.

They don’t. Name one team in NBA history that played 4 rookies and 4 second year players and won consistently. The Thunder are a couple years away even if they tried to win.

Last year, if you remember, everyone got hurt (Wink) so they could lose games. SGA had a bad foot but every time you saw him on the bench in street clothes he was jumping around. Tanking at its best.

They don’t. Name one team in NBA history that played 4 rookies and 4 second year players and won consistently. The Thunder are a couple years away even if they tried to win.

So what you're saying is SGA, Dort, Muskie, Poku, Favors, Bazley, Maledon and K Williams won't see the floor ?

So what you're saying is SGA, Dort, Muskie, Poku, Favors, Bazley, Maledon and K Williams won't see the floor ?

Is that seriously how you read his post?

So what you're saying is SGA, Dort, Muskie, Poku, Favors, Bazley, Maledon and K Williams won't see the floor ?

Not what I said at all.

Anyway, I look forward to this season. The Thunder are going to let the team do what it can right out of gate so we won't have to wait long to find out. With the Spurs and (probably) Jazz moving into rebuild mode (maybe we should use that term since that's really what the team is doing for the first 80% of the season) then it may not take much to make the play-in next season. I just think the Thunder need another top prospect and this next class is supposed to be great.

One thing for sure is the entertainment value should be really good.

Salt Lake City Summer League

https://e7n9s5t9.stackpathcdn.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/thunder-vs-jazz.jpg


Tuesday, July 5, 2022
TV - ESPN: 8:00 p.m. CST - Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz Vivint Smart Home Arena


Summer 16-man roster:


Gabe Brown
Robert Baker
Ousmane Dieng
Abdul Gaddy
Josh Giddey
Chet Holmgren
Vit Krejci
Tre Mann
Eugene Omoruyi
Aleksej Pokusevski
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Jaden Shackelford
Lindy Waters III
Aaron Wiggins
Jalen Williams
Jaylin Williams


The Thunder will be coached by assistant coach Kam Woods with Oklahoma City Blue head coach Grant Gibbs and development coaches Eric Maynor and Zach Peterson as assistants.

https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612760/2022/07/roster-sl-1.png

Holmgren looks relaxed and confident. 18 pts, 3 blocks at half. Giddy's passing skills are awesome.

Holmgren looks relaxed and confident. 18 pts, 3 blocks at half. Giddey's passing skills are awesome.

Gotta say I agree. Chet could be special. The other draftees also showed very positive results. Really surprised

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4BozXcFXXM3ZW01OuFeNBw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/bHVJ4XkvfKBZ_s.C0BykSg--~B/aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media.zenfs.com/en/csnwashington.com/884f7ac1c32b63971c22a088620f9314

Thunder 98 @ Jazz 77

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-uta-1622200002/box-score

.

Chet's first summer league game is the best summer league game I can ever remember by a Thunder player. He completely dominated. I know you're not supposed to overreact to summer league games, he just showed a lot. His offensive fluidity is incredibly impressive for his size. His shot looked smooth. His six blocks don't even tell the whole story about his dominance around the rim. The Jazz summer league team was awful so let's see how he plays against stiffer competition, but it definitely had me wondering if the Thunder can really tank with him playing (probably, but I at least have doubts now).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Eazd1QnCcQ

P.S. Jalen Williams (Santa Clara) looked great too! Really excited about him.

Noticed that Tre Mann & Lindy Waters III did not play this game. We are going to have a very young group opening 2022 season. As for Chet Holmgren, he needs to slowly add about 10 ibs., this season and 10 lbs in 2023-24.

Does anyone know if Cheevers still have the contract for feeding these guys...

Sam Presti, we've got our man.

Tre Mann was out for Health & Safety Protocols. Since the Thunder have three games in three days I bet they're staggering which games some players play in.

Not to overreact, but Presti just drafted the next All-NBA, HOFr, 5X MVP. The way he moves is like KD, it is blowing my mind that we drafted him. If Chet turns out to be the best in this draft, the Magic will probably just jump into the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic, they can choose.

Not to overreact, but Presti just drafted the next All-NBA, HOFr, 5X MVP. The way he moves is like KD, it is blowing my mind that we drafted him. If Chet turns out to be the best in this draft, the Magic will probably just jump into the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic, they can choose.

Thought the same thing; however didn't want to mention KD on this forum. When KD was drafted in 2007 by the Sonics, he weighed 240 lbs, so Chet's 45 lbs., lighter--we'll see how Chet's size and weight affects him. Holmgren is NBA Ready IMO, you don't need to have him in the G-League as a confidence builder. This guy his elated to be in Oklahoma City.

It was interesting to visit the Jazz fanz forum while this game was being played. They were disappointed in their Summer League team and the recent Rudy Gobert trade to Minnesota. Rudy and Jonathan Mitchell had the same problems Durant and Westbrook had as to who was the leader of the team.

Lost respect for KD because as a leader he was weak--that showed when he went to the GSW; he allowed Draymond Green to totally disrespect him. Poor Oakland: San Francisco took the Warriors back, Las Vegas took the NFL Raiders and now the MLB Athletics are up for grabs. Oakland will be wiped clean of major professional sports.

KD was 6'10" and 190 pounds in 2007, http://www.mynbadraft.com/NBA-Draft-Profiles-2007/Kevin-Durant
He weighs 240 today. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant

And it's Donovan Mitchell.

KD was 6'10" and 190 pounds in 2007, http://www.mynbadraft.com/NBA-Draft-Profiles-2007/Kevin-Durant
He weighs 240 today. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant

Thank you, I tried researching the same info, miketk. Somehow 240 lbs., didn't sound right. So Chet weighs 5 lbs., more than KD did in his rookie season. Good research.

Our roster is taking shape: Predict 12 solid roster positions in Bazley, Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jerome, Maledon, Mann, Muscala, Pokusevski, Robinson-Earl, Wiggins, K. Williams with 2 or 3 up for grabs.

Our roster is taking shape: Predict 12 solid roster positions in Bazley, Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jerome, Maledon, Mann, Muscala, Pokusevski, Robinson-Earl, Wiggins, K. Williams with 2 or 3 up for grabs.

Not sure why you left two lottery picks, Dieng & JDub off your list.

Not sure why you left two lottery picks, Dieng & JDub off your list.

These were my personal picks as to who I felt would lock up 12 slots. Dieng & JDub looked more impressive today than yesterday.

Salt Lake City Summer League 2022

Oklahoma City Thunder 87 vs Memphis Grizzlies 71

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-1622200003/box-score




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbE3CwdZE4s

Not sure why you left two lottery picks, Dieng & JDub off your list.

Lottery picks are guaranteed to make the team, but fortunately, the roster is 15 players. Of your list, I’m not sure Ty Jerome makes the cut. Maybe not Theo either. But I think the Thunder will wait until training camp to make moves though.

These were my personal picks as to who I felt would lock up 12 slots. Dieng & JDub looked more impressive today than yesterday.

Although it's only been two games, JDub has been impressive and looks like he belongs in the NBA. Dieng, OTOH, may see some time with the Blue à la Poku, Maledon and Mann.He is very young and raw, but has a very high ceiling.

Lottery picks are guaranteed to make the team, but fortunately, the roster is 15 players. Of your list, I’m not sure Ty Jerome makes the cut. Maybe not Theo either. But I think the Thunder will wait until training camp to make moves though.

yep jerome Theo and wiggins all are on the chopping block

Forgive me for not getting back with you guys (Boulder, catcherinthewry & Dan).

Interesting roster list 21, they will have to trim down to 14 or 15. You may include two 2 way contracts--17.

Let me share NBA.com link: https://www.nba.com/thunder/roster We know there's trade bait among this list.

Vit Krejci and Lindy Waters III caught my eye with their play last night.

Tell me what you guys would do with the players on this list; trim it to 15, also who goes to the G-League assignment Blue. BTW anyone's welcome to join in...

Lindy Waters is great. I hope he keeps a spot. Just a guy you want on your team if your are in Oklahoma.

Salt Lake City Summer League 2022

76ers 80 vs Thunder 79

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/OKC-vs-PHI-1622200005/box-score

Forgive me for not getting back with you guys (Boulder, catcherinthewry & Dan).

Interesting roster list 21, they will have to trim down to 14 or 15. You may include two 2 way contracts--17.

Let me share NBA.com link: https://www.nba.com/thunder/roster We know there's trade bait among this list.

Vit Krejci and Lindy Waters III caught my eye with their play last night.

Tell me what you guys would do with the players on this list; trim it to 15, also who goes to the G-League assignment Blue. BTW anyone's welcome to join in...

SGA
Gibby
Dort
Holmgren
jWilliams1
Deing
Mann
Muscala
Bazley
Favors
poku
Green
are all on guaranteed contracts and will be on the team ..(green and favors are on expiring deals and are trade assets) that is 12 guys .. 3 spots left

K Williams will 100% make the team 2 spots left

JWilliams2 was a high second round pick at a position of need (C) and will make the team 1 spot left

that is Jerome Robinson-Earl Krejci Wiggins Maledon for 1 spot ..

then Waters and Omoruyi on 2 way deals ..

unless there is a trade my guess is that Robinson-Earl gets the last 15 man roster spot .

1. Giddey
2. SGA
3. Oubre (i can dream!)
4. Chet
5. JRE

1. Jaylin Williams
2. Dort
3. Bazley
4. Poku
5. Muscala

I’m disappointed Maledon hasn’t come along better than he has. He showed a few flashes early that made me optimistic, but…not so much.

SGA
Gibby
Dort
Holmgren
jWilliams1
Deing
Mann
Muscala
Bazley
Favors
poku
Green
are all on guaranteed contracts and will be on the team ..(green and favors are on expiring deals and are trade assets) that is 12 guys .. 3 spots left

K Williams will 100% make the team 2 spots left

JWilliams2 was a high second round pick at a position of need (C) and will make the team 1 spot left

that is Jerome Robinson-Earl Krejci Wiggins Maledon for 1 spot ..

then Waters and Omoruyi on 2 way deals ..

unless there is a trade my guess is that Robinson-Earl gets the last 15 man roster spot .

Green will not be on the team. Presti has been pretty clear he will be moved. Probably same for Favors. So we will see at least one spot open via trade.

Green will not be on the team. Presti has been pretty clear he will be moved. Probably same for Favors. So we will see at least one spot open via trade.

good point / and find ..

that would open 1 more spot ..

Has it been the practice of Presti to leave one spot open.

Has it been the practice of Presti to leave one spot open.

Generally, yes. But he has never had so much young talent that he has wanted to evaluate and develop as he has this year. He's going to have to make some tough decisions. I guarantee to you he hated to waive Roby.

good point / and find ..

that would open 1 more spot ..

Don't forget the 11th pick, Ousmane Dieng, young and a lot of potential.

Don't forget the 11th pick, Ousmane Dieng, young and a lot of potential.

he is in my first post

Gotcha -

NBA Las Vegas Summer League 2022

https://kfor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/11/thunder-houston-logos.jpg

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets

Saturday, July 9

Thomas & Mack Center - ESPN2 - 7:00 p.m. , CST

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

Rockets 90 vs Thunder 88

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/OKC-vs-HOU-1522200015/box-score

https://www.amwaycenter.com/assets/img/OklahomaThunder-8760aa9a3f.jpg

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic

Monday, July 11, Thomas & Mack Center, ESPN - 8 p.m. CST

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

Thunder 84 vs Magic 81

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-okc-1522200029/box-score

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

https://ats.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Sacramento-Kings-at-Oklahoma-City-Thunder.jpg
Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m. CST -- NBA TV

Notice as you scan thru the various blogs and comments made about the 2022 top 3 draft picks, Banchero, Holmgren & Smith you get the impression that Banchero & Smith are more NBA ready than Chet. Of course the same was said about Cunningham, Green & Mobley '21 top pics. Giddey seems to be getting there, true point guard mentality.

I'm glad someone pointed out that Durant weighed 5 lbs less than Holmgren when KD was drafted in 2007. The weight & nutritional programs are much better today than 15 years ago in 2007. Holmgren does need to gain weight, it's obvious that his frame will take a beating over time as opponents feel they can exploit him over time. It will be interesting to watch Chet's development.

Also impressed with Jalen Williams, this young man has come out aggressive in his appearances. How these guys mess with Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Blazley & Giddey will begin a new chapter in Thunder basketball. THUNDER-UP!

https://nowthatsthunderbasketball.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/practice-faility.jpg

]ust want to wish these guys the best in this upcoming season. Let's get that practice facility's $10 million renovation ready and Paycom Center's $105 million renovation completed (Hope Pete will have some updated info soon). Oklahoma City will have over $300 million invested in our arena which was built at a bargain (less than $90 million) in 2002. Time has passed, difficult to remember we didn't have a major professional sports franchise in Oklahoma, celebrated 20 years--June 22, 2022.


https://okcfox.com/resources/media2/16x9/full/1015/center/80/53e25380-dfc0-4f2e-9c61-252abe29fa7b-large16x9_9.jpg

I am extremely thankful for the Thunder. Clay Bennett and others by purchasing and moving that team catapulted OKC into a new. bold, exciting sphere. I hope fans realize the gem the Thunder are and how many cities would line up today to buy and move them. The return on investment has been incalculable IMO

I am extremely thankful for the Thunder. Clay Bennett and others by purchasing and moving that team catapulted OKC into a new. bold, exciting sphere. I hope fans realize the gem the Thunder are and how many cities would line up today to buy and move them. The return on investment has been incalculable IMO

100% agree. It was incredible good fortune for OKC that Seattle and the NBA came to loggerheads at the level they did. I do not think any NBA team will relocate in the future. Their stadia are comparably cheap enough and existing franchise location has been so friendly to the NBA (market size wise) that this is a league that is a good civic value. I see MLB and the NFL can still have civic issues over stadia cost and size, and the NHL just doesn't have the same value.

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

Thunder 86 vs Kings 80

Box score https://www.nba.com/game/sac-vs-okc-1522200043/box-score




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISSj52aLsKk

Las Vegas Summer League 2022

https://e7n9s5t9.stackpathcdn.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/thunder-vs-warriors.jpg
Friday, July 15, 2022, Thomas & Mack Center

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors, 6 p.m. CST -- ESPN

At the State of the City address today, Holt spent a significant time discussing how our current arena ranks far below every other NBA stadium in essentially every category, and pressed the importance of taking care of the Thunder. He said that they will be holding off on the renovations to the arena from Maps 4 funds, as well as pausing Thunder Alley, to develop a more comprehensive plan. All that to say, I fully expect a new arena being included in either an upcoming Maps project, or a similar, publicly-funded, bill.

I posted this on the Paycom Center thread:


In today's State of the City address by Mayor Holt, he spent a bunch of time speaking about the need to upgrade our NBA facilities.

So much so, they have paused future MAPS 4 spending that has been allocated for Paycom (most of it has already been obligated for new seating and other things) until they can come up with a plan.

The current agreement with the Thunder expires in 2023 and they just exercised a 3-year option to continue. Holt said that time will be spent working with Clay Bennett and the ownership to come up with a long-term plan.

He pointed out it took 9 full years to build our current arena after voter approval, so there is a long lead time for major projects like this.


He didn't say it, but this all sounds like the groundwork for a new facility, not just more improvements.

He kept mentioning there are 18 larger MSA's without an NBA team, etc. and how Paycom is much smaller in square footage than most current NBA arenas.

At the same time, he also mentioned plans for Thunder Alley to the south are moving forward.


So, not sure what to make of this other than something big is coming and I'm sure it will happen before MAPS 5. Wouldn't be surprised if they are going to try and pass a new bond issue for a completely new arena.

I posted this on the Paycom Center thread:

https://www.facebook.com/cityofokc/videos/447034810334060/

video is posted here

Thanks for posting the State of the City Address, BoulderSooner.

Impressed with Mayor David Holt wanting to look at the possibility of a new arena to replace the Paycom Center. Now is the time to do it before you get the $105 million allocation from MAPS 4 committed.

This won't affect the $10 million allocated toward the Thunder practice facility upgrades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbgg0sH0edQ