NBA 2015 Draft: Pick Thunder GM's Brain...

[Laramie]

Pick Presti's Brain:

Every team that didn’t make the playoffs is eligible to get the first pick in the draft. The Minnesota Timberwolves and their league-worst 16-66 record have a 25 percent chance of getting the top spot. The odds for the other 13 teams continue to decrease, and the teams with the worst records have the best chance of winning the lottery.

Below are the 2015 lottery teams, their record and their chances of winning the top pick.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves 16-66 25.0%

2. New York Knicks 17-65 19.9%
3. Philadelphia Sixers 18-64 15.6%
4. Los Angeles Lakers 21-61 11.9%
5. Orlando Magic 25-57 8.8%
6. Sacramento Kings 29-53 6.3%
7. Denver Nuggets 30-52 4.3%

8. Detroit Pistons 32-50 2.8%
9. Charlotte Hornets 33-49 1.7%
10. Miami Heat 37-45 1.1%
11. Indiana Pacers 38-44 0.8%
12. Utah Jazz 38-44 0.7%
13. Phoenix Suns 39-43 0.6%

14. Oklahoma City Thunder 45-37 0.5%

NBA Draft Lottery 2015: Date, Teams, And Odds As Lakers, Knicks Seek No. 1 Spot

Do you think we will pick higher than the 14th pick; also, who do you think we will get?

[Laramie]

The 2015 NBA Draft is June 25, 2015

NBA Draft Early Entry List

Cliff Alexander, 6-8, Fr., F (Kansas)
Justin Anderson, 6-6, Jr., G (Virginia)
Brandon Ashley, 6-9. Jr., F (Arizona)
Devin Booker, 6-6, Fr., G (Kentucky)

Willie Cauley-Stein, 7-0, Jr., F (Kentucky)
Sam Dekker, 6-9, Jr., F (Wisconsin)
Michael Frazier, 6-4, Jr., G (Florida)


Olivier Hanlan, 6-4, Jr., G (Boston College)

Montrezl Harrell, 6-8, Jr., F (Louisville)
Aaron Harrison, 6-5, Soph., G (Kentucky)
Andrew Harrison, 6-5, Soph., G (Kentucky)
Tyler Harvey, 6-4, Soph., G (Eastern Washington)

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 6-7, Soph., F (Arizona)
R.J. Hunter, 6-6, Jr., G (Georgia State)
Dakari Johnson, 6-11, Soph., C (Kentucky)
Stanley Johnson, 6-7, Fr., F (Arizona)

Tyus Jones, 6-1, Fr., G (Duke)
Trevor Lacey, 6-3, Jr. G (North Carolina State)
Kevon Looney, 6-10, Fr., F (UCLA)
Trey Lyles, 6-10, Fr., F (Kentucky)

Jarell Martin, 6-10, Soph., F (LSU)
Chris McCullough, 6-9, Fr., F (Syracuse)
Jordan Mickey, 6-8, Soph., F (LSU)
Jahlil Okafor, 6-11, Fr., C (Duke)

Kelly Oubre, 6-7, Fr., F (Kansas)
Cameron Payne, 6-2, Soph., G (Murray State)
Terran Petteway, 6-6, Jr., G (Nebraska)
Walter Pitchford, 6-10, Jr., F (Nebraska)

Michael Qualls, 6-6, Jr., G (Arkansas)
Bobby Portis, 6-11, Soph., F (Arkansas)
Terry Rozier, 6-1, Soph., G (Louisville)
D'Angelo Russell, 6-5, Fr., G (Ohio State)

Jherrod Stiggers, 6-6, Jr., G (Houston)
Aaron Thomas, 6-5, Jr., G (Florida State)
J.P. Tokoto, 6-6, Jr., G (North Carolina)
Karl-Anthony Towns, 7-0, Fy., F/C (Kentucky)

Myles Turner, 6-11, Fr., C/F (Texas)
Rashad Vaughn, 6-6, Fr., G (UNLV)
Chris Walker, 6-10, Soph., F (Florida)
Justise Winslow, 6-6, Fr., G (Duke)
Christian Wood, 6-11, Soph., F (UNLV)

NBA Draft 2015: Early entry list | NBA | Sporting News

[Laramie]

When You Think of Thunder GM Sam Presti and The NBA Draft, Think SURPRISE!

Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti has a history of doing the unexpected on draft day. In his second year as GM Presti took Russell Westbrook with the #4 pick in the 2008 draft.

When You Think of Thunder GM Sam Presti and The NBA Draft, Think SURPRISE! - Welcome to Loud City

[dankrutka]

Rumors floating that the Thunder have promised to draft Cam Payne: Questions and answers with Murray State point guard, reported Thunder target Cameron Payne | News OK

[Laramie]

Sam Presti's perime for talent shouldn't be overlooked or underestimated. We've got the 14th pick. There's little room for error for small markets like Memphis, New Orleans, Oklahoma City & Salt Lake City who build young talent through the draft; yet trim the fat to keep near the salary cap.

McGary was drafted 21st overall pick by the Thunder in the 2014 NBA draft.

Adams was selected by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

Serge Ibaka was the 24th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft.

Draft pick profile @ 14: My guess is that Presti will select someone who can back up K.D. at the 3 (SF), yet versatile enough to play the 1 (PG), decent 3 pointer shooter with good defensive perralis. This guy will have to be at least 6' 5." A Spurs' Danny Green clone.

? Rashad Vaughn, 6-6, Fr., G (UNLV)

[dankrutka]

These things are tough, but I think Kelly Oubre could be the missing piece at shooting guard. Maybe not for next year, but long term. He's athletic with a lot of upside.

[okatty]

Like Oubre. Devin Booker. Cameron Payne from Murray State seemed to be the talk for a while but he seems to be moving up and won't be available at 14. Jerian Grant another name that seems to get floated. Who knows?

I saw an analytics deal which said that 75% of OKC's shooting guard minutes last season went to players who performed below league average.

[Laramie]

Presti's promise...

"For the 14th pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Cameron Payne, of Murray State..."


"Young man, we'll have a fashion talk, later..."

[okatty]

There is no doubt in my mind that if Booker had slipped to 14 they'd have taken him and I think that was the basis for the talk about them moving to 12. They didnt get that done and think Payne will be good player but Booker is a fantastic shooter who played at the absolute top level of comp in college. All in all think it went well for Thunder though.

[Laramie]

Payne and gain: Thunder play it safe with lottery pick

Payne, a smooth 6-foot-2 lefty from Murray State, said he wanted to be picked by the Thunder. He worked out for the franchise in early June, and both sides came away impressed. The Thunder liked Payne's character, makeup and skill set; Payne liked the Thunder's detailed-oriented structure and commitment to development. It appears to be a solid partnership.

Payne and gain: Thunder play it safe with lottery pick - Oklahoma City Thunder Blog - ESPN

Small market franchises like Memphis, New Orleans, OKC & Salt Lake City can't afford to drop the ball with a draft pick opportunity. The Thunder has 'promise' with recent picks added to the roster like Adams & McGary.

Luke Ridnour (PG) was with the Supersonics prior to their relocation to OKC. Does anyone know if he will stay on the roster?

Oklahoma City Thunder 2015 Team Roster - ESPN

[okatty]

Ridnour won't stay on Thunder roster. He was signed to facilitate the Lamb deal.

[Laramie]

NBA free agents in 2015 and 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

2015 Free Agents

Restricted
Enes Kanter
Kyle Singler

Unrestricted: None

2016 Free Agents

Restricted
D. J. Augustin
Perry Jones
Dion Waiters

Unrestricted
Kevin Durant
Steve Novak
Luke Ridnour

Free Agency FAQ's: Free Agency FAQ's | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE NEW YORK KNICKS

What is the difference between unrestricted and restricted free agency?

An unrestricted free agent is able to sign with any team he chooses while a restricted free agent's original team has the chance to keep the player by matching the offer sheet signed with another team. This is known as the "right of first refusal."

What is an offer sheet?

If another team wants to sign a restricted free agent, they extend an offer sheet to the player. If he signs it, the original team now has seven days to match.

What is a sign-and-trade?

A team is not allowed to sign another team’s free agent and then immediately trade him. However, a team is allowed to re-sign their own free agent and immediately trade him to another team by adding a clause to the contract making it invalid if the player is not traded to a specific team within 48 hours. A sign-and-trade contract must be for three years or longer, and a team does not acquire the player’s Bird rights. Player's Bird rights, meaning they give up the ability to exceed the salary cap by re-signing their player.

When can free agents officially beginning signing with teams?

While team’s can negotiate with free agents starting July 1, they can not officially sign a contract until July 8. This is known as the “July Moratorium” and is when the league reviews the revenue from the previous season and officially sets the salary cap.

Kevin Durant will be 'unrestricted' in 2016.

[okatty]

Really interesting time in terms of TV money, where the max player money will go, the team payroll numbers, etc. Some of these max guys may well want to sign short term deals to get to the "new" max money which could easily be $32 mill a year on the low end. Crazy funny money.

[Laramie]

Report: Knicks reach out to Enes Kanter in free agency

The Oklahoma City Thunder isn't the only team looking at Enes Kanter in free agency.

July 2, 11:28 a.m.

Multiple reports have the New York Knicks reaching out to the 6-foot-11 Thunder center. Kanter reportedly was scheduled to meet with the Thunder Wednesday in Chicago. The Knicks missed out on free agent power forward Greg Monroe, who instead agreed to terms Thursday on a three-year, $49.4 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks are reportedly interested in free agent center Robin Lopez as well.

Kanter is a restricted free agent, so the Thunder has the ability to match any offer sheet he signs with another team.

Report: Knicks reach out to Enes Kanter in free agency | News OK

The New York Knicks need to go get them some game... ...they will drive the price up for us to sign him.