Paul George to OKC

**sooner88** · 07-02-2017, 04:58 AM

I was scrolling through twitter and saw Griffin had signed his major contract, and then immediately saw a tweet that we had traded for PG. I thought that it was a Sportspickle tweet. Of all moves I thought we would make, this wasn't even on my radar. It was an absolutely genius move by Presti, and as usual he kept it out of the news until it happened. We needed to swing for the fences to convince Russ to stay, and this move is a great step in that direction. I don't think that we are done with our big moves, but as much as I would like to see Kanter traded I don't think that any team is willing to give us something worthwhile. Gay is the only pickup that I could imagine that would make us lose Enes, but Achilles recovery is incredibly difficult and I would be surprised to see Presti take a risk on him unless it's for pennies on the dollar. Presti has received some flack over the past few years, but this magician move proves why he is one of the most sought after GMs in the NBA.

**Laramie** · 07-02-2017, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by OKCRT

Maybe OKC needs to reverse the stripper law to get some FAs to sign? Add a few nightclubs and get the party started. I mean that is what other cities have to offer these rich young guys.

We do need to address & continue to improve the night life options for younger professionals. Bricktown Entertainment District does provide a great atmosphere that our city lacked for many years. We do need to expand that area.

**Laramie** · 07-11-2017, 09:03 PM

If Westbrook & George can co-exist; along with the new additions (Patterson & Felton) will help spread the floor which opens more room for Adams, Kanter & Roberson to operate underneath the basket. Thunder 3-point shooters Abrines & McDermott should be in a position to elevate their game.

Donovan will have two years of NBA experience under his belt. Drafted at #21 Ferguson does have experience; something that has been our Archilles heel. He shouldn't have a problem adjusting to the NBA game.

**Teo9969** · 07-11-2017, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by Laramie

If Westbrook & George can co-exist; along with the new additions (Patterson & Felton) will help spread the floor which opens more room for Adams, Kanter & Roberson to operate underneath the basket. Thunder 3-point shooters Abrines & McDermott should be in a position to elevate their game.

Donovan will have two years of NBA experience under his belt. Drafted at #21 Ferguson does have experience; something that has been our Archilles heel. He shouldn't have a problem adjusting to the NBA game.

Everyone has a problem adjusting to the highest level in any given sport. There are maybe a total of 5-10 athletes a year who reach the MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, Champions League that transition relatively seamlessly into that top level of competition. Some years there are 5 in 1 sport, and many years there are no more than 1.

So Ferguson may prove to contribute at an acceptable level as long as our expectations are based in reality. Those who keep saying because he's played in a professional league he is somehow "more ready" than players coming from college: that "more ready" is not going to amount to a whole lot in his first year in the NBA. What Ferguson is not, is one of those 5-10 athletes who enter the big leagues and exceed moderate to high expectations.

I will happily eat crow, but he will get pulled out of games because he doesn't adjust quickly enough.

**dankrutka** · 07-12-2017, 01:56 AM

As Laramie said, Paul George is going to help other players. There should be not only more open shots for Abrines/McDermotte/Grant, but also more space for Roberson (who should be around the basket more instead of camped out on the three point line) and Adams. I have a feeling the space will result in a lot more Adams pick and rolls that disappeared last season.