Oklahoma City Thunder 2017-18

[Easy180]

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

He will be missed for sure but today’s game doesn’t work well with two bigs.

[dankrutka]

The most gung-ho guy about being in Oklahoma and on the Thunder. Gets traded. I think I'm in the minority in saying that I'll miss him.

I actually think you're in the vast majority. Kanter is really loved because he embraced the city like no other Thunder player. Kanter lost contact with his family because of an authoritarian, murderous dicatator. It meant a lot to Kanter to have a home in OKC. I am really bummed to see him leave.

Having said that, this trade was a smart basketball move.

[Thomas Vu]

I actually think you're in the vast majority. Kanter is really loved because he embraced the city like no other Thunder player. Kanter lost contact with his family because of an authoritarian, murderous dicatator. It meant a lot to Kanter to have a home in OKC. I am really bummed to see him leave.

Having said that, this trade was a smart basketball move.

We're going to agree to disagree. I'm basing my comment from the beginning of this off season.

How many more years are on Melo's contract vs Kanters?

[Jake]

Thunder signed PG Trey Burke today as well.

[Laramie]

Trey Burke?

Age 24, Born Columbus, OH #33 PG 6' 1", 191 lbs

https://www.basketball-reference.com...burketr01.html

[Bellaboo]

Semaj Christon will probably get cut.

[dankrutka]

Trey Burke is just invited to compete against Semaj in camp. Burke has been terrible. As bad as Semaj is, he is at least a good defender, which is more valuable for a guy who is not really expected to play. Burke could beat Semaj out, but he's not much to get excited about.

[Laramie]

Dan,

Does the Thunder have enough of these decent defenders that can't seem to play a lick of offense. Perkins was good for 3 or 4 points a game, he was intimidating on defense.

Thunder still has 17 on their current roster with the Anthony change: http://www.espn.com/nba/team/roster/...a-city-thunder

My guess, Semaj Christian, Daniel Hamilton & Norris Cole; two of the three are probably hanging by a thread.

Hint: No salary listed for Hamilton or Cole...

[dankrutka]

Hamilton and Cole are not real candidates for the team. Also, appears Trey Burke changed his mind on coming to camp with OKC. Barring a trade, Semaj still likely for that 15th spot.

[dankrutka]

To clarify, Kanter had to be in this deal to make salaries work.

[Laramie]

To clarify, Kanter had to be in this deal to make salaries work.

Correct! Those trades have to come very close to matching is salaries; then, you can justify a future draft pick to seal the deal.

The combo big three of Westbrook, Anthony & George should make our Thunder competitive against any NBA franchise.

[chuck5815]

OKC had 66-1 odds of winning the 2018 championship when the offseason began, and those odds have skyrocketed to 16-1 after acquiring PG3 and Hoodie Melo. You just have to tip your hat to Sam Presti; the guy is a miracle worker.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nba/news/okcs-nba-championship-odds-jump-to-161-after-acquiring-carmelo-anthony/amp/

[Thomas Vu]

In addition, don't get distracted by the Bulls converting Gary Harris, Jusuf Nurkic, Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson, and a 2nd round pick into Cam Payne.

[OKC_on_mines]

In addition, don't get distracted by the Bulls converting Gary Harris, Jusuf Nurkic, Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson, and a 2nd round pick into Cam Payne.

More than how well OKC develops players and the top notch nutrition we have here (expressed by players of old and current) I feel like Sam Presti does a magnificent job of pulling off these deals where we win big and only give up a little here or there. At times I wonder if the guy has these other teams on camera doing something illegal lol.....because he is just stealing. IMHO - best GM in the NBA. Collectively, according to experts who.have played in the league, Presti is easily a top 5 maybe even top 3 consensus GM in the NBA.

[Teo9969]

Obviously this is a great move for OKC. Still quite a ways from being better than the Warriors, but in the age of unbalanced rosters, we are at least now in a position to beat the Warriors, even in a best of seven.

I think you solve the similar player issues with Melo/George by lots of staggering with those two. They also both have obvious pairings at SG (Memo+Robes, George+Abrines)

So much of OKC's ceiling is still going to be determined by what kinds of steps forward Grant and Abrines make. If we can count on them to average 18-20 points between them and to be acceptable defenseman, then watch out. We know that Patterson is a great fit for this team, and Adams' contribution on both ends of the floor should look markedly improved...but if this team is going to win it all, I really think Abrines+Grant+Patterson+Felton are going to have to come in and be markedly better than Iggy+Livingston+Young+Javale/West

We better enjoy the hell out of this season, because it might be our last good one for SEVERAL years coming.

[Bellaboo]

2 things - Trey Burke has now declined and Melo has lost 15 pounds over the summer. Best condition he's been in for years.

And one more - Melo rescinded the trade kicker which would have cost the Thunder 8 million as a bonus to sign him. Now that's a sacrifice to play here.

[Laramie]

Roberson's role will continue as a starter with special assignments; to be a hit man to hound & get inside the head of individual players like K.D., Curry, Leonard, Parker, Lillard...


Stephen A.: Knicks made right move considering circumstances

[Laramie]

Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

[OKC_on_mines]

Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

Damn laramie Lmbo.....posted his picture and everything lol

[Thomas Vu]

Listen, bricklayer hands, you've had all summer to improve your free throw shots. Thunder fans expect you to improve in this area. 2016-17 you shot 42.5% in the regular season & 14.3% in the post season--Let us see a new Dre in free throws: GOAL 60%

Anyone who's seen me talk Roberson knows that I don't like him. Having that said, i bet if his practices were filmed/recorded you'd see him making them all the time. Happens to DJ/DH/Drummond all the time.

[dankrutka]

Isaiah Canaan is now coming in instead of Trey Burke to compete with Semaj for the third string point guard spot. I would take Canaan over either Semaj or Burke. He's a better shooter, which can help keep the floor spaced.

Also, Dwyane Wade "liked" a tweet about a rumor if him coming to OKC. If he's coming on the minimum for his age and he accepts a lesser role then he'd be a great addition to the bolster the bench. The problem with Anthony and Wade is that aging superstars sometimes struggle accepting lesser roles to help the team win. It's a hard adjustment to make. But the reality is that I would only want Wade as long as he accepts that Roberson may be on the floor at the end of the game instead of him. Patterson may need to be out there instead of Anthony at times. That's a hard pill to swallow for superstars, but that's what OKC will need out of them.

[Laramie]

Isaiah Canaan is now coming in instead of Trey Burke to compete with Semaj for the third string point guard spot. I would take Canaan over either Semaj or Burke. He's a better shooter, which can help keep the floor spaced.

Also, Dwyane Wade "liked" a tweet about a rumor if him coming to OKC. If he's coming on the minimum for his age and he accepts a lesser role then he'd be a great addition to the bolster the bench. The problem with Anthony and Wade is that aging superstars sometimes struggle accepting lesser roles to help the team win. It's a hard adjustment to make. But the reality is that I would only want Wade as long as he accepts that Roberson may be on the floor at the end of the game instead of him. Patterson may need to be out there instead of Anthony at times. That's a hard pill to swallow for superstars, but that's what OKC will need out of them.

I'm not so sure about superstars accepting lesser roles, let's face it if they can't perform beyond 28 like they did when they were in their prime playing days--why would you be concerned about a reduced role or playing time.

Raymond Felton should be a great backup for RW.

[dankrutka]

I'm not so sure about superstars accepting lesser roles, let's face it if they can't perform beyond 28 like they did when they were in their prime playing days--why would you be concerned about a reduced role or playing time.

It seems like we're saying the same thing, but I can't tell...

[dankrutka]

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

[king183]

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

Everyone, please read the above. His FT shooting may be frustrating, but that's not why he's on the team. We have one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has repeatedly shut down top offensive threats and it's awesome to watch.