OKC just earned an F for draft night...

[Cocaine80s]

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130211204342/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/8/8f/Funny-gif-Bruce-Lee-laughing.gif

[JohnMax]

atleast they didnt draft athletic players with freaky long arms

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

This the same shit u nikkas said about Steven Adams
now wuts gud:oldlol: :oldlol:

[Cocaine80s]

This the same shit u nikkas said about Steven Adams
now wuts gud:oldlol: :oldlol:
steven adams was top 15 in most mock drafts :oldlol:

[NumberSix]

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130211204342/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/8/8f/Funny-gif-Bruce-Lee-laughing.gif
Bloose Ree.

[outbreak]

Could be worse, you could have turned Afflalo, 4th pick, 12th pick, a future second round pick and a future first round pick into Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton.....

[RedBlackAttack]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:

[russwest0]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:

Dude, ESPN's experts had guys rated higher on their draft board therefore it was a shit selection.

[KDthunderup]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:
Just trolls brah, watch him become an important clog for the Thunder.

[gts]

Could be worse, you could have turned Afflalo, 4th pick, 12th pick, a future second round pick and a future first round pick into Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton.....
:lol You're just having all sorts of problems coming to grips with today's moves

[gts]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:So do most the analysts it seems.. I don;t know sh*t about the kid but everyone I've read or heard seems pretty happy with the pick

[DMAVS41]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:

It's a fine pick.

I don't think anyone would mind it if the Thunder had solved their sg problem. Which isn't even that big of a problem in the sense that they need a stud or something.

Lamb will be good for 20 or so minutes a game next year. They just have this glaring hole at the other 25 or so minutes at the position.

I like McGary...can be Adams backup after this year when Perkins expires.

Thunder fans are, and rightfully so, just pissed about Presti not addressing a clear need on this team since Martin left before last year. When you factor in Westbrook's injuries in 13 and last year....the fact that they didn't go out and get Afflalo or Meeks or someone like that is even more shocking.

Presti just screwed up big time and honestly if they aren't going to fix the issue through free agency in some way....he should have just taken Hood and run with Lamb/Hood all regular season. It might cost them a few wins getting two young players ready like that, but they'd be ready enough by the playoffs.

McGary isn't helping this year. And so it's got to be annoying that a team on the cusp of a title is making moves for down the road without addressing clear needs right now.

[russwest0]

If there was a good shooting guard available that filled the role that OKC needs then Presti would have taken him.

Otherwise we don't need to be drafting guys who are worse than Jeremy Lamb and will just come in here to ride the bench and waste away.

Mitch McGary was drafted to replace Collison in a few years and this Josh Huestis kid was drafted to be our potential backup SF. Upon looking at his draft workouts I'm actually really impressed by him. He's known for his defense (shutting down Wiggins in the tournament) but his 3pt shot looks pretty damn good from a form perspective and in multiple scenarios he hit like 7-8 three pointers in a row in these videos.

[russwest0]

I imagine we'll go after someone like Mike Miller, Jodie Meeks, etc. in free agency this year and land at least one of those guys. And then Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb can get the rest of the minutes at the two. You have to remember both of those guys are still improving as well.

There was no need to draft a shooting guard. Including Jeremy Lamb, we've drafted 3 shooting guards in the past 2 years. No need for another.

[navy]

It's a fine pick.

I don't think anyone would mind it if the Thunder had solved their sg problem.

I dont think the thunder believe they have a SG problem.
Lamb is fine in or out the starting lineup.
Reggie Jackson plus Westbrook is fine if Lamb cant play fourth quarters.

The problem the Thunder have are those ridiculous small ball lineups added with a switching mentality, plus Westbrook and Durant literally chuck up shots in fourth quarters and overtimes.

Now they have a reasonable big scorer. Which is the problem they think they have. Ibaka, Perkins, and Adams are not reliable.

[DMAVS41]

If there was a good shooting guard available that filled the role that OKC needs then Presti would have taken him.

Otherwise we don't need to be drafting guys who are worse than Jeremy Lamb and will just come in here to ride the bench and waste away.

Mitch McGary was drafted to replace Collison in a few years and this Josh Huestis kid was drafted to be our potential backup SF. Upon looking at his draft workouts I'm actually really impressed by him. He's known for his defense (shutting down Wiggins in the tournament) but his 3pt shot looks pretty damn good from a form perspective and in multiple scenarios he hit like 7-8 three pointers in a row in these videos.

I said if you aren't going to address the need at sg.

I don't care how you do it. You just don't address the backup big for Collison/Perkins instead of addressing the sg position.

Especially when you have to pay Reggie coming up as well. A guy like Hood is worth a look. It's not like it's a reach at 21 to take Hood. He's properly valued at between 15 and 25 in this draft.

The problem with trying to address the sg position in free agency is...do you have enough money to bring back Reggie?

I don't know man...

[KDthunderup]

If there was a good shooting guard available that filled the role that OKC needs then Presti would have taken him.

Otherwise we don't need to be drafting guys who are worse than Jeremy Lamb and will just come in here to ride the bench and waste away.

Mitch McGary was drafted to replace Collison in a few years and this Josh Huestis kid was drafted to be our potential backup SF. Upon looking at his draft workouts I'm actually really impressed by him. He's known for his defense (shutting down Wiggins in the tournament) but his 3pt shot looks pretty damn good from a form perspective and in multiple scenarios he hit like 7-8 three pointers in a row in these videos.
Exactly. I'm hoping we at least go after a sg in the free agency, If if don't at least hear that Presti tried chasing some like Meeks or Miles I will be pissed.

We got a physical big who looks like he could contribute straight away considering he is healthy. Hopefully he can be another big who can take minutes away from Perkins.

[SwishSquared]

I didn't watch Stanford much this year, so I can't really address Huestis (sp?). It seemed they could have made a deal to take him in second round and use #29 on a different guy. I did like McGary, but I'm pretty sure he could have been had at #29. I think Hood at #21 would have made some sense. This guy's a great shooter imo and that skill should translate. We'll have to wait and see if they'll upgrade at SG via FA. However, if Brooks never plays the guys he should, then nobody will improve. So maybe this whole convo is moot lol

[outbreak]

:lol You're just having all sorts of problems coming to grips with today's moves
over reacting a bit. It's more disappointment than really disliking the players we got. I think payton and gordon will both be solid starters but I just really think exum, randle, vonleh even smart would have had a better chance of turning into a guy we could build up as closer to a go to guy.

[DMAVS41]

I dont think the thunder believe they have a SG problem.
Lamb is fine in or out the starting lineup.
Reggie Jackson plus Westbrook is fine if Lamb cant play fourth quarters.

The problem the Thunder have are those ridiculous small ball lineups added with a switching mentality, plus Westbrook and Durant literally chuck up shots in fourth quarters and overtimes.

Now they have a reasonable big scorer. Which is the problem they think they have. Ibaka, Perkins, and Adams are not reliable.

They lost almost exclusively because of a lack of sg defense and shooting.

How the **** could they not realize they have a problem at the position when Derek Fisher is playing 20 straight minutes in the biggest 20 minutes of the seaosn?

[DMAVS41]

Also, what is the deal on Jones? Is he no longer in the mix for getting more minutes next year?

[russwest0]

Just looking up reports on these two guys I instantly get why they were drafted here. McGary has tons of praise as being a great teammate and a high energy guy in practice and Huestis is the classic player that is the same position as the star of the team and is a defensive specialist who is going to battle him every day in practice.

Our problem is our coach. End of discussion. You can say this and that on a number of things but it all comes back to Scott Brooks. We were like 24-2 early in the year whenever we had the whole team healthy and Brooks was trusting the young guys. Suddenly we acquire Caron Butler and Perkins and Sefolosha get hurt and Brooks is playing Durant 40+ minutes a night down the final stretch of the season and Lamb and Perry Jones are nowhere to be found in the rotation.

Thats our damn problem.

[navy]

They lost almost exclusively because of a lack of sg defense and shooting.

How the **** could they not realize they have a problem at the position when Derek Fisher is playing 20 straight minutes in the biggest 20 minutes of the seaosn?
Not really. They werent getting burnt by SG. Like I said, if Lamb isnt the guy Westbrook/Reggie will be.

Now that Thabo and Fisher are gone they will look for a two guard, but I doubt they are even going to pursue one hard.

[DMAVS41]

Just looking up reports on these two guys I instantly get why they were drafted here. McGary has tons of praise as being a great teammate and a high energy guy in practice and Huestis is the classic player that is the same position as the star of the team and is a defensive specialist who is going to battle him every day in practice.

Our problem is our coach. End of discussion. You can say this and that on a number of things but it all comes back to Scott Brooks. We were like 24-2 early in the year whenever we had the whole team healthy and Brooks was trusting the young guys. Suddenly we acquire Caron Butler and Perkins and Sefolosha get hurt and Brooks is playing Durant 40+ minutes a night down the final stretch of the season and Lamb and Perry Jones are nowhere to be found in the rotation.

Thats our damn problem.

We agree about Brooks, but he's not going anywhere.

Do you really want to run out Lamb/Roberson at sg next year in the playoffs? Don't you think you are setting yourself up for the same type of thing?

I like McGary a lot actually. Don't know anything about the other guy.

I just don't see the impact in this draft right away. And that is what the Thunder need to start doing. Thinking about right now. It cost them the title last year by having 1 eye on the future...and now it could cost them again.

These margins are so thin.

[KDthunderup]

Lamb showed a lot of promise early in the season and him and Jackson were both balling and our bench looked great, then he went through a bit of a form slump and Brooks completely takes him out of the lineup.

Brooks has to trust him more next season.

[DMAVS41]

Not really. They werent getting burnt by SG. Like I said, if Lamb isnt the guy Westbrook/Reggie will be.

Now that Thabo and Fisher are gone they will look for a two guard, but I doubt they are even going to pursue one hard.

Yea, they did.

What you are talking about is one of the impacts of having shit play at the position.

You can't have Reggie and Westbrook doing it like they tried...it's why Fisher was out there so much.

You need another player at that position that is going to make an impact this year.

Lamb will be far better by the playoffs next year, but you will need more. And the answer is not more minutes from WB and Reggie. That was the exact problem with this team. Just loading up more responsiblity on players.

Thabo, Butler, and Fisher being gone will be a huge plus, but you have to add 1 player at that spot to really take advantage. Those guys combined for 55 minutes per game in the playoffs. You can't replace that with more minutes to WB/Reggie...even with Lamb playing 25 minutes. It won't be enough and Thunder fans will be bitching about the load WB and Durant have to carry. It won't work. They asbolutely need another guy at that spot...and it's not Roberson.

[Marchesk]

Could be worse, you could have turned Afflalo, 4th pick, 12th pick, a future second round pick and a future first round pick into Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton.....

Orlando isn't winning titles anytime soon, but OKC should be, if they don't screw it up, which they might.

They were on the verge of a dynasty just two years ago. They better not screw this up and watch Durant walk in 2016.

[Cowboy Thunder]

Just read that Josh Huestis is the All time blocks leader at Stanford...


A school which had the Lopez bros, nice.

[russwest0]

Lamb showed a lot of promise early in the season and him and Jackson were both balling and our bench looked great, then he went through a bit of a form slump and Brooks completely takes him out of the lineup.

Brooks has to trust him more next season.

That "shorten the rotation" shit at the end of the season felt so goddamn forced, it was unreal. Sam Presti is usually silent on shit like that but even called it out in his exit interview saying that we need to trust the young guys more.

I'll never have faith in this team with Brooks running the show. Period.

[russwest0]

Just read that Josh Huestis is the All time blocks leader at Stanford...


A school which had the Lopez bros, nice.

He held Andrew Wiggins to 1-5 shooting in the biggest game of the season :rockon:

[el gringos]

Just read that Josh Huestis is the All time blocks leader at Stanford...


A school which had the Lopez bros, nice.
4 years vs 2

[AintNoSunshine]

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130211204342/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/8/8f/Funny-gif-Bruce-Lee-laughing.gif


Bruce wasn't laughing here..

[TheMarkMadsen]

Could be worse, you could have turned Afflalo, 4th pick, 12th pick, a future second round pick and a future first round pick into Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton.....


How did Orlando end up blundering the draft that bad?

I mean I like Payton and who know Gordon might end up surprising people but they sure gave up a lot. And didnt pick a guy who wanted to play there with freaky potential.

[All Net]

How do they deserve an F?

They were never going to fill a need in the draft. That would be needed in free agency.

[Cocaine80s]

How do they deserve an F?

They were never going to fill a need in the draft. That would be needed in free agency.
They couldve drafted Napier, Hairston, Hood, or Anderson.

Instead they draft mitch mcgary who has back problems and hasnt played in a year. plus they draft a sefalosha clone with Huestis

[All Net]

They couldve drafted Napier, Hairston, Hood, or Anderson.

Instead they draft mitch mcgary who has back problems and hasnt played in a year. plus they draft a sefalosha clone with Huestis
They have enough young pieces on the bench. I'm surprised they actually kept the pick.

[KDthunderup]

They couldve drafted Napier, Hairston, Hood, or Anderson.

Instead they draft mitch mcgary who has back problems and hasnt played in a year. plus they draft a sefalosha clone with Huestis
None of those guys fit better on this team

[Cocaine80s]

They have enough young pieces on the bench. I'm surprised they actually kept the pick.
they arent going to stick to a lineup with both reggie and russell on the court together?

if they are they definitely would need a guy like napier. Or they couldve got Hairston to replace butler

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Not an F but they should've made a move for Afflalo imo.

[HurricaneKid]

I dont think the thunder believe they have a SG problem.


The last 8 min of their final playoff game they played the Knicks coach at SG. If they don't acknowledge they have a hole there they are dumb.

But you also HAVE to take best available player when you pick in the 20s. I don't think McGary was but my credentials are no match for Presti's.

[Lakers Legend#32]

F grade draft?
The Curse of the Sonics

[Jef]

theyve gotten F's before...


http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93142&page=8

[DMAVS41]

How do they deserve an F?

They were never going to fill a need in the draft. That would be needed in free agency.

Do they even have an ability to do anything in free agency though? Aren't they just already at or over the cap?

Seems like Hood was the right pick here unless Presti/Owners are finally willing to talk about getting rid of Perkins now rather than letting him expire.

I don't mind their picks actually, but they have to do something at sg. If they haven't realized that they need 1 more real player at sg that can defend and shoot...then Presti is even dumber than I thought about team building. Guy needs a partner helping him build teams....he should just be in charge of evaluating talent because he's elite at that...

But actually building rosters? Dude doesn't get it and already cost his team a title last year and might do it again this year.

[BlackVVaves]

Do they even have an ability to do anything in free agency though? Aren't they just already at or over the cap?

Seems like Hood was the right pick here unless Presti/Owners are finally willing to talk about getting rid of Perkins now rather than letting him expire.

I don't mind their picks actually, but they have to do something at sg. If they haven't realized that they need 1 more real player at sg that can defend and shoot...then Presti is even dumber than I thought about team building. Guy needs a partner helping him build teams....he should just be in charge of evaluating talent because he's elite at that...

But actually building rosters? Dude doesn't get it and already cost his team a title last year and might do it again this year.

You've been reiterating this a lot lately, and I think it's an exaggeration. While I agree Presti hasn't been as shrewd lately, saying he cost them a title exclusively is unfounded. Even with Affalo, there's no guarantee OKC beats the Spurs, or Miami. We just say what the Spurs did to the league. 60 wins, and a moderate breeze through the playoffs with the exception of the first round.

Affalo definitely improves them over the unproductive Thabo, but to say he cost them a championship? That's hyperbole if you ask me.

You know who has cost them a championship? Scott Brooks.

[DMAVS41]

You've been reiterating this a lot lately, and I think it's an exaggeration. While I agree Presti hasn't been as shrewd lately, saying he cost them a title exclusively is unfounded. Even with Affalo, there's no guarantee OKC beats the Spurs, or Miami. We just say what the Spurs did to the league. 60 wins, and a moderate breeze through the playoffs with the exception of the first round.

Affalo definitely improves them over the unproductive Thabo, but to say he cost them a championship? That's hyperbole if you ask me.

You know who has cost them a championship? Scott Brooks.

Getting a legit two way player that can splash threes at sg is exactly what this team was missing.

There are no sure things at all, but that was the biggest weakness on this team. Thabo, Butler, Fisher played a combined 55 minutes a game in the playoffs. If you removed Thabo and gave Afflalo 30 minutes a game....you just have a far better team. Same thing with Meeks.

It's about giving yourself the best chance to win. Presti did not come close this year. And when a team still almost takes the champs to 7 despite losing their 3rd best player for the first 2 games....it's fair to say he cost them.

Do they win for sure? Of course not, but they would have been heavy favorites to win it all.

I hate Brooks also, but that is Presti's coach. Again...this falls on him.

[Lebronxrings]

they basically drafted white perkins and a thabo sefolosha with no 3pt shot.

[russwest0]

they basically drafted white perkins and a thabo sefolosha with no 3pt shot.

no 3pt shot?

He's shooting the ball far better here than Sefolosha ever did last year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IrfXOEHZcw

[DMAVS41]

they basically drafted white perkins and a thabo sefolosha with no 3pt shot.

With both players not likely to contribute this year or next.

Which will actually be fine if they find a way to get a sg in. The problem by not doing it in the draft is that they don't have any cap room and they have to keep the books as clean as possible for bringing Reggie back.

That is why Hood seems like the right play here. He might be enough to solve the sg issues with Lamb and he comes cheap. A proven player is going to cost you...and I still don't know how they get that player and then have enough to bring back reggie.

[GimmeThat]

Lets hope some team wants Sefolosha who also has a player the OKC want in return and they can execute a sign and trade in the case the other team is over the cap as well.

[Jameerthefear]

They get an F from me.

[russwest0]

Huestis reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. Very good defender who never gambles and locks people down and has a very good form on his jumpshot and is improving a bunch in that area

[Jameerthefear]

Huestis reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. Very good defender who never gambles and locks people down and has a very good form on his jumpshot and is improving a bunch in that area
lol

[russwest0]

Lol sorry but none of the guys available were better than Lamb or Reggie, or even close to as good as Lamb or Reggie are going to be next year.

We need someone like Mike Miller or Meeks.

[DMAVS41]

Lol sorry but none of the guys available were better than Lamb or Reggie, or even close to as good as Lamb or Reggie are going to be next year.

We need someone like Mike Miller or Meeks.

We know that. We aren't debating that.

Why would you compare the new guy to Reggie/Lamb? You'd be comparing him to the 55 minutes of Thabo, Fisher, and Butler.

Lamb will get a max of 25 minutes...so you have to make up 30 more and the last thing this team needs is for WB and Reggie and Durant to play more. You don't want to try and fix issues by running your best players into the ground again.

Meeks would be great...but how can you do that? He's worth at least 5 million a year...how do you fit him in? And if you do, how do you fit in Reggie the following year?

Do the Thunder even have any cap room? This is why a trade at the deadline last year was so crucial with Thabo's expiring contract. You'd solve the problem for at least 1 playoff run and then have the inside track at that guy in the future if you liked him.

So I don't see where the room is coming from to go get a proven player.

And no...Mike Miller is not what you need. You need defense at that position as well. The Thunder need to focus on trying to be the best defensive team in the league next year.

[Lebronxrings]

Huestis reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. Very good defender who never gambles and locks people down and has a very good form on his jumpshot and is improving a bunch in that area
didn't he shoot like 34%? If he is a good shooter then okc is STACKED! A lockdown defender AND a 3pt specialist? Holy

[russwest0]

Lol Thabo, Fisher, and Butler shouldn't have gotten any minutes. Every OKC fan could see this.

Reggie will get all of Russ's backup minutes at PG, that's like what, 13 minutes a game, plus he'll get about 18 more at the 2, leaving open 30 minutes at the SG. Lamb can get about 20 of those, and all we need is someone like Mike Miller to occupy the remaining 10 + play the 3 whenever we go small.

Plus we also have PJ3 as well who looked great last year whenever Scott Brooks actually played him.

We just need one veteran 3pt shooter and thats it, as long as Brooks isn't a jackass this year, which he probably will be regardless of whoever we pick up.

[DMAVS41]

Lol Thabo, Fisher, and Butler shouldn't have gotten any minutes. Every OKC fan could see this.

Reggie will get all of Russ's backup minutes at PG, that's like what, 13 minutes a game, plus he'll get about 18 more at the 2, leaving open 30 minutes at the SG. Lamb can get about 20 of those, and all we need is someone like Mike Miller to occupy the remaining 10 + play the 3 whenever we go small.

Plus we also have PJ3 as well who looked great last year whenever Scott Brooks' actually played him.

That isn't enough depth.

I agree that those guys should not have been playing, but your team isn't deep enough there.

WB
Durant
Reggie
Ibaka
Adams
Lamb
Perry Jones
Perkins
Collison

that will tax the **** out of WB/Durant/Reggie in the regular season and in the playoffs they will be missing that 1 guy. And it's not Mike Miller...you need more perimeter defense!

You can't keep building for the future while you let title chances slip past you.

[russwest0]

didn't he shoot like 34%? If he is a good shooter then okc is STACKED! A lockdown defender AND a 3pt specialist? Holy

He apparently had been shooting much better in the draft workouts and many scouts were impressed with his form. Reminds me of Leonard in that regard and also with the fact that he was a lockdown defender in college.

Difference is Leonard has those monstrous hands and 7'4 wingspan

[russwest0]

That isn't enough depth.

I agree that those guys should not have been playing, but your team isn't deep enough there.

WB
Durant
Reggie
Ibaka
Adams
Lamb
Perry Jones
Perkins
Collison

that will tax the **** out of WB/Durant/Reggie in the regular season and in the playoffs they will be missing that 1 guy. And it's not Mike Miller...you need more perimeter defense!

Mike Miller played all 82 games last year and played 20MPG, yes, that is all that we need with Reggie and Lamb still developing. If Reggie was "the guy" on a team next year I see no reason why he wouldn't average anywhere from 16-20 PPG. Lamb could average anywhere from 12-14 PPG on another team. Easily.

Adams is a reliable offensive player in that he can catch and score really well around the rim compared to a scrub like Perkins. Plus an Adams/Ibaka defensive frontcourt is nasty as hell.

I don't see where it is so taxing for Westbrook and Durant other than the fact that Brooks is going to overwork them and stupidly play the less talented vets putting more pressure on them regardless of whoever we have available. Drafting a rookie wing wouldn't matter because Brooks would refuse to play him.

[DMAVS41]

Mike Miller played all 82 games last year and played 20MPG, yes, that is all that we need with Reggie and Lamb still developing. If Reggie was "the guy" on a team next year I see no reason why he wouldn't average anywhere from 16-20 PPG. Lamb could average anywhere from 12-14 PPG on another team. Easily.

Adams is a reliable offensive player in that he can catch and score really well around the rim compared to a scrub like Perkins. Plus an Adams/Ibaka defensive frontcourt is nasty as hell.

I don't see where it is so taxing for Westbrook and Durant other than the fact that Brooks is going to overwork them and stupidly play the less talented vets putting more pressure on them regardless of whoever we have available. Drafting a rookie wing wouldn't matter because Brooks would refuse to play him.

Again, you need defense on the perimeter....or at least young fresh legs that can make shit happen. If you get a shooter than can defend...it will all work out. But Miller won't be that guy for you. Ultimately the defense won't be good enough unless Durant really commits to that end.

I love Jackson and still love Lamb actually. The core of WB/Reggie/Durant/Ibaka/Lamb/Adams is unreal good in my opinion.

But you can't stop at that like Presti did and just assume everything else works out in the present.

They need another defender/shooter on the perimeter. And I worry about getting that done through free agency because you have no cap room and can't commit much because you have to keep Reggie.

Reggie played 28 minutes last year in the playoffs. I'd imagine that bumps up to 33 the coming season. And those 5 minutes will matter...but it won't be enough to stand pat.

I really like McGary and he and Adams going forward will be great next to Ibaka. I don't mind that pick at all...it's just that isn't helping you win the title this year. And winning the title this year has to be the number 1 priority...you already blew a great chance last year because Presti was afraid to spend any of his young assets or picks on improving the team.

Bad luck can happen...Durant or WB might leave some day. You don't blow title chances to hold onto McGary and Huestis...you just don't.

[russwest0]

I don't know man, I just remember early in the year whenever we had Westbrook healthy and had Brooks actually playing Lamb and Reggie together off the bench it was amazing.

Westbrook and Durant would go to the bench late in the first and then Reggie and Lamb would come out and usually dominate opposing 2nd units. We were like 24-2 with a healthy Westbrook at one point and looked unstoppable and the least of my concerns was depth at the guard position.

And then all of a sudden we acquire Butler and then Fisher starts getting more minutes as well and then Lamb and Perry Jones disappear from the rotation while Durant is getting overworked a shitload in the absence of 2 starters and it was just a trainwreck from a coaching standpoint.

Hell, everyone here with a brain can see that Steven Adams should be the starting center but I'm not even going to be surprised if/when Kendrick Perkins is still starting next year.

[Artillery]

Huestis reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. Very good defender who never gambles and locks people down and has a very good form on his jumpshot and is improving a bunch in that area

Except for the fact that Leonard's the same age as him and already much better.

[russwest0]

Just watch Brooks justify his bullshit too and you can truly see how big of a moron he is.

Collison had one good quarter vs the Clippers and then was stupidly named the starter in Ibaka's asbence vs the Spurs leading to us getting demolished in games 1 and 2 and Brooks justified it by saying "What, you guys don't like Nick?"

No dipshit, we just don't like the idea of having 3 useless offensive players in the starting lineup. Start Perry Jones and run the Spurs out of the gym ****ing moron. And whenever they started Matt Bonner at the 4 to pull Ibaka out of the paint and Brooks still refused to bench Perkins and put Ibaka at the 5 I almost ****ing lost it.

[DMAVS41]

I don't know man, I just remember early in the year whenever we had Westbrook healthy and had Brooks actually playing Lamb and Reggie together off the bench it was amazing.

Westbrook and Durant would go to the bench late in the first and then Reggie and Lamb would come out and usually dominate opposing 2nd units. We were like 24-2 with a healthy Westbrook at one point and looked unstoppable and the least of my concerns was depth at the guard position.

And then all of a sudden we acquire Butler and then Fisher starts getting more minutes as well and then Lamb and Perry Jones disappear from the rotation while Durant is getting overworked a shitload in the absence of 2 starters and it was just a trainwreck from a coaching standpoint.

Hell, everyone here with a brain can see that Steven Adams should be the starting center but I'm not even going to be surprised if/when Kendrick Perkins is still starting next year.

We agree here.

Brooks sucks...but again, that is Presti's coach. You have to know how he does shit.

You knew Butler/Fisher were going to get big minutes because that is what Brooks does. He relies on vets and he's afraid to actually coach young players when the games start to really matter.

I agree that Lamb, Jones, and Adams will be far better by the playoffs next year and should get a lot of burn, but I still think you will need another player. And it can't be some deadline pickup like Butler again.

And right now...that is the path I see the Thunder on again. A path that has us all here laughing about how all they had to do was get 1 guy and they would have been far better.

I hope not, because I watch all the Thunder games and I want them to do well, but it just seems like more of the same. Make two solid selections on guys that might help in 2016 a little...and overlook a glaring weakness on the current roster.

Also, what happens in this scenario if Lamb just isn't great? It's not like he and Jones are locks to be really good. What happens if they don't work out in the roles the Thunder need them to play next year? How do you guys even make anything happen on moves? You could finally get rid of Perk, but then you'd have to take on salary that probably prevents you from keeping Reggie. You guys have a shit ton riding on Lamb/Jones...and for really no apparent reason. There is no plan B...and that is Presti's big weakness.

[russwest0]

Except for the fact that Leonard's the same age as him and already much better.

Poor mans Kawhi Leonard bro.

[KG215]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:
I don't really mind the McGary pick. He was a lottery pick had he come out last season and, if that same McGary, the one without the back injury and before the suspension for weed, had been the one in this year's draft, he's likely a lottery pick again. Or at least a top 15ish pick. If his back injury isn't a recurring problem, then I have no problem with the pick. The potential of him being our first big off the bench is enticing if he pans out and turns into the player it looked like he was on his way to being after his freshman year at Michigan.

What I kind of had a problem with is where they took him. I think he would've been there at 29 and much rather preferred them taking Hood at 21 and waiting to see if McGary would be there at 29. I still don't get the Huestis pick.

[SOD 21]

The Mitch McGary pick will pay dividends down the road and they can begin grooming him to take over for Nick Collison, who turns 34 years old this season and it's also in the final year of his contract with Oklahoma City. McGary can be especially helpful for Oklahoma City if he can develop a consistent midrange game from 15 to 17 feet out. I suspect his time will be limited this year to the Tulsa 66ers and also give him some opportunities to learn from Nick Collison before taking on a much larger role next season.

The Huestis pick is more curious because they just made almost identical selection last year with Andre Roberson, who is also an athletic wing player with great length that can guard multiple positions. Huestis definitely seems to have a better and more consistent three-point shot then Roberson at this point. But neither player is good from the outside.

Does this mean that Sam Presti will trade Andre Roberson or that he's hedging his bets between those two players?

[DMAVS41]

I don't really mind the McGary pick. He was a lottery pick had he come out last season and, if that same McGary, the one without the back injury and before the suspension for weed, had been the one in this year's draft, he's likely a lottery pick again. Or at least a top 15ish pick. If his back injury isn't a recurring problem, then I have no problem with the pick. The potential of him being our first big off the bench is enticing if he pans out and turns into the player it looked like he was on his way to being after his freshman year at Michigan.

What I kind of had a problem with is where they took him. I think he would've been there at 29 and much rather preferred them taking Hood at 21 and waiting to see if McGary would be there at 29. I still don't get the Huestis pick.

So what is the plan now?

Any word on the street as to what the Thunder are going to try this summer? Can they even do anything given their cap situations?

I think McGary fits in really well with this Thunder team, but I also think Hood was the right pick there. Hood is under-rated and knows how to play...he has legit lottery level talent in my opinion.

seems like the Thunder could have gotten both.

[KG215]

So what is the plan now?

Any word on the street as to what the Thunder are going to try this summer? Can they even do anything given their cap situations?

I think McGary fits in really well with this Thunder team, but I also think Hood was the right pick there. Hood is under-rated and knows how to play...he has legit lottery level talent in my opinion.

seems like the Thunder could have gotten both.
Not sure. There's some wiggle room this year to address the SG spot and/or "we need a shooter" spot in free agency. But I'm not sure what the plan is. Presti and the OKC front office is usually pretty tight-lipped about that kind of stuff.

And I agree, I was pretty pissed we passed on Hood and still am. Maybe there was some behind the scenes murmurings that led Presti to believe McGary wouldn't be there at 29, who knows.

[DMAVS41]

Not sure. There's some wiggle room this year to address the SG spot and/or "we need a shooter" spot in free agency. But I'm not sure what the plan is. Presti and the OKC front office is usually pretty tight-lipped about that kind of stuff.

And I agree, I was pretty pissed we passed on Hood and still am. Maybe there was some behind the scenes murmurings that led Presti to believe McGary wouldn't be there at 29, who knows.

Yea, but it seems like you could have moved up with a 2nd round pick or something if need be to get them both.

I just don't see what they are going to do. Aren't they at 70 million already for next year?

[KG215]

Yea, but it seems like you could have moved up with a 2nd round pick or something if need be to get them both.

I just don't see what they are going to do. Aren't they at 70 million already for next year?
Eh, think it's more like $68 if I recall correctly. If they could find a way to get rid of Perkins it'd obviously clear up a lot more cap space. Think I read somewhere the luxury line will be around $75M-$77M.

[DMAVS41]

Eh, think it's more like $68 if I recall correctly. If they could find a way to get rid of Perkins it'd obviously clear up a lot more cap space. Think I read somewhere the luxury line will be around $75M-$77M.

Okay.

I was talking about Perkins earlier and how shedding him would work, but then aren't you guys in a really tough spot for brining Reggie back?

[KingPush]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCzb-LjrC60

Pre draft workout vid

Lol MItch Mcgary is trash :oldlol:


poverty (current) bosh imo

[KG215]

Okay.

I was talking about Perkins earlier and how shedding him would work, but then aren't you guys in a really tough spot for brining Reggie back?
Reggie is still on his rookie deal for one more season and Perkins' contract officially comes off the books after next season (if he's still here) so there'd be quite a bit of room to work with Jackson and re-signing him. It'll just depend on how much Jackson believes he is worth. The only contracts OKC will officially be on the hook for in 2015-2016, as of right now, is KD, Russ, and Ibaka and the rookies. Everyone else currently on the roster that isn't a FA right now or after 2014-2015, has a team option on their contract starting after 2015-2016.

Obviously that doesn't count any player they may pick up in FA this summer and next.

[KG215]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCzb-LjrC60

Pre draft workout vid

Lol MItch Mcgary is trash :oldlol:


poverty (current) bosh imo
Watches a two minute workout video that essentially looks the same as every other two minute workout video where there's no defense and claims the player is trash.

Brilliant.

[ILLsmak]

Mitch McGary looked like a lottery pick when he was actually playing last season. Why has everyone totally given up on him? Obviously, OKC hasn't. I liked the pick. :confusedshrug:

Yea dude's a beast tho. He's a banger and might be wet at some point.

-Smak

[DMAVS41]

Reggie is still on his rookie deal for one more season and Perkins' contract officially comes off the books after next season (if he's still here) so there'd be quite a bit of room to work with Jackson and re-signing him. It'll just depend on how much Jackson believes he is worth. The only contracts OKC will officially be on the hook for in 2015-2016, as of right now, is KD, Russ, and Ibaka and the rookies. Everyone else currently on the roster that isn't a FA right now or after 2014-2015, has a team option on their contract starting after 2015-2016.

Obviously that doesn't count any player they may pick up in FA this summer and next.

right. you guys have to pay reggie next summer when Perkins comes off the books.

that is my point...i'm wondering about whether or not the Thunder can add a free agent on a multi year deal this summer and still have room next summer to sign reggie...even with Perkins expiring.

Probably will given the cap is likely to increase even more by then, but it's not a lock given the market.

That is what bothers me about not taking Hood. Even if they miss there...they could try and fix it at the deadline with a real player this time.

Just not many shooting guards available. Meeks seems like the best fit by far...I don't hate Alan Anderson either, but don't love it.

Meeks on a solid deal would make a lot of sense and would really go a long way in keeping the minutes down in the regular season for some guys.

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Collison
Adams/Perkins

By the playoffs next year that should be a legit 10 mean deep roster with their two picks this year getting prepped for the 2016 season to take over for Perk/Collison.

Team could go big and small.

I just think it's painfully obvious that you guys need another guard/wing player and I'm still a bit worried about getting that this summer.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Just read that Josh Huestis is the All time blocks leader at Stanford...


A school which had the Lopez bros, nice.

For career? Huestis is a 4 year player. Lopez bros played 2 seasons. If not then nvm.

Did they even block a lot of shots? Honestly don't know.

McGary isn't a lottery pick so people can stop calling him one. He maybe would have been one last year in an alltime week draft. Maybe. I'm looking at the 2013 picks and he doesn't go above MCW, not taking into account the actual NBA production. That leaves Steven Adams, Kelly Olynyk, and Shabazz Muhammad to make the lottery. Two bigs there so does OKC choose McGary over Adams or Boston choose McGary over Olynyk? I don't think so.

He's a late first like he was selected.

[IGOTGAME]

right. you guys have to pay reggie next summer when Perkins comes off the books.

that is my point...i'm wondering about whether or not the Thunder can add a free agent on a multi year deal this summer and still have room next summer to sign reggie...even with Perkins expiring.

Probably will given the cap is likely to increase even more by then, but it's not a lock given the market.

That is what bothers me about not taking Hood. Even if they miss there...they could try and fix it at the deadline with a real player this time.

Just not many shooting guards available. Meeks seems like the best fit by far...I don't hate Alan Anderson either, but don't love it.

Meeks on a solid deal would make a lot of sense and would really go a long way in keeping the minutes down in the regular season for some guys.

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Collison
Adams/Perkins

By the playoffs next year that should be a legit 10 mean deep roster with their two picks this year getting prepped for the 2016 season to take over for Perk/Collison.

Team could go big and small.

I just think it's painfully obvious that you guys need another guard/wing player and I'm still a bit worried about getting that this summer.

Meeks cant play significant minutes on a team trying to win a title. He has no decision making skills and is the worst defenders in professional basketball. If Meeks is starting then they have no chance of winning and have the lowest IQ backcourt in history.

[imdaman99]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCzb-LjrC60

Pre draft workout vid

Lol MItch Mcgary is trash :oldlol:


poverty (current) bosh imo
How is that trash you dipshit? Were you expecting 360 dunks? :hammerhead:

[dunksby]

I watched a few McGary videos on youtube and this is my scouting report: He has a great touch close to the basket, very good finisher and savvy on offense. Atlhetically speaking he might not have a huge wingspan but he is very mobile, do not be surprised if KD lost a couple of easy fast break buckets when this guys is on the floor. His post game is terrible although he defends the post well. Good P'n'R defender as well, his great motor and IQ help him a lot on D. I saw him pulling a few chase down blocks too. Did I mention he is also a solid passer capable of some flashy assists, imagine him getting Westbrook an open lane and then BAM!
conclusion:
I feel much better now about this pick than I did before I watched the videos although he really needs to work on his jumper and especially his abysmal FT shooting.

[SHABBA]

Unfortunately it seems like OKC will never capitalise on the potential they seemed to have in 2011 or 2012. Kind of sad really.

[coin24]

Do people really see okc as contenders? Without the refs they would have gotten bounced in the first round..

[BlazerRed]

right. you guys have to pay reggie next summer when Perkins comes off the books.

that is my point...i'm wondering about whether or not the Thunder can add a free agent on a multi year deal this summer and still have room next summer to sign reggie...even with Perkins expiring.

Probably will given the cap is likely to increase even more by then, but it's not a lock given the market.

That is what bothers me about not taking Hood. Even if they miss there...they could try and fix it at the deadline with a real player this time.

Just not many shooting guards available. Meeks seems like the best fit by far...I don't hate Alan Anderson either, but don't love it.

Meeks on a solid deal would make a lot of sense and would really go a long way in keeping the minutes down in the regular season for some guys.

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Collison
Adams/Perkins

By the playoffs next year that should be a legit 10 mean deep roster with their two picks this year getting prepped for the 2016 season to take over for Perk/Collison.

Team could go big and small.

I just think it's painfully obvious that you guys need another guard/wing player and I'm still a bit worried about getting that this summer.

You're right. OKC really are not going anywhere without a better guard. Thabo completely cost them last year.. Absolute trash. They need scoring at that position bad, and unless Lamb is twice the player he was last season it won't be enough.

[DMAVS41]

Meeks cant play significant minutes on a team trying to win a title. He has no decision making skills and is the worst defenders in professional basketball. If Meeks is starting then they have no chance of winning and have the lowest IQ backcourt in history.

They almost beat the Spurs with Ibaka missing the first two games and running out Fisher at that position for significant minutes.

Now Meeks is a downgrade? What the **** are you smoking?

[KevinDurant35]

We better do something in free agency. Or make a trade or something. It's foolish not to be in win right now mode. It's f*cking ridiculous.

[russwest0]

I do agree that Meeks is getting a bit overrated. Thought it happens to a lot of players that have career years playing for Mike D'Antoni

[DMAVS41]

We better do something in free agency. Or make a trade or something. It's foolish not to be in win right now mode. It's f*cking ridiculous.

Yep...these things don't last forever. Bad breaks happen, injuries happen, players leave...etc.

You guys have already been contenders for 4 years now...since 2011.

Caught two bad breaks the last two years with WB injury and Ibaka injury.

I am convinced the Thunder would have won in 13 with a healthy team...And I'd bet my life the Thunder win last year if Presti had upgraded the sg position with Meeks or Afflalo at the deadline like he should have. Especially Afflalo...he makes them clear favorites last year and this coming season.

That is worth it if he leaves in free agency in the summer of 15.

The truth is that Presti is an amazing talent evaluator and a very poor team builder.

[DMAVS41]

I do agree that Meeks is getting a bit overrated. Thought it happens to a lot of players that have career years playing for Mike D'Antoni

It's not about him...it's about the fit.

What other players are out there?

[coin24]

I do agree that Meeks is getting a bit overrated. Thought it happens to a lot of players that have career years playing for Mike D'Antoni

Meeks is ok off the bench to shoot a few 3s, that's about it..
He is a fkn disaster on the fast break or anytime he puts the ball on the floor to be honest..
If he's okc's saviour:lol

[russwest0]

I don't think a lot of people realize truly how many open 3s you get in the wing position in OKC though.

Kevin Martin shot 43% from deep for us. Sefolosha is a scrub shooter and still managed to shoot 40% from deep for us at one point.

Caron Butler apparently shot 44% from deep with us in the regular season for his time here.

We just need someone who will have the confidence to shoot the ball when open. It could be Meeks or anyone else really.

[russwest0]

And btw, if Westbrook doesn't go down 2 years ago then this team wins it all. Kevin Martin was an insanely good fit for us as a wing off the bench. He turned the ball over a really low amount and was efficient as hell.

[DMAVS41]

Meeks is ok off the bench to shoot a few 3s, that's about it..
He is a fkn disaster on the fast break or anytime he puts the ball on the floor to be honest..
If he's okc's saviour:lol

:facepalm

Meeks is better than that actually, but you act like he'd be playing 40 minutes.

He'd be out there 25 or so minutes a game to give them elite shooting out of a position they desperately need it at.

He's a solid NBA player and would fit in well for them. He's not the only option, but he's one that makes a lot of sense.

[DMAVS41]

And btw, if Westbrook doesn't go down 2 years ago then this team wins it all. Kevin Martin was an insanely good fit for us as a wing off the bench. He turned the ball over a really low amount and was efficient as hell.

Totally agree.

That is why I don't understand Presti sitting on the roster this year. They were so good in 13 with Martin at that position.

Everything fell into place on that team with Harden gone as everyone knew their roles better and WB/Durant took their games to an even higher level. And just better all around. Reggie was far better, Adams added real value. Lamb, if he had been given the chance, would have made an impact. Presti just ****ed up and he should own up to it and admit it and go out and fix the ****ing problem ASAP this summer.

You put Kevin Martin on the Thunder last year and they win the title. That is my point. And you don't even need Martin. If Martin is making 7.5 a year...that means Meeks will get between 4 and 6. Presti needs to find a way to get that shit done.

[coin24]

:facepalm

Meeks is better than that actually, but you act like he'd be playing 40 minutes.

He'd be out there 25 or so minutes a game to give them elite shooting out of a position they desperately need it at.

He's a solid NBA player and would fit in well for them. He's not the only option, but he's one that makes a lot of sense.


:facepalm

Meeks is garbage except for shooting 3s, I think id know I've had to watch him play the last few seasons..

Ask any laker fan how good Meeks is on a fast break.

[coin24]

Totally agree.

That is why I don't understand Presti sitting on the roster this year. They were so good in 13 with Martin at that position.

Everything fell into place on that team with Harden gone as everyone knew their roles better and WB/Durant took their games to an even higher level. And just better all around. Reggie was far better, Adams added real value. Lamb, if he had been given the chance, would have made an impact. Presti just ****ed up and he should own up to it and admit it and go out and fix the ****ing problem ASAP this summer.

You put Kevin Martin on the Thunder last year and they win the title. That is my point. And you don't even need Martin. If Martin is making 7.5 a year...that means Meeks will get between 4 and 6. Presti needs to find a way to get that shit done.

:lol :lol :lol

[Jameerthefear]

thunder couldn't even get AA. massive fail :lol

[DMAVS41]

:facepalm

Meeks is garbage except for shooting 3s, I think id know I've had to watch him play the last few seasons..

Ask any laker fan how good Meeks is on a fast break.

Who gives a **** about Meeks on the fast break? Do you think that is relevant at all?

You want him for the playoffs (something Lakers fans don't know about right now) when the game slows down and the Thunder badly need shooting out of that position next to WB/Durant.

Fastbreak? WTF are you talking about?

And Meeks is more than just a shooter. He's turned himself into a solid player.

[DMAVS41]

:lol :lol :lol

They would have.

They needed his shooting badly.

The Thunder in 13 were the 4th ranked defensive team and had the best offense in the league with Martin.

They had a better team this year as well. Lamb and Adams played real roles in the regular season to help...and Reggie was a completely different/better player.

The offense this year dropped....in part because of WB injuries, but in large part because of the lack of shooting/scoring at the 2 position that makes the game easier on WB/Durant...and Ibaka.

You people really just don't get it at all.

[coin24]

Who gives a **** about Meeks on the fast break? Do you think that is relevant at all?

You want him for the playoffs (something Lakers fans don't know about right now) when the game slows down and the Thunder badly need shooting out of that position next to WB/Durant.

Fastbreak? WTF are you talking about?

And Meeks is more than just a shooter. He's turned himself into a solid player.

Anytime he puts the ball on the floor it ends badly..
I'm sure you watched every laker game the last few seasons didn't you?

Stupid thunder should have gotten Afflalo he is the perfect fit for that team... I think okc got lucky with there picks, they're fu*king useless with trades/FAs..

[coin24]

They would have.

They needed his shooting badly.

The Thunder in 13 were the 4th ranked defensive team and had the best offense in the league with Martin.

They had a better team this year as well. Lamb and Adams played real roles in the regular season to help...and Reggie was a completely different/better player.

The offense this year dropped....in part because of WB injuries, but in large part because of the lack of shooting/scoring at the 2 position that makes the game easier on WB/Durant...and Ibaka.

You people really just don't get it at all.

We don't get what essay king??

That brooks is an idiot and benched lamb this year? That okc didn't address the need for a sg? No shit, everyone said they should have grabbed afflalo the magic fkn offered him:lol

[DMAVS41]

We don't get what essay king??

That brooks is an idiot and benched lamb this year? That okc didn't address the need for a sg? No shit, everyone said they should have grabbed afflalo the magic fkn offered him:lol

You don't get that even Meeks dramatically helps this team.

You seem to think that a player is either elite or terrible. That isn't how it works. Meeks, in a 25 minute a game role, next to WB/Reggie/Durant...would fit very well.

Yes, Afflalo was the move, I said it before everyone else...but now that isn't the move because you don't want a 1 year rental.

So if Meeks falls in the 4 to 5 million a year range...the Thunder should move to get him. I don't know what else of value at the position is out there in which a guy can provide that type of elite shooting.

And again...you underrate Meeks because you haven't put into context the situation he was in. Playing on a terrible team with no leadership/chemistry is useless.

It's the same reason why people will be shocked at how much different Felton looks on the Mavs this year. People still can't grasp how much the circumstances matter for not star players.

Do people really think Leonard would be close to as impactful/polished/poised if he had been drafted by the Kings instead of the Spurs?

Come on now...