How about some random Royce ruminations for this lovely Thursday afternoon?
- We’re all kind of wrapped up in the upcoming draft and what Oklahoma City will do. I understand. It’s kind of a big deal. But for some reason, I wondered to myself recently (very quietly, mind you): Whatever happened to DeVon Hardin? So with the help of this really cool thing called the Internet, I found out. Hardin was the 50th overall pick in the 2008 draft, but didn’t make the team. Though he wasn’t signed to a contract, the Thunder still owns the rights to him. Hardin suffered a stress fracture in his right foot in late 2008 and was released by the Turkish team Mersin BB for not recovering properly from it. He was then signed in February by Egaleo AO, a team in the Greek league and played in 11 games, averaging 6.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. It’s doubtful that we’ll ever see him, but he’s 6-11, extremely well built and very athletic. He just doesn’t have the whole, “good basketball player” thing down.
- Watching the Lakers literally turn it on in the fourth quarter was like watching Mine That Bird wait in the back and then kick it into high gear to win the Derby. They waited, sitting calmly in the middle of the pack, even letting Denver stretch out a little lead. Then when it was time, they got spurred and boom! they erupted to take the lead. Really something to watch. Bold prediction: The Lakers finish off the Nuggs in Denver this weekend.
- Since everybody is making ridiculous trades, how about Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook for the No. 1, 2 and 3 picks so that OKC can take Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio and James Harden. Just wipe the slate clean and start over with a new Big Three. But seriously, all this trade talk is getting a little ridiculous. Every writer in every market is throwing out outlandish deals that brings Griffin to OKC. And the worst part is, just because someone has a “bright” idea, it then gets regurgitated as a “trade rumor,” when it was nothing more than just talk. But I’ll admit, I spent a solid 30 minutes on the Trade Machine today wheeling and dealing. I don’t plan on posting a trade speculation column, but I’m not making any promises. Ah, who I am kidding – get ready for one. Probably next week. Try not to hate me.
- At this point, I don’t think we’re that far off from someone suggesting Earl Watson straight up for Blake Griffin. People are just nuts with this stuff. On one end they want WAY too much (see: Ted Green of the LA Times) and on the other, they are talking about a bag of rocks for the top pick (see: local sports talk radio callers and hosts).
- Speaking of trade talk, yesterday when I saw the proposed trade by D.J. Foster of Clipperblog that included Thabo Sefolosha, I was actually kind of mad at it. Trade Thabo? NO WAY! My initial reaction to seeing Thabo’s name in a trade told me that I think he’s more untouchable in my mind than Jeff Green. Is that weird? Or maybe crazy? There’s just something I really like about Thabo and I highly enjoy employing a nasty defensive stopper. Obviously, Uncle Jeff is a better player and a much better asset, but I guess I’m just trying to say I’d rather not trade Thabo Sefolosha.
- Let’s say for fun that Blake Griffin decided to go back for his junior year and that Rubio couldn’t get his contract thingy settled. Who is the top pick? I think most would say Hasheem Thabeet, but seriously, Hasheem Thabeet No. 1 overall? Would it be the big guy or would someone else sneak in? And would this be the worst draft (on paper) ever? No clear-cut prize, no intriguing prospect and just a bunch of solid players. I actually could see someone like Demar DeRozen or Brandon Jennings jumping up to one, just because of their upside. We will never know, but this didn’t stop me from thinking about it.
- Is there anyone more normal, yet awkward looking than Pau Gasol? He’s got these freakishly long dangly arms, the poofy hair and it seems like he’s always puckering his lips because his mouth sticks out for some reason. It’s like he’s got a cantaloupe slice stuffed in his upper lip. He moves extremely well for a big man, but yet, he looks a tad bit uncoordinated at the same time. I don’t know what the deal is, but I almost can’t enjoy watching him play because of this.
- HoopsWorld speculated that Joe Smith may want to come back to OKC next year and may sign here in the offseason. While I’m not sure there’s going to be a spot for him, I’d welcome him back with open arms. I think you’re always better off with a savvy veteran. There’s a reason teams were after him this season – he’s a good player and a good leader. Every young team needs guys like this and Joe Smith is an excellent person to help tutor the Thunder’s young guys.
- Nick Collison’s Twitter is extremely entertaining. If you’re not following it or at least checking it, you should be. All the cool kids are. I’ll admit, I don’t really understand what Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are saying half the time, but Nick is throw out some nice one-liners. My favorite: “Visiting grandma in the nursing home…saw a little kid in the hall….or is it ben button?” He’s got some classics in there.
- Seeing as my pop is going to be participating in the Ford Center renovation by handling the masonry, what kind of special “touch” can the readers of Daily Thunder put on the new building? Someone already suggested burying a Sonics jersey in there for good luck (but I guess that could be taken two ways… hmm). Any other ideas?
Oh, but it would be so much more fun blaming it on some object instead of ourselves.
I'm against burying anything there. At first I thought we should have KD put his handprints in the cement all Hollywood Walk of Fame style. Or even the whole team.
But imagine if something tragic happens, like an untimely death, or KD proving the Patrick Ewing Theory to be true. If we went years without winning, we'd start to think those handprints aren't cool after all, but a freakin' curse.
I think it's best just to leave it alone. No omens, no idols, no lucky charms, NOTHING!
somebody else's
Life on earth is what we make it.
Leave somebody's else dead bones alone.
But, the cosmos aren't just. They just are.
No. Anonymous posters are always the stupid ones.
"Someone already suggested burying a Sonics jersey in there for good luck (but I guess that could be taken two ways… hmm"
I can't see this as anything other than very disrespectful and if the cosmos were just it would serve as a curse.
He could be in CHina for all I care - for a guy that plays that hard defensively, he should be able to push himself - all he needa is a goal and a ball - practice, practice, practice . . .
@Royce
I wish he lived in the states where he can be pushed. All of our guys are working out with other NBA players during the offseason. Whereas Thabo will only be working a little with his national team (which is a joke).
@D.J. Foster
That's what we're really hoping for D.J. We're hoping Thabo continues to develop defensively but also finds an offensive niche.
I completely understand all the love for Thabo. All championship caliber teams have that "glue guy" that's a versatile perimeter defender. San Antonio had Bowen, Detroit had Prince, Boston and Miami had Posey, Orlando has Pietrus, the Lakers have Ariza...the list goes on and on. All these players are unselfish and don't need shots to contribute, but if you leave them open on the perimeter they'll burn you.
Does Thabo have the ability to develop into that type of player? Absolutely.
I really like the idea of slotting this year's prospects in with last year's. I'm assuming that means I'm comparing sophmore Blake to freshman Rose. So, without further ado, my top 10 prospects. I should note, though, that ranking of 2008 draftees is based on how good I thought they were before the draft, rather than how good they showed themselves to be during the season (which is only fair for the guys this year).
1. Beasley - still the most talented guy in the last two years, also put up the most impressive stats as a collegian.
2. Griffin - not the scorer that Beasley is, but a big time rebounder and down low player is of high value in the NBA.
3. Rose - crazy athletic scoring PG with a natural feel for the game and good vision.
4. Mayo - scores from anywhere and is committed to defense, even if undersized.
5. Rubio - still the purest PG out there with incredible vision and craftiness.
6. Lopez - legit 7 footer who can rebound and score at will.
7. Westbrook - best athlete in this fake draft still. a combo guard with shutdown defender capability.
8. Gordon - a taller and stronger Ben Gordon. unlimited range, great driving ability, but faded in a bad situation at Indiana.
9. Love - rebounding big man with great passing skill. not very athletic for an elite prospect (read: white).
10. Galinari - smart young player with great shot and IQ.
I don't think Thabeet or Harden would show up until about 13th.
Relocation/Upgrade email went out this evening to season ticket holders... showing what the priority number and ranking is plus what time the event is scheduled. Should be interesting to see how many and what seats are available.
Durant is also starting to post a lot more on Facebook these past few days.
We all agree perimeter shooting and interior defense are the Thunder's greatest needs. I think a solid bench - a hallmark of the Spurs' model - is right up there too. That's why I'm opposed to shopping Thabo. Even if we do something that gets us another starter at the 2, he made a huge difference. And who's to say how much he might improve after getting a training camp with the Thunder under his belt?
Thabeet = Gasol?
I would not want Thabo to leave. The same for the 3.
I highly enjoy Gottlieb. He can be a tad arrogant at times, but I enjoy him. I like people that I know are smarter than me. He's definitely one.
@Nix
good - thanks for the info - listening to Doug now . . .
@Kev
I'm not saying I don't like him. I just don't think Thunder is his expertise.
But I had his mock draft in mind as well.
He also agreed with Traber that we should take Jordan Hill. That doesn't meet a need we have at all.
Doug talked sense into them about Thabeet though.
Jax Raging Bile Duct :Doug G is really, really hard on PG’s. He’s never liked the combo guard playing the point. I’m not surprised that Doug isn’t on the RW bandwagon.
But, that’s the thing that drives me absolutely crazy about Doug, he has us taking Holiday in his mock draft.
I guess that's why I identify with Gottlieb - I prefer a natural point as well . . .
@Dylan
I dont know if Presti would do it, but I'd make that trade . . .
doesn't matter anyway - the Clips wouldnt do it . . .
I actually like Gottlieb - he's probably my 2nd favortite basketball personality behind Simmons . . .
Doug G is really, really hard on PG's. He's never liked the combo guard playing the point. I'm not surprised that Doug isn't on the RW bandwagon.
But, that's the thing that drives me absolutely crazy about Doug, he has us taking Holiday in his mock draft.
@Kev
He has Thabeet at 15...that seems realistic...If not a little too low for all the hype he's getting...
I just listened to the Sports Animal...Eschbach, Jim, Doug G. and Tramel on...I'm so mad I can't write about. Basically Tramel is the only person that makes sense and all three others bashed him when he said he wouldn't trade Westbrook & the #3 for Griffin.
They all said Presti would do that in a heart beat. A BUNCH OF IDIOTS. I just can't believe Doug G sided with them too.
@Kev
Lopez averaged 10 minutes per game for Phoenix. 3 points, 2 boards. I gotta think they would take Thabeet over him. Remember, this is the bad half of the Lopez twins.
@Dylan
that would make too much sense . . .
Thabeet's too high - and they don't take Thabeet before Lopez . . .
@Clark Matthews
I don't mind when Hump and Tramel talk NBA, because at least it's clear that they watch it.
Traber and Eshbach are just clueless, though. It makes me wonder why they can't get Mayberry on there. It's not like Rhode and Tramel aren't on all the time, anyway. Why not get the Thunder beat guy on the air?
Obviously, we're all sick of the trade talk, so here's a different scenario.
Take these four players and slot them in the 2008 draft: Griffin, Rubio, Thabeet, Harden. I mean, we're talking about taking Harden at No.3. Last year Eric Gordon went No. 7 and he's a much better prospect than Harden is. (Of course, Danilo Galinari went No. 6, but that's the Knicks problem.)
I'll say
1. Bulls - Rose
2. Heat - Griffin
3. Timberwolves - Mayo
4. Sonics - Rubio
13. Trailblazers - Harden
15. Suns - Thabeet
When I start playing the "what should Presti do" game, it reminds a little of that old video game Tetris where you stack all of the funky shaped pieces. I think everybody's horrified reaction to trading Thabo is due to him being such a versatile piece. He can be our starting 2, our back-up two, or a back-up three behind KD if we move Uncle Jeff, and his contract should remain reasonably priced. Take Thabo away and getting this rebuilding team neatly stacked looks a lot more daunting. In spite of what a great young player Green is, he is an awkward puzzle piece with KD as our starting 3- and one who is going to command a sizeable salary in the coming years.
Don't you think Livingston would be a bigger chip for LA then Thabo?
He was one of the biggest keys to their playoff success.
Not saying I want to lose him. I actually think he could be in a position to start on most teams in the next couple of years.
Just a thought.
I need to get into the sports radio business. It sounds like any idiot can do it.
@Clark Matthews
Can we contact our local congressman?
Nice mention of local talk hosts suggesting something for nothing trades. My favorite was when Traber spent his whole show three years ago debating whether the Hornets should trade David West AND both of their first round picks (which became Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons) for Kevin Garnett. The worst part was that no one called in and said, "the deal wouldn't even work."
This market needs to be educated about the NBA, and The Sports Animal is not going to do it.
Thabo blocking Kobe was my favorite play of the entire season. It summed up the team for me.
Royce :
Well that makes sense. I feel bad now. Doesn’t mean he looks any less awkward though.
Well, I wouldn't feel bad. With that hair and beard, put him in old ragged clothes and dump him on skid row...well you get my drift. Although in the interview he spoke remarkably well. Very clear English.
TMT :
>>>>Is there anyone more normal, yet awkward looking than Pau Gasol? He’s got these freakishly long dangly arms, the poofy hair and it seems like he’s always puckering his lips because his mouth sticks out for some reason.
It’s the braces that he has that does that mouth thingie. I saw him in an interview last night.
Well that makes sense. I feel bad now. Doesn't mean he looks any less awkward though.
>> My initial reaction to seeing Thabo’s name in a trade told me that I think he’s more untouchable in my mind than Jeff Green. Is that weird? Or maybe crazy?
I had the same reaction. Maybe it is because when he is on, he has that slap away the ball rejection look going that the Birdman has been having this past week. Or maybe it is because we used a draft choice for him and therefore Presti may be seeing something of value.
>>>>Is there anyone more normal, yet awkward looking than Pau Gasol? He’s got these freakishly long dangly arms, the poofy hair and it seems like he’s always puckering his lips because his mouth sticks out for some reason.
It's the braces that he has that does that mouth thingie. I saw him in an interview last night.
You know I don't want to see Thabo go - he is the defensive leader of this team - obviously, if I was a BIG deal, like a trade for Griffin, I would reluctantly agree to it - otherwise, he's too important to this team, even if he doesn't start . . .