Scott Howard-Cooper writes about the search for the next Russell Westbrook: “The Thunder’s Russell Westbrook has 
unavoidably become part of the 2009 draft conversation despite already having completed an encouraging rookie season. That’s nothing. Randy White, a 1989 first-rounder, is back in, too.Four weeks until the draft, and it is impossible to avoid the intersection of past and present in a sign that lottery teams are grabbing for any safety vest while staring at greater risk than usual. So, UCLA’s Jrue Holiday is eerily Russell Westbrook and Memphis’ Tyreke Evans is a little bit. And in breaking news, White didn’t work as the No. 8 pick 20 years ago.”
Jonathan Givony has some interesting info for us Thunder fans – he says OKC favors James Harden: “Most teams we’ve spoken to in Chicago are indicating that they believe Oklahoma City is indeed leaning towards picking Harden. They also believe the Thunder are not enamored with Rubio at all, as they are committed to developing Russell Westbrook at his natural position-point guard.”
Some have seen it already, but a fantastic HoopsWorld profile of Sam Presti: “After just one year with the Spurs, Presti was named the team’s special assistant which led to a defining moment in his career. Coach Gregg Popovich was unimpressed with a young guard, Tony Parker from France, that they had been working out. “You’re wasting my time,” said Popovich to Buford and Presti. “This kid is terrible.” Convinced that Parker had special skills, Presti put an eight-minute videotape together highlighting Parker’s talents which swayed Popovich to give him another look, ultimately leading to the decision to draft him with their 28th pick.” You don’t have to tell me he’s smart. I’m definitely on board with Sam.
Let me ask you guys this: What’s the last negative Oklahoma City story you saw? Because I look around pretty thoroughly each day and I haven’t seen one in a while. We all knew it would pass, but let me tell you, I’m sure glad it finally did. Now instead of Clay Bennett hate stories, we have Sam Presti is a genius and the Thunder is the team of the future stories. I love it.
Is OKC eyeing Jrue Holliday?: “Prior to landing a pick in Ricky Rubio territory (third overall), the Thunder were rumored to be enamoured with Holiday’s play. When I spoke with Head Coach Scott Brooks about the possibility of moving Russell Westbrook to create a two-point guard offense, he seemed very open to it.”
Oh, and it looks like OKC is interested in Stephen Curry too: “The Combine buzz is Oklahoma City, selecting third, also is very interested in Stephen Curry and has scouted him furiously. “Like they had season tickets,” Curry said. Perhaps the Thunder could be a Knicks partner looking to trade down.” Would you imagine that? OKC is interested in guys in the draft! How shocking! I think it’s becoming clear that Sam Presti and Co. are scouting like crazy and so people are taking that as being “very interested,” when really, it’s just the Thunder doing its proper homework.
Wait, wait, wait. Now it’s Demar DeRozen: “Hearing DeRozan to go @ 3 spot, Thabeet @ 2, with Rubio left to Kings @ 4 if they want him.” I think that one is just wishful thinking.
Something about Rubio: “If the Grizzlies give in and pass on Rubio, the Thunder may be in the same predicament. Rubio doesn’t want to play in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder also have a combo guard who is best suited at point guard in Russell Westbrook. With Rubio and Westbrook in the same backcourt, neither is a great shooter, so it may not be the best idea. Both the Thunder and the Grizzlies would be exciting with Rubio, but it may take a few years to be a contender.” Well that’s weird. Rubio hasn’t said he doesn’t want to play in OKC. In fact, Chad Ford reported yesterday that he doesn’t mind OKC.
A nice little podcast with DX’s Jonathan Givony. He talks at length about the Rubio situation.
The draft combine started yesterday: “Jrue Holiday was clearly the biggest and most well-built player in the PG group, and he showed teams why he’s been one of the fastest rising players in the Draft. Holiday looked very explosive finishing around the basket in the transition drills, looking equally adept at dunking or throwing in floaters with either hand. Stephen Curry looked smooth, smart and extremely talented in pretty much everything he did. He appeared to have the most polish of any point guard in attendance, except possibly Jonny Flynn, who also stood out.”
Aran Smith of NBADraft.net’s combine report: DeMar DeRozan USC — Huge hands allow him to coral the ball on ally oops and control the ball on dunks. Had one impressive tomohawk dunk on the 3-2, 2-1 drill. Ty Lawson North Carolina — In the 5 shot shooting drill dropped all 5 looking very good. His release is still extremely low as he doesn;t get much lift and shots the ball from his chest. Wayne Ellington North Carolina — Along with Curry the purest shooter in the draft. Looked very smooth with his effortless release.
James Harden cancelled interviews with teams drafting outside of the top five: “According to DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony, James Harden canceled interviews with teams outside the top five picks. He will reportedly not work out for the Wolves, who pick No. 6, because Harden’s crew believes he will land in OKC at No. 3 or Washington at No. 5. In other news, someone in Harden’s crew is a lunatic in thinking it’s impossible for the kid to fall to Minnesota or further.”
UPDATE! Draft Express has the combine official height and weight measurements up: Blake Griffin is 6’8.5 without shoes and 6’10 with. DeJuan Blair is 6’5.25 without and 6’6.5 with. Steph Curry is 6’2 without and 6’3 with. James Harden 6’4 without and 6’5.25 with. Hasheem Thabeet topped out at 7’2.5. No more, “You can’t teach 7’3!” for Thabeet. (Edit: I see J.G. and I had the same joke.) James Johnson surprisingly was 6’7 without and 6’7.75 with after being listed at 6’10 at Wake. Two things – 1) Why do we even care what they measure without shoes? When’s the last time you saw an NBA player playing barefoot? 2) How does Blake Griffin’s shoes add an inch and a half, but James Johnson’s not even add an inch? Do some guys wear pumps? Insert super-thick Dr. Shoals in there? Also interesting was Blair’s wingspan – 7’2″ for a 6’6 guy. That’s some gangly arms.
Remember if we have good GUARDS ... they make our BIG GUYS better
Ibaka is 6-10 with 40 vertical... not here yet
Green will play till there is a better player here... then He will be a sixth man .... which every good team needs
If the Thunder select Thambeet... can not teach 7-3 but we do question Defense down low
@MartzMimic
Yea, I meant to comment about that. Green is a mid-level guy for now. I wish he played like a max contract guy, but he doesn't and I doubt his ceiling is that high.
One thing Doug Gottlieb mentioned on WWLS earlier today was that the days of everyone getting max contracts is over. Certainly KD will get maxed, but probably not Green or Westbrook, unless one of them makes an unbelievable jump in their game.
@Kev
At the same time I think having a 6th man like Green is exactly what a Championship winning team has. Odom type.
Great post Wilson . . . I think Green is out of position here and I think he will be traded at some point - if not, he's a great 6th man option - we really need another defensive presence at the 4, and preferably a guy who can score in the low block . . . I was hoping DJ would do that, and although he brought plenty of offense, it was mostly off face up jumpers from 15 feet or so . . .
Welcome Wilson. Glad to have you.
@J.G.
Awesome info JG. I wouldn't have guessed that. Everyone would have said RW for sure.
Amazing that KD is 6-10. A player that size with his skill set... unreal.
Hello all! I'm new to the site and know Nix personally. I never knew he was such a Bball guru though :)
I really like the blog and the input from all you fellas!!!
As for the draft, I really think we are in a win-win situation. I'm really curious to see if we keep the 3rd pick at all. Rubio might be an interesting addition to the team and I think it could definitely give us some serious future upside. But I think RW might end up being great, like All Star great, some day. He had a great rookie season and is a sponge when it comes to the game.
Chad Forde is really making me believe that a Griffin trade could be possible but if so the Clippers should be reduced to a D-league team because they are STUPID!!!
I'm not a Harden fan really and think he has a bit of the pre-madonna thing going on. I'm also not sure I trust Curry's game translating to the NBA. Thabeet is a huge gamble but his rawness and athleticism at his size are intriguing. I wouldn't draft him though, I would never draft a 7'+ guy, those guys can get devastated by injury much easier than most and the risk is to great that high. FA big men is the way to go in my opinion.
The great thing is that there is great value at #3 and we could really get some great post play out of a trade.
The fact is I will trust Sam and company until they make a really stupid move, which doesn't seem likely. If you all remember, last year the RW pick was highly scrutinized by everyone and looks to be a stellar pick.
So I will close with a question. Can Green thrive at the #4 spot or is he destined to be the 6th man for OKC? If yes, is it worth the money he will be paid until his contract expires? Is it a foregone conclusion that he will more than likely be traded at the end of his contract since he will likely receive max money and we will have just maxed out KD? I'm just wondering if it wouldn't be worth the trade of Green now to get to the #1 spot...
Sorry for the epic first post, the rest won't be so indulgent!
Just for some fun comparisons here...
Kevin Durant: 6'10 1/4 in shoes, with a 7'4 3/4 wingspan and 9'2 standing reach. 26" standing vertical and 33" max step. Official combine results.
Jeff Green: 6'9 1/2 in shoes, with a 7'1 1/4 wingspan and 8'7 standing reach. 33 1/2 inch standing vertical and 38 inch max step (who knew?!)Also official results.
Russell Westbrook: 6'3 1/2 in shoes, with a 6'7 3/4 wingspan and an 8'4 standing reach. 30 inch standing vertical and 36 1/2 inch max step. Official.
So yes, Jeff Green has the highest vertical leap of the three...a million dollars to whoever would have guessed that without seeing the combine results.
Clark Matthews :
Kev :Hill wouldnt even play ahead of DJ . . .
I definitely wouldn’t go that far. Hill and White are entirely different players despite their similar frames. D.J. is more of an offensive threat, but Hill is one of those big guys who love to do the dirty work that every successful team has coming off the bench. In the long run, Hill will have a longer, more fruitful career than D.J.
I disagree - Hill looked lost at times last year; I can see him being out of the league in five years . . .
Anyway, White (and Livingston) have what we need - shooting, and both were very good last year (in the 14-18) foot range . . . the more time they get; the better . . .
Kev :Hill wouldnt even play ahead of DJ . . .
I definitely wouldn't go that far. Hill and White are entirely different players despite their similar frames. D.J. is more of an offensive threat, but Hill is one of those big guys who love to do the dirty work that every successful team has coming off the bench. In the long run, Hill will have a longer, more fruitful career than D.J.
daniel :They play good ball in Europe, but it’s just a different kind of deal. You don’t see the kind of speed and athleticism of college players here.
I'd agree with that if it wasn't contradicted by every player who has ever gone from the NCAA to play in Europe.
@Kev
"who would you take Daniel???"
actually, I'm the little 'd' daniel, not the capital 'D' Daniel who sometimes posts here. I know that because I usually disagree with "Daniel's" comments!
I would take whoever Presti picks. (ok, that's a major cop-out).
I guess Harden. Really don't care that much. I'm already satisfied with the team we have, so I don't worry about the draft pick all that much when Presti and company are aggressively sizing up every potential prospect on the planet. Heck, if Sam picks Rubio, I'll assume that he really sees something there and I'll jump on the bandwagon (really don't see that, however).
It's funny that we drool so much in speculation about the possibility of getting this or that player, when we have the potentially greatest NBA super-stud of this generation right now on the team (KD, of course). But since he's already here, then there's no fun speculatin' to be done. Grass is always greener...
I'd say it's less likely for Rubio to be wearing a Grizzlies uniform than a Thunder one, to be honest. And not just because Chad Ford just reported that either.
But, as is clear, if we're not going to take Rubio, Presti should (and I expect will) get something out of it.
@Nix
"So you’re saying you can’t trade Rubio to..."
Of course you can. As I said previously, Presti may use Rubio as a trading chip. Sam is no fool. He's proven he can wheel and deal with the best of them. All I have said is that I absolutely don't believe we'll see Rubio on the court in a Thunder uniform. I just can't see that happening.
Besides, all this speculation depends upon Memphis passing up Rubio in the first place. I don't think that's very likely.
Per Chad Ford:
The hottest rumor at the camp Thursday had the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder in hot and heavy talks about a swap of the No. 1 pick for the No. 3 pick. I heard a number of variations, including Oklahoma City sending Jeff Green to Los Angeles and another in which the Thunder take back one of the Clippers' bad contracts, particularly those of Zach Randolph or Chris Kaman.
But Clippers general manager Mike Dunleavy told me Thursday afternoon that all of this talk about his team trading the No. 1 pick to the Thunder (or any other team) is hooey. While Dunleavy has had to backtrack after saying publicly that the Clippers would draft Blake Griffin with the top pick (which violated the unwritten rule that you're not supposed to announce your pick until draft night), all signs are pointing strongly toward L.A. selecting Griffin and keeping him.
"I know there's a lot of talk about who's the best fit or the best team need," Dunleavy said. "But to me you pick the best player available and you make it work. That's what we're going to do."
@daniel
So you're saying you can't trade Rubio to the team at #4, #5, #6, #7 & #8 and still get the player you really want?
It's not logical. If you can take Rubio at #3 and trade him to #5 and still get the guy Presti really wants...You do it.
If we really want Harden he could potentially trade Rubio to the Wiz for their #5 pick and a future pick. That simple.
The main problem with only rounding up by 1/4 is that you get a lot of odd outcomes from "without shoes" to "with shoes."
A lot of time if a kid like James Johnson is really a smidge under 6'6 7/8 or just barely over 6'6 3/4, well, they'll round that up to 6'7. So, since shoes typically add 1 inch and 1/4, you can see how it would start to mess stuff up. James Johnson is probably just over 6'6 3/4 without shoes, and really close to 6'8, but just slightly past 6'7 3/4 so they list him as that.
But yeah, I don't know why they just don't use 1/8ths for measurements...or barefoot measurements at all.
who would you take Daniel???
@Kev
"It’s simple, grab the best player available"
Wrong. You grab the best player that fits in with the grand scheme. You are looking at a tree. Presti is looking at the forest.
@Royce
I think we did have the same joke...but looks like you and I were the only ones who found it funny. :)
Daniel, I really dont see the point of your post.
It's simple, grab the best player available. Westbrook is not a true point guard. Rubio is a natural point. Presti took (in his opinion) the best player available. Whether you are a fan of RW or not, I don't see how picking Rubio is "ludicrous" . . .
@Nix
"What about this team isn’t a project? Is Westbrook still not a project?"
Yes, Westbrook is still a project. Which is why putting Rubio in a Thunder uniform is ludicrous. It makes Russell's entire rookie year pointless. It means starting all over again on the 'point guard project'. It means Sam Presti being not Sam Presti.
"Rubio played solid against tougher competition then exists in the NCAA."
Huh???? I don't buy that for a second. They play good ball in Europe, but it's just a different kind of deal. You don't see the kind of speed and athleticism of college players here. I think Rubio will pretty much get clocked in his rookie season. But I agree, long term, he may well be a Steve Nash kind of wizard. Years from now.
Hill wouldnt even play ahead of DJ . . .
Jordan Hill's measurements surprised me. I thought he was shorter then Blake.
(This is only going to fuel Traber)
daniel :@Royce
Rubio doesn’t fit in with Presti’s plan for the team in any way.
I think it’s laughable the way certain posters here are fawning over Rubio. He may turn out to be a great NBA point guard, but that will take four or five years. He has never seen the kind of strength, size, speed, athleticism of the NBA players that he’ll be going against. Most likely his first season will be a disappointment - low shooting percentage and a gazillion turnovers (including a ton of balls stolen from him). He’s got a lot of potential, but he’s a project.
What about this team isn't a project? Is Westbrook still not a project? Our entire team is a project. Are you expecting to make the playoffs this year?
Why does everybody have him as #2 on their draft board if he isn't worth 'fawning' over? Rubio played solid against tougher competition then exists in the NCAA. If anyone has a shot at being NBA ready it's him.
Kev :thanks - so much for the Blake is only 6-8 garbage . . . people he’s 6-10, so he can play 4 and 5 if he has to sub there . . .
Yes sir.
Glad to see that Curry is a legit 6-3 . . .
daniel :@JG“You can’t teach 7′2 1/2.”
Alas, you are correct. In school I took “Tall 101″, “Tall 201″, “Advanced Tallness”, and “Rigorous Techniques in Biometric Height Augmentation”.
But, I still ended up 5′11″.Doesn’t work.
(laughing)
thanks - so much for the Blake is only 6-8 garbage . . . people he's 6-10, so he can play 4 and 5 if he has to sub there . . .
@Kev
Take off an inch and a quarter from their listed heights and that's their heights without shoes...of course they never play basketball barefoot, but yeah.
Darnell on the Harden report:
"While Harden seems to be a great fit on the Thunder alongside Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, don’t read too much into the report. For starters, it’s May 29, nearly a full month before the draft. Secondly, the Thunder’s brass is impressed with the skills of Rubio and likely wouldn’t pass up on him because of Westbrook. With Westbrook in the fold, things are a little more complicated if you add Rubio to the mix. But the Thunder is looking to add talented players, not necessarily players that fit best based on need. And finally, we all know Thunder general manager Sam Presti is as meticulous as they come. He hasn’t even had a chance to get much one-on-one time with the top prospects to evaluate them so it’s unlikely he’s “leaning” either way at this point."
@Kev
NBA heights are listed with shoes.
@JG
“You can’t teach 7′2 1/2.”
Alas, you are correct. In school I took "Tall 101", "Tall 201", "Advanced Tallness", and "Rigorous Techniques in Biometric Height Augmentation".
But, I still ended up 5'11".
Doesn't work.
:(
Dumb question - when NBA heights are listed , do they use the one with shoes or without - makes a big difference . . .
@daniel
Haha, yep. I mean, 7'2 1/2 just isn't the same as 7'3.
I actually was hoping Thabeet would measure like 7'5 and make the Grizzlies drool over him even more since all the reports are that they like his "size" the most. Not skill as a shot-blocker, not surprising athleticism for a 7-footer, no. Just sheer size.
@JG
"Oh, and Thabeet is only 7′1 1/4 without shoes, 7′2 1/2 with."
Oh, well forget it then. I thought he was big.
;)
Woops, meant 9'5 standing reach. 7'6 1/4 wingspan for thabeet. Sorry.
Of course Thabeet also has a 9'5 foot wingspan. Wow.
But from now on, I'd like everyone to say, "You can't teach 7'2 1/2."
Thank you. :)
I expect there to be a whole lot of pick trading in this draft.
Oh, and Thabeet is only 7'1 1/4 without shoes, 7'2 1/2 with.
Not 7'3.
Ah thanks J.G. I have been stalking DX like a lunatic waiting for that. I'll update the Bolts.
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Measurements-released-3236/
Sorry, forgot to post the link.
Measurements were released and some eye opening stats
Dejuan Blair is 6'5 1/4 without shoes, 6'6 1/2 with.
Harden is 6'4 without shoes, 6'5 1/4 with.
And Blake Griffin is 6'8 1/2 without shoes, 6'10 with.
@Royce
"I think you can at least be assured that if Rubio is available to OKC at three, Presti will draft him and either keep him or use him to move down a few spots"
Almost certainly as a trading chip. Rubio doesn't fit in with Presti's plan for the team in any way.
I think it's laughable the way certain posters here are fawning over Rubio. He may turn out to be a great NBA point guard, but that will take four or five years. He has never seen the kind of strength, size, speed, athleticism of the NBA players that he'll be going against. Most likely his first season will be a disappointment - low shooting percentage and a gazillion turnovers (including a ton of balls stolen from him). He's got a lot of potential, but he's a project.
I personally think we should take Rubio and tell RW to work hard on that jump shot.
Rubio is compared to Kidd, and Russ is compared to Wade & T. Parker.
Is anyone going to complain about a Kidd/Wade backcourt? No...
The key is that it will take time to develop.
Are we in a rush here? Has anything Presti has done been hurried? Are people really going to go to less games next year if we're a 25+ win team?
I think we're fine.
Good lord, you lot post too fast. My response to Clark would have fit much better if there hadn't been a whole conversation take place in between.
I apologize F5. I promise I'll pay you more attention from now on.
Agreed, Agreed, Agreed...
You can argue all day if Rubio fits on this team or not, but you can't argue his value to other teams. Just like Clark mentioned Rubio is a valuable trading chip now and later. Even if it's just moving from #3 to #5 and gaining one future draft pick.
@Clark Matthews
I could see us passing on Ricky if Presti knows that he'll return to Spain if we take him, or if he can't work out a trade with another team (Clippers/Kings/Knicks).
But I just find that highly unlikely on both counts.
You're right Clark. This organization is doing everything they can to do things properly (as I try and say in the post above this one). There's so many things you could compile from scouting, to the 66ers to little bity things, that these guys are doing smart.
I take it you're a Twins fan?