We’re drawing in folks. Trades are starting to fly, people are feeling it and within 48 hours, we will have one, maybe 
two new guys in Thunder blue. I’m excited. What say you? (And if you haven’t entered the Daily Thunder MockTest, you best hurry up. All the cool kids are doing it.)
I teamed up with The Lost Ogle to put together an extensive mock draft. Part I is over there and Part II will be here later today: “Memphis – James Harden. This one is tough. With Ricky Rubio’s contract situation seemingly taken care of and there being no way for him to go back as bridges have been burned, Memphis would seemingly be in position to call (Rubio’s agent, Dan) Fegan’s bluff but at the end of the day, there is still risk involved. Harden represents more of a sure thing as he is more NBA ready than either Rubio or Hasheem Thabeet. Memphis needs someone who can give them immediate hope to inspire a deadbeat fanbase. Harden represents that. Look for management to follow through on their word and make O.J. Mayo the point guard of the future with Harden playing the 2 spot.”
Bad news about OKC’s arena deal – we’re a little short right now: “City officials are reassessing an ongoing $100 million renovation of the arena where the Oklahoma City Thunder play, because a sales tax that was supposed to fund it has brought in less money than expected. With shoppers buying less so far this year, the tax approved by voters as a way to lure the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics to town — where they were renamed the Thunder — has produced $4.2 million below projections.” Does anybody know if T. Boone is a Thunder fan?
I joined Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxsym for a podcast. Listen to me talk (first is Kevin Arnovitz and I’m on like 10 minutes in):
Chad Ford reports a rumor that OKC is after the 14 pick:” One rumor that won’t go away has the Suns and Thunder talking about a draft-day swap that would give Oklahoma City the 14th pick and land the Suns the Thunder’s 25th pick and, more importantly for the Suns, the return of their first-round pick in 2010. The Suns traded that pick to the Thunder several years ago as part of the Kurt Thomas trade. The trade is unprotected next year, and with the Suns flirting with rebuilding, they don’t want to lose it. Sources say the Thunder have an eye for Ohio State center B.J. Mullens and likely will take him if he’s available at No. 14.”
Andy Katz reports that OKC is favoring Rubio: “There is a strong possibility that Oklahoma City will select Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio at No. 3, according to sources. If Sacramento then took Evans at No. 4, the Wolves could get Arizona State guard James Harden. A source with direct knowledge of Oklahoma City’s situation told Katz that the Thunder are working on the details of Rubio’s buyout. NBA teams can pay up to a maximum of $500,000 to free players from overseas contracts, but the Thunder want to ensure things go smoothly.”
Henry Abbott looking at the possibility of Rubio in OKC: “If there’s one thing I believe about Thunder GM Sam Presti — who held a camp recently to audition free agents who have the potential to be great defenders, who drafted Westbrook high for his defense, who traded for Thabo Sefolosha for defense, and who comes from the Spurs — it’s that he is dedicated to making the Thunder a solid defensive unit. On the defensive side of the ball, there is simply nothing wrong at all with playing Ricky Rubio and Russell Westbrook together. They are both dedicated and skilled wings. The only trouble would be on offense. And that’s where it’s hard to know how to factor in the fact that Rubio is just 18. You know he’ll improve at a lot of stuff … but what?”
Kevin Arnovitz of TrueHoop with some great info on potential prospects: “Isolation plays accounted for 27% of Curry’s offense — more than any other category. Pro point guards who share this distinction include Chauncey Billups and Deron Williams. Curry’s 0.95 points per possession in isolation is very strong. As the report points out, ‘This bodes well for Stephen … Point guards have the ball most of the time anyway and so a strong isolation point guard is a real plus.’”
Berry Tramel says not even Clay Bennett knows who the Thunder is drafting: ”I chatted with Thunder chairman Clay Bennett on Monday. And yes, I asked him the big question. Who will the Thunder draft Thursday? Bennett said he doesn’t know. And he did say he knew last year that Russell Westbrook would be the choice. No one figured Westbrook would go early in 2008, so general manager Sam Presti was fairly certain Westbrook would be available at No. 4, and sure enough, that’s who the then-Sonics drafted.”
The Big Lead on OKC’s pick: “The Pick: We go with Davidson’s Stephen Curry. Tough to gauge how good of a PG he can be; the guy played with a bunch of kids last season who couldn’t make the NBDL. Even with defenses swarming him – WVU, Oklahoma and Duke, among others – he was still able to get his shot off and keep his team in the game (he beat the Mountaineers by himself). We’re passing on Rubio because it’ll take him at least 2-3 years to become a factor and fill out and develop a jumper. By then, Durant could be gone.”
Ian Thompson looks at questions facing the draft: ”Who goes for Ricky Rubio? Not only has the 18-year-old point guard made it clear he’d just as soon avoid going No. 2 in the draft to Memphis, but he also faces a troublesome buyout worth as much as $8 million to his Spanish club, DKV Joventut. A further complication is that the buyout is now held by the Spanish IRS in lieu of old tax debts incurred by Rubio’s club. Does Memphis risk taking him at No. 2? (Not likely.) Does Oklahoma City use the No. 3 pick on him after taking promising point guard Russell Westbrook at No. 4 last year? Does Sacramento grab him with the fourth pick despite the doubts raised by his buyout? Do concerns about his Spanish contract cause him to slide, or does another team trade up for Rubio at No. 2 or 3?”
Earlier in the week I mentioned how Russell Westbrook picked his own players in the draft, but there was something he said I could shake. When asked about OKC taking Rubio and Russ sliding to the 2 he said, “You trippin’.” We’ve heard Westbrook thinks he’s the point guard of the future and obviously I want what will bring the most wins, but I also don’t want to destroy Westbrook’s building confidence. I think the idea is for them to tag team the point guard position, not one take it over, but still.
Jon Schuhmann of NBA.com looks at teams that could take swingmen: “The Thunder are in a pretty good position. They could draft a point guard like Ricky Rubio with the third pick and move Russell Westbrook to the two. If they feel Westbrook is better suited at the point, they could get another wing like James Harden to complement Durant. Or, they could take Hasheem Thabeet (if he’s still on the board) to give them a defensive presence in the paint and have Nenad Krstic come off the bench.”
Scott Howard-Cooper on Stephen Curry: “The instant-offense machine from Davidson with the quick release, experience and maturity has been working to convince NBA teams that he is capable of being a point guard who gets others involved rather than merely a scoring star. Only the entire lottery depends on the outcome, with Curry a possibility as soon as No. 3 to the Thunder, a lineup able to absorb a 6-foot-3 combo guard as a defensive liability because the primary point, Russell Westbrook, is heading for years as a candidate for the All-Defensive team.”
I guess I just don't see the drama of a Rubio/Westbrook backcourt. Rubio has good vision and handling and can make great plays from the outside and in transition. Westbrook can make athletic moves in the lane and finish or kick as needed. Both are decent spot up shooters, but it's not like their deficit there is a huge concern. Shooting is one of the few skills that have a long, reliable history of being taught and developed in the league. I love it. Way more excited about the potential of a Rubio/Westbrook backcourt than Russ with Curry or Harden. I wouldn't be depressed about any of those combos, but come on!
Of course I don't know Russell, but he doesn't seem like a guy that would act that way. But I'm sure he would be disappointed to see the Thunder draft a guy who plays his position.
Everyone knows how important chemistry is, and I'm sure Presti has his finger on that pulse too. But maybe there is something to the rumor. I can imagine the scenario playing out where Presti would strongly consider avoiding two of his star players fighting over position/playing time, and a first year coach in the position of trying to balance that conflict out.
If Presti does draft Rubio, I sure hope that Russell wouldn't feel threatened, or that any other team members would begin to question who is playing what role. But maybe that's being too naive.
Exactly my same reaction to that. That doesn't sound like Russ to me. Would want out of OKC? Geez. He just finished his rookie year at a new position. I imagine he'd be flexible. That's fine if he likes point guard. He'll get plenty of time there regardless.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
Sounds like Chris Broussard is reporting forum board rumors to me. "I'm told" my foot. That RW comment is so far afield of anything I've ever heard I find it hard to believe.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
Hmm... I have no clue what to make of that.
@Pennington
We may take Henry next yr. if we make the playoffs. Ive seen some mock drafts that have him in the late teen to early 20's next yr. Thats if he even shows up while hes at Kansas.
ESPN Draft-buzz roundup: What we're hearing
POSTED: June 24 -- 5:53 p.m. ET
I'm told OKC will take Hasheem Thabeet at No. 3 if he's there, though there are concerns that he'll struggle on a team where he's the No. 1 post option. I'm also told that if Thabeet's not there, the Thunder will take James Harden. GM Sam Presti loves Ricky Rubio, but he knows Russell Westbrook will be angered to the point of wanting out if OKC drafts another PG.
@J.G.
Atta boy Sammy. Hands off Thabo. He's not going anywhere.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284494
Memphis wanted to send the 2nd overall pick to the Thunder for the 3rd pick and Thabo, but the Thunder said no.
No big shock there.
I would like to see us get Xavier Henry next year
@Alex
I'm a little worried about the continuous "I'm a point guard" schtick.
@Dylan
Yeah, I really like what I saw from Aldrich last year. With another year he could be a pretty dominate big man.
The down side is that we might not be in the lottery next year (except maybe the Suns pick). While that would thrill me to death it would make it tough to land Aldrich I believe.
I'm really curious to see what happens in free agency this year. I think if we do sign a big man that would still be great. Give whichever drafted big man a couple years to get his game together. I think that is a great glimpse into the long term plan on Presti's brain!
Some nice things about OKC from Steph Curry when asked about playing with our big 3:
Stephen Curry
It's a group you can build on. They've established themselves as great player. As a point guard and facilitator I feel I can play with those guys. Westbrook's athleticism. KD overall stardom. Jeff Green can score and do a lot of things. Four guys who can do things all over the court ... that can work. Kevin and Russell have really got the city excited about what's going on. If they can cement themselves as a good team early next year, that could lead to all kinds of good things, and keep the enthusiasm at a high level.
@KingGondo
it was on espn.com earlier that minnesota wanted to move up to No. 2, but didn't want to give up either the No. 5 or No. 6 and that the two teams hadn't discussed the deal at all. Looks like as of right now, it's all Thabeet for Memphis.
It's in the video above the story on the Minnesota-Washington trade.
@KingGondo
good - saves me the headache of thinking that we will get him . . .
you guys have hit on it - the value of Thabeet is inflated because he's the only legit center towards the top of the round . . . just be patient and wait until the draft is stronger with big men . . .
you can't go wrong with best player available . . .
Heard from another forum that Ric Bucher is reporting that Memphis is done talking about the #2 pick, and is taking Thabeet.
Flimsy right now, but maybe it has some credibility?
@Joe
I love the idea of getting Aldrich next year...I usually never notice someone's outlet passing, but he was absolutely amazing during the tournament at bringing down rebounds and getting the ball up the court quick to one of his guards...I think that would work amazing with the guys we have.
Talking to players on ESPN News -
Jennings is on now . . .
Thabeet was on earlier . . .
-----------------
Jennings = Telfair
@Wilson
yeah, next year has 4 or 5 guys that will be possibly lotto-bound centers, just hold onto that pick, Presti.
@Joe
I agree
Who's his best friend? Wouldn't be surprised if it's an exchange student at OU or OSU...
good news from rubio's camp:
In a video that will be on TrueHoop shortly, he also was asked to react to various NBA cities. His gut reaction to the word "Minnesota" was: "Too cold." Oklahoma City earned a "My best friend lives nearby." And when Rubio thinks of Sacramento, the first thing that comes to mind is: "Nice weather."
I think instead of trading the Phoenix pick for Mullins this year, they ought to hang onto it, and use it to find a way to get Cole Aldrich of Kansas when he comes next year. Much more promising center than Mullins.
@Vega
I saw that. Now it remains to be seen if ATL can resign Bibby. I think this likely takes GSW out of the running to draft a point guard as well. I thought Brandon Jennings would go there, but probably not with Acie Law.
Jamal Crawford to the Hawks for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton.
Haha I think Chad Ford saying that shows us something. I trust Chad Ford on NBA rumors before most, and he can't get a damn thing out of OKC...
Clay (Fort Worth)
What does Sam Presti have up his sleeve for this draft? In my opinion the man is a genius. He has to have something cookin'. Does he trade down or out of the lottery? Does he package some of the Thunder picks over the next few years?
Chad Ford
Sam Presti is like Steve Jobs at Apple. He runs a Fort Knox like secret operation there. Of all the teams in the league (the Spurs are also like this) it's pretty tough to get credible info out of there this time of the year. Last year EVERYONE had the Thunder drafting Brook Lopez the day before the draft and then they drafted Russell Westbrook. This year everyone likes them drafting James Harden. I'm sticking with Rubio. But I've got to admit, it's a gut thing, not a sourced thing.
@Kev
Its really not too bad if you do the 2 years for $60 because you are paying for the magazine. So if you read the magazine at all, and then read the blogs and insider articles I think its completely worth it.
You are right though some of the rumors are kind of "duh" but they usually have some stuff that peaks your interest in the rumors columns.
too many good free websites to waste money on it . . .
Shocking. I mean, nobody thought that!
...and that's why I don't pay for Insider.
The rumor says that they may be wanting Rubio at 2, and looking to trade up to get it.
Can anyone with Insider access see the new T-Wolves rumor on the ESPN NBA page? I'm curious (for obvious reasons), but they might just be trading one of their lower picks.
I think that Presti takes Rubio before Curry - I still think we get Curry because the #2 pick will be dealt to someone that wants Ricky . . .
New mock with adjustments for the t'wolves trade.
Kev will love it.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ian_thomsen/06/24/mock.draft4/index.html?eref=sihpT1
GAP :I’m starting to kinda like this Simmons guy…..lol
I know alot of people around here don't like him because of the Sonics wisecracks, but there are few people that truly know more about basketball and its history . . .
Listen to any of his podcasts and then listen to anyone else's . . . there's no comparison . . .
If anyone can help turn that disaster around - it's Griffin - I'm betting that he can do it . . .
I'm starting to kinda like this Simmons guy.....lol
i knew clippers are horrible, i didn't know they were that bad.
now i feel sorry for Gordon and Griffin.
what would really be funny if memphis trades the 2 and then the clippers drafted mullins. how mad do u think memphis would be then.
lol the letter made me laugh so much... how will the clippers screw up the draft this year? i bet they take mullens with the #1 b/c like everyone said he was predicted to battle blake for the #1
Haha, that Simmons letter is BRUTAL.
Open letter from Simmons to Blake.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090624&sportCat=nba
I think that anyone in baskeball who seriously thought Mullens was going to be better than Griffin a year ago should be fired. Griffin had just come off a sensational freshman campaign at OU. What exactly does Mullens do well?? At least Thabeet can say he's a great shot blocker . . .
Giving Phoenix back their pick for next year and the 25th seems a bit much to give up for a center project, but I wouldn't mind having Mullens. Like Royce said, at the start of the year, people thought that Mullens could be the first pick. He obviously has potential. If you can get the deal done, go for it.
"One rumor that won't go away has the Suns and Thunder talking about a draft-day swap that would give Oklahoma City the 14th pick and land the Suns the Thunder's 25th pick and, more importantly for the Suns, the return of their first-round pick in 2010... "
Why would we give up the Suns 2010 #1 when we know they're going to be a lottery team next year AND #25 this year just to move up to #14 in a draft the entire NBA universe is complaining about being one of the weakest ever? Does BJ Mullens really have that much upside? Do we have a low-post coach that can turn him from college stiff to pro baller?
hopefully Phoenix tanks this year and we get a top 5 pick out of the deal . . . it could happen, all Sarver wants to do is dump salary . . .
i hope presti says no to phoenix. i would rather them sign longar longar than waste a draft pick on mullins. jk. but seriously i want no part of bj mullins. you dont draft a guy just because he is 7ft.
I'm not crazy at all about possibly grabbing Mullens. Just have to wait and see there.
As for the T-Wolves, I think they're in a fantastic position if they hold still at 5 and 6. People are hating on this draft, but I think the top 5-6 are all quality picks. With 5 and 6 they're getting two of the following guys:
Griffen/Thabeet/Rubio/Harden/Curry/Evans
How can you not be psyched about that in Minny? Thabeet/Curry? Evans/Harden? Curry/Evans? Lots of good tandems possible for Minny if they stay put.