Chris Mannix of SI has OKC as his favorite next year: “Every core player can improve. Kevin Durant will be better at creating space against a physical defense and playing through contact. Russell Westbrook will continue to mature as a playmaker. Kendrick Perkins will come back 20 pounds lighter with healthy knees that make him a lot more mobile. James Harden’s Manu Ginobili-like game will put him in the hunt for an All-Star berth. With a full season as a power forward, Serge Ibaka will be a better one-on-one defender. This isn’t guesswork: Oklahoma City’s rise has been rapid, and having the league’s third-youngest roster coupled with the return of its top eight players means this conference finalist will get better.”
Chris Broussard and Ric Bucher who has the better dynasty shot, OKC or Miami: “Bucher: The very guy you doubt — Westbrook — is the biggest reason I like the Thunder going forward. He has taken an absolute beating from critics since he entered the league and simply keeps coming. Whether it was P.J. Carlesimo not playing him after he was the fourth pick in the draft or that 3-29 start in OKC or this recent playoff run where so many suggested (falsely) that he was sabotaging the Thunder with his aggressiveness, I’ve yet to see Westbrook show any signs of self-doubt or fragility. He looked at the league’s leading scorer and basically said, “I’m not going down waiting for you to get yourself open or take something more than a 28-foot off-balance 3.” Me, I like that attitude. The pro game isn’t about being liked or magnanimous; it’s about taking the opponent’s lunch, by any means necessary. Dynasties can’t be built on cornerstones faint of heart anymore than a skyscraper can remain sturdy with a milk crate in its foundation. I’ll take my chances with the guys who, so far, are bloodied but unbowed.”
A fascinating Sport Science on Derrick Williams’ jumper and the ideal rotations a shot should have.
Bleacher Report, where dumb writing is done.
J.A. Sherman of Welcome to Loud City grading James Harden: believe that other than Russell Westbrook, Harden is going to have the biggest question mark on him heading into next season. Going into 2010, Harden could simply be the guy behind the guys, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. He was expected to grow, but not expected to become a key component in their championship push. However, with a playoff run that Harden just had, it all changes. Going forward, Harden is going to play an integral role in the evolution of the Thunder offense.”
A terrific piece on Dirk at Deadspin. Your move, Grantland.
Draft Express’s new mock has OKC taking Kyle Singler: “Oklahoma City’s only real need at the moment is for a combo forward, in the Jeff Green mold. While this can surely be addressed in free agency, drafting a polished and highly experienced senior like Kyle Singler makes plenty of sense. He can space the floor at both the 3 and 4, will compete defensively and on the glass, and won’t need a great deal of schooling to make the transition to the pros.”
Danny Chau of HP: It was supposed to be a gradual process, but Westbrook hasn’t been one for subtlety. His rise to elite status has been as heartwarming as his thoughtless shooting displays have been crushing. The Thunder’s playoff run has once again exposed questions in Westbrook’s game that require answers. There’s no hiding anymore. Westbrook still needs to learn how to play at different speeds, and learn to take contact on drives to avoid awkward loft-shots. And maybe this time, he’ll learn patience. Because the charge he leads, he does not lead alone. He is among friends.
@ slipknot
Wow dude how close minded and ignorant of the facts you are. I am ashamed you call yourself a slipknot fan as I am too a maggot. Keep your mouth shut unless you can find some facts on tats relating to intelligence. The fact you don't respect teachers is no surprise. To everyone else on the forum, not all slipknot fans are douche bags.
Not sure if workout time is completely over but I'm a little disappointed that we didn't bring Jenkins in for at least a workout. Sounds like he torched his Knicks and Bobcats workout counterparts though.
slipknot :Tattoos, in general, are a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find them on NBA players and public school teachers.
[Trolling], in general, [is] a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find [trolls] on [internet message boards] and [in their mother's basements].
Way OT, but I had to send @nbadoppelganger the Russell Westbrook / JD Williams (Bodie from the Wire) pair. Looks like he'll put them up.
I feel this is a DT community success, so how do we celebrate?!?
http://nbadoppelgangers.tumblr.com/
slipknot :Tattoos, in general, are a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find them on NBA players and public school teachers.
I'm a public school teacher. No tattoos. It's crazy, I even have a college degree.
@Grolgar
Rebound
@ MartzMimic
What was it? I remember Eddie House hitting a 3 to beat us... What did Mike Miller do?
@Thunder_mike
I remember one Mike Miller play that ended a game for the Heat on a very positive note. It was on our home court.
That said, I have no desire for him either.
I really don't hate lebron that much... Just bored obviously
Breaking news........ Lebron James had admitted to being the Antichrist... Earlier today he had this to say........... "I'm the anti Christ".....
The apocalypse is the second lebron James wins an NBA title... It's been foretold by the myans thousands of years ago
okc baby :Closed minded, ignorant, prejudice, stereotypical. Get with the times. You dont have to go to prison or be in a gang to get a tattoo. Freedom of Speech and expression. There is alot worse in this world to worry about.@ gokc
I actually agree with okc baby, when is the apocalypse?
Closed minded, ignorant, prejudice, stereotypical. Get with the times. You dont have to go to prison or be in a gang to get a tattoo. Freedom of Speech and expression. There is alot worse in this world to worry about.
@ gokc
Yal should just keep it on basketball. All this other personal contex makes it like espn boards... im not from oklaollma nor do I have tatoos but... this jus seems like predjudice sterotypes that bring the whole fanbase down
DJ 7 :
slipknot :Tattoos, in general, are a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find them on NBA players and public school teachers.
You have a username for a band that has numerous members covered in tattoo’s, that yell 90% of the vocals. I think you should be one of the least one talking about tattoo’s.
Never heard of them.
Yeah, tattoos not a big deal.
@ DJ 7
Yeah I thought the look on the players faces at the airport was pretty intense. KD seemed really moved, but resolved. Russ was obviously pissed. James was pretty laid back. I'm hoping to seem em very focused and hard edged next year, while still being good guys and not thuggish on court. I'm excited for Collison next year. If he stays healthy I think he is looking his youngest since joining the league. Well, young in the good way.
@ Thomas
Yup, i got Tattoo's for personal reasons, but now people get the stupidest of tattoo's. Look at Chris "Birdman" Anderson for example. I mean i guess there for his personal reasons too but i bet some of them were "why not" types. Its not like our Boys are covered in them like the Nuggets players. Maynor gets a big tattoo on his arm and all of a sudden people get worked over it. I bet Some of us berly found out a few weeks ago that KD has Tats all over his stomach and chest. Honestly though, if seeing someone with a crazy hair do, Piercings on their nose, and eyebrows, wearing some wierd clothes don't bother you then why would you let some ink on a persons skin bother you.
slipknot :Tattoos, in general, are a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find them on NBA players and public school teachers.
You have a username for a band that has numerous members covered in tattoo's, that yell 90% of the vocals. I think you should be one of the least one talking about tattoo's.
@ Daniel Plainview
I totally agree about the novelty of tattoos being gone. It's counter conformity at this point. Our guys were much more original by being relatively tattoo free compared to the rest of the league.
Tattoos, in general, are a sign of low intelligence. Which is why you might find them on NBA players and public school teachers.
Maybe the Mavs should've looked for Brian Cardinal more in their offense. Since things worked so well when he was involved.
If there was a 70% chance that Singler would be a solid contributor (think Luke Walton, Shane Battier, someone of that level) would you take him over Honeycutt even if Honeycutt had a 40% chance of becoming a quasi-allstar type of player. I know that's a bit ham-handed but I guess what I'm getting to is would you rather have the sure thing contributor or the riskier but potentially better upside guy? I think at this point we need the best chance at a contributor. We have all the upside guys we can handle right now.
DJ 7 :@ okc baby If Brooks learned some Plays we would be seeing alot more involvement of Thabo. I think we all saw a number of times where Dallas was able to get Deshawn Stevenson a good look or a decent movement to the rim for him to score. If anything i think the person with the biggest work to do this off-season is Brooks.@ Lefty I’m Down!!!
Not disagree with that but not fully agreeing. Whatever the reason Brooks should take blame. Sef got alot of the blame by homer/posters in here. Whatever reason? We looked alot better when we tried to get him involved.
Ian Levy, The Two Man Game: The Thunder. They've shown a steady pattern of development both as individuals and as a team. Their roster already has the talent to win a championship. One more season of experience for the players and coaching staff should help them iron out the kinks and maximize that talent. I'm going on record -- one year from now, Cole Aldrich will be an NBA champion.
Haha, I love his exercise in perspective at the end
@ ThunderHorn
I agree with the guy from Portland. The look on Westbrooks and Durants face wasn't just sadness but anger, and frustration too. Like you know they were more mad about losing, then they were sad. You watch the post-game conferences of the Bulls, and the Heat you'll see instead of frustration, or anger the guys are all just trying to self pity themselves. Especially Bosh and Rose.
Like i said, i want this to eat away at them. i want them to have nightmares of losing, want them to not sleep at night. All it will do is feed their desire to win. Luckily we have such good charecter guys that they may just know how to feed, and satisfy that desire without being a douche about it.
@ okc baby
If Brooks learned some Plays we would be seeing alot more involvement of Thabo. I think we all saw a number of times where Dallas was able to get Deshawn Stevenson a good look or a decent movement to the rim for him to score. If anything i think the person with the biggest work to do this off-season is Brooks.
@ Lefty
I'm Down!!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2011/news/story?page=5-on-5-110616
@ThunderHorn
Whaaaat?? You beat me to it!
From 2012 5 on 5:
3. Who will win the 2012 Western Conference finals?
Ian Levy, The Two Man Game: The Thunder. However, for them to reach the Finals, they must make offensive adjustments. Regardless of who's taking the last shot, they can't win the West if Options 1 and 2 are isolations for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They have plenty of pieces, and if Scott Brooks can find a better way to make those pieces fit together offensively, they should be out front all season long.
Danny Nowell, Magic Basketball: I would take the field in any bet I was forced to make, but I'll have to say the Thunder. I'm particularly intrigued by the idea that they may have figured out how to use James Harden, so their young legs could be matched with a savvier, more unpredictable offensive attack.
Jonathan Santiago, Cowbell Kingdom: The Oklahoma City Thunder. Their failure in the WCF is an experience they'll learn from. Scott Brooks is going to look back at the coaching errors he made on film and correct them. And if Durant can become more effective better off the ball, that, in turn, will make Westbrook's game better. Maybe less criticized, too.
Robert Silverman, Knickerblogger: I have a feeling the Lakers are in for a few major trades that could alter my opinion, but as of June 16, I'd say the Thunder.
Andrew Tonry, Portland Roundball Society : With the return of a healthy Caron Butler, it's tempting to believe that the Dallas Mavericks could repeat. But that would disrespect the absolute burning hunger driving Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and the rest of the championship Mavs. Hunger was the difference, and they'll miss it come 2012. Instead, I picture Durant and Westbrook having watched Dallas' impeccable team-first basketball and having learned a lot. Durant could now be the hungriest man in the West.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2011/news/story?page=5-on-5-110616
We needed to keep Thabo involved we would have faired alot better. Harden should still be a starter next season with that said.
@ David
Thabo is bad at offense but a committed defender and has athleticism to finish at the rim if given the opportunity. Mike Miller is useless at everything and I would assume has a bad contract.
I've seen the heat play in a handful of games this year and can't remember one play with Mike Miller that ended positively. He's a poor man's DeQuan Cook.
@DJ 7
LOL if you ever decide to go on a crusade, let me know! :)
@ Sun_Tzu76
I have a tattoo on my arm and on my neck but closer to my should. That was a gang affiliated tattoo, but covers up when i wear a normal t-shirt. All my other tattoo's are of religious purpose, as well as honoring people who are dear to me that have passed on to the next life. The way Jenni makes it seems like the guys are ruthless gangsters because of their tattoo's. I never onced heard or read of KD, Maynor, Perkins, or Thabo being in a gang, and their tattoo's don't seem gang related at all.
David :So a friend proposed this to me the other day, what would you guys think of a thabo for mike miller trade? It’s another shooter, a decent rebounder.
No thanks.
I teach in a public school in OKC and a lot of teachers have visible tattoos. Teachers often held to "higher" standards, no one cares. Lived in OK my whole life and I've never heard anyone voice that they care. So, it's not like it's a big deal to most Oklahomans. Then again, I don't know one person that likes Sarah Palin either. I guess it depends what circles you run in...
So a friend proposed this to me the other day, what would you guys think of a thabo for mike miller trade? It's another shooter, a decent rebounder.
Lefty :Sometimes I just want to troll the F out of the internet for all this Westbrook garbage. Like, just go on a total rampage on all the “writers” who think these articles are actually good ideas…
You and me both.
@justin
HA! I didn't make the rules. Aubrey McClendon did...yeah, that guy who is an owner of the Thunder and sits next to Clay Bennett at courtside. I wonder what he thinks of the tattoos?
Covering up tattoos in a gym? You guys have to work on that one...
@Daniel Plainview
I think I have to disagree there (I'm under 35 too...just barely). It is a big deal to those in the business world and the image they want to present to a client/customer. Here in OKC, to work at Chesapeake for example, you have to have your tattoos covered at all times if you have them...that includes if you are working out in their gym. And in the good ole buckle of the bible belt, it is still a big issue to people of all ages. Just depends on what circles you hang in.
I don't know much about M Howard but I read that he probably won't get drafted. Probably have to try to make it at training camp. For a 14th or 15th man, good practice habits and good character might help if he & his agent find the right place to take his chance. But they will probably put more weight on his 3 pt shot. If he can hit the NBA 3 pt shot well he might have a small chance. If not, much less. Losing 10 pounds and trying to be a SF might not work but might be worth trying.
Hard to get an impact PF, especially in San Antonio's situation. But I might look at Wilcox. At least he is available. He can still do some things, especially this year, a contract year. Defense is somebody else's job in his mind but maybe Pop & Co. could alter that some or work around it some.
@Sun_Tzu76
It seems like 9 in 10 people (regardless of race or sex) under the age of 35 now have a plethora of tattoos. I dont think its really associtated with Thug culture save the ones on the stomach and neck, and, if you act like a thug. The novelty of tatoos is gone. No body cares about tattos save those that have one or are getting one. rare is the person on the streetw ithout a tatoo that gives two shits about those who do.
The net has NBA-related articles from almost every angle. Take what you like or at least are willing to sample, pass on what you want to pass on as well.
was looking over hollingers college per numbers (PER isnt great, but interesting nonetheless) Matt Howard kind of jumped out to me. This year is the first year he really even attempted to take 3's consistently-and he hit @40%. Thoughts on trying to buy a second rounder and seeing if he can be our stretch 4?
Spurs should do just about anything to get an impact PF (assuming Duncan is at center or should be pushed over more fully).
Maybe this is a defense of the tattoo article maybe not, but for those of you not from Oklahoma, it really is a big issue for some here. Tattoo shops were illegal in Oklahoma until just a few years ago and not everyone was happy when they were legalized. For better or worse, tattoos are a symbol of the "thug" culture of the NBA to many people that they don't want to be associated with. I would hope that after a few years of getting to know our guys, people could see past that, but that isn't always the case, especially with some people just recently getting on the NBA bandwagon. The article was mainly fluff, but it did bring up an issue for some people.
Lakers and Blazers might have interest in Nelson and might have something Orlando would find worthwhile, if they decided to believe in / gamble on Arenas leading them. I doubt believing in Arenas will work but it is probably not going to work standing pat either.
Wow... That's ridiculous and asinine even for the BR... It's def off season
@Thomas, I agree, Russell is staying in OKC hopefully he is well on his way to greatness IMO I love to watch him play.
@Crow
Jenni Carlson and the Bleacher Report - I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but that's a perfect match!