Smart Thoughts of the Week: Sept. 4 – 11

Throughout the week some of you drop some brilliant or at least somewhat thoughtful comments and so this is a try at highlighting some of them. Disclaimer: It’s not that I necessarily agree with all of them, but they were interesting and for the most part, well put. Consider everything sic’d.

Points for Keith. He called it. (Vince): I think the idea that we should COMPETE for a playoff spot is the best measure of success. That doesn’t necessarily mean we’re playing for keeps the last week of the year, but in February and March we need to be on this board saying things like, “You know, Phoenix is headed on the road for four games, and if we can put together a little streak

here we might have a shot.” It’s key for a young team to play 70 meaningful games to get that experience for 2010-11 when the playoffs will be THE goal, not a hypothetical.

I also think it’s important for the team and the fan base to get people talking about the team. Our attendance was excellent this year — and the passion on this blog is to be admired — but TV ratings for the Thunder were very poor this year. People are impatient nowadays, and a few February sellouts with potential playoff implications can help grow the fan base and bring over some converts from the Mavs, Cavs, etc. (the Lakers fans can stay where they are, no one’s interested in them).

I’m getting a similar feeling. Don’t tell anyone though. (MartzMimic): Not to get into the football too much, but I will have to say that walking out of the stadium on Saturday felt nothing like it did after the TCU loss a few years ago. I credit that to the Thunder, though I honestly can’t decide whether it’s because they’ve stolen some of the emotion that was once solely reserved for the Sooners, or if it’s because I really got used to walking out of the Ford Center after a loss last year.

The media = Jules Winfield. (Terry): The Bandwagon. All the unsolicited attention being thrown the Thunder’s way is great – the team definately deserves it. But, I’m wary of it. The media gives, and it can take away. And with a vengeance. If the team doesn’t perform to their expectations, the media will take it personal, as though they’ve been intentionally embarrassed, and I fear they will come down hard. It could be rough.

Yeah, but stats are kind of fun to look at. (dj): This individual stat stuff is ok for the fantasy guys, but there’s only one stat that really matters… wins. Personally, I’m looking to see Westbrook become a better decision maker on offense and a difference maker on defense. He needs to be leader. I don’t know what the stats are for that but I’ll know it when I see it. Another thing will be how well James Harden is integrated into the offense. That’s not all on Westbrook, but as PG he has as much or more to do with it than any other member on the team except James Harden himself.

Pay the Thabo. (Steve H): You missed the most important one- get signed to a long term extension. I loved what I saw from Thabo last season. Even without improving his 3-ball, he is a solid back-up player on the wing. If he improves from long range- and I really think he can (still just 23), he could really turn into the next Bruce Bowen, though without all the cheap shots. Presti needs to lock this guy into a contract extension before the rest of the league gets wise and starts bidding against us.

Wearing TTTSNBN moniker with honor. Let’s print some t-shirts. (Mully Mulls): Also, am I crazy for loving that fact that we are referred to as “the team that shall not be named?”