Thunder has “family” bond
Sports teams have used the term “family” for decades to describe their feelings towards teammates. The Pittsburgh Pirates were the first to emphasize it 30 years ago when they played off Sister Sledge’s hit song “We Are Family.”
The Thunder is one of those teams where family is a term not taken lightly among those in the front office or the locker room.
Jeff Green (Washington, D.C.), D.J. White (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) and Kyle Weaver (Wisconsin) were all in Oklahoma City on Saturday when the three rookies –James Harden, B.J. Mullens and Robert Vaden — were introduced. That speaks volumes that they planned trips to OKC when their new teammates would be in town.
General manager Sam Presti constantly refers to acquiring high character guys who will work hard and play hard for each other. That’s why the “family” references aren’t by happen stance. Those are the type of players Presti wants to build around.
There have been teams that argued and bickered and still won championships, the Yankees of decades ago being a prime example. But in most cases, a family-like comrarderie enhances winning games while locker room “cancers” can tear a team apart.
How good will the Thunder be in two or three seasons, when young players start to enter their prime? Hard to say. But Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Green have talent. Based on his two seasons at Arizona State and rookie combine stats, Harden has more talent than most realize. Mullens, according to scouts, has unique physical gifts but has a ways to go to have that talent manifest on the court.
But talent isn’t the only vairable to consistently winning games. Good team chemistry will enhance the Thunder’s chances of being a viable playoff contender over the next few seasons.
Were draft rumors bogus?
Having intently followed the draft the past month there were so many rumors that you just knew Draft night would be full of trades. There can’t be that much smoke without an occasional fire popping up here and there, right?
Not necessarily.
Covering an NBA team for the first time from training camp to the end of the season you learn a lot about the nuances of the league. Covering my first NBA Draft once again I learned valuable lessons.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said late Thursday night following his press conference he doesn’t put much stock in internet rumors because he said at least nine out of 10 rumors relating to the Thunder are bogus.
Presti admitted he was involved in trade discussions right up until he made the pick. He said that’s part of the job. Turn over every rock. You never know what you might turn up.
But rumors are just that, rumors. There were rumors Minnesota might give OKC its No. 5 and 16 picks to move up to No. 3. There were rumors Houston wanted Memphis’ No. 2 pick, a rumor Chicago might trade No. 16 and 26 for No. 11 with New Jersey and on and on.
There probably was a grain of truth to many rumors. But in the end, both teams have to like what they’re getting for the rumor to actually become a trade. In Presti’s case, he wanted James Harden.
Some of the rumors were true. Minnesota wanted a second lottery pick and used Mike Miller and Randy Foye to get Washington’s No. 5 pick. The rumor the Wizards wanted veterans not rookies was true. The rumor on Wednesday that Minnesota might keep its No. 5 and 6 picks was true.
But one general manager admitted sometimes his organization on occasion intentionally gives a reporter a “false” rumor just to create a smoke screen and throw other teams off the scent of what their actual plans are. He’s not alone. It’s not just the internet, and reporters who produce rumors, that are bogus. NBA front office executives also play into the equation.
And while we’re on rumors, the rumors that Shaq, Vince Carter and other NBA star players might be traded were dead on. If you believe in other rumors Kirk Hinrich will end up in Portland and Amare Stoudemire probably will be traded.
It’s difficult to separate which rumors have some validity and which ones are bogus. It’s fun for fans and the media to constantly hear what “could” happen. But as we learned on Draft Day a lot of times rumors never come to fruition.
OKC still has Phoenix’s unprotected pick
At the end of the draft, Oklahoma City still owned Phoenix’s unprotected first-round pick next season.
With news that Shaquille O’Neal has been dealt to play with Clevleand and LeBron James, and the Suns might also trade Amare Stoudemire, that pick is looking more and more valuable. If Phoenix winds up rebuilding the Suns should end up giving OKC a lottery pick.
The irony to the unprotected Phoenix pick is there were rumors early in the week that Sam Presti might give Phoenix back its 2010 pick to select Ohio State center B.J. Mullens. Presti still has the pick and Mullens.
Asked late Thursday night if Phoenix’s unprotected pick was ever on the table in trade talks, Presti gave the obligatory “everything is on the table” answer. In other words, teams asked about the pick but in the end Presti felt it wasn’t worth using in this draft.
Still, the fact the rumor was out there was an indication Presti was high on Mullens’ long-term potential. His quotes at the press conference, that he was surprised Mullens was still there at No. 24, is further proof Mullens was on their radar like the rumor suggested.
Mullens probably plays most of next season in the D League. But several times during Thursday’s press conference Presti commented how rare it is to find athletic 7-foot centers. Thunder fans will have to be patient. Mullens might not contribute much for at least one season, maybe two.
If Mullens blossoms just about the time Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are starting to hit their stride in two or three seasons that’s when the Thunder will be a viable playoff threat capable of earning a decent seed.
Turns out there was some truth to the rumor but in the end, Presti kept the pick and still got his man.
Latest Chad Ford comments on Thunder
ESPN’s Chad Ford is as connected as anyone on the NBA.
Ford held a chat Wednesday afternoon. Ford said he expects Minnesota to keep the No. 5 and 6 picks and not trade with Oklahoma City. He predicts the Thunder will take Ricky Rubio. He also had some interesting comments on Sam Presti and the Thunder.
“Sam Presti is like Steve Jobs at Apple,” Ford wrote. “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. Last year EVERYONE had the Thunder drafting Brook Lopez the day before the draft and 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.”
Concerning swapping picks with Phoenix for next year’s unprotected 2010 pick, Ford wrote: “I heard the Thunder likes B.J. Mullens. But again it’s the Thunder. It’s probably Jonas Jerbko.
(Editor’s note: I think Ford was being sarcastic but who knows since that would be way too high for Jerbko who you probably could get at No. 25).
On the Knicks getting Rubio: “What they can do in July is offer David Lee in a sign-and-trade to the Thunder (if they draft Rubio). That might be enough to convince the Thunder to let him go. “
Latest Minnesota rumor
The latest rumor out of Minnesota, according to a source that follows the Timberwolves, is they might want to trade the No. 5 and 18 picks to Oklahoma City for the No. 3 pick. The latest twist is Minnesota’s target is Tyreke Evans, not Ricky Rubio or Hasheem Thabeet.
Sacramento, which picks No. 4, is believed to have Evans at the top of its board. Minnesota might feel compelled to move up to take Evans but doesn’t want to give up the No. 5 and No. 6 picks to Memphis to get Evans since that would be a high price, especially since they also have interest in Rubio and Thabeet.
If Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti were to trade down to No. 5, would Sacramento take Rubio at No. 4? The Kings probably would have no choice. They also might be willing to trade the pick to the Knicks or another team, although those teams don’t have extra draft picks.
If the Thunder does trade down and has the No. 5 pick — and Rubio and Thabeet are both off the board — the question would then become does Presti prefer James Harden or Stephen Curry.
If Rubio were still available at No. 5, what would Presti do, draft and keep Rubio or trade down a second time?
–MB
More draft rumors, three top 18 picks?
One theory floating around is Minnesota, loaded with four first-round picks, might be more apt to trade with Oklahoma City for the No. 3 pick than to trade with Memphis to move up to No. 2.
It makes sense, especially since most believe the Grizzlies won’t take Ricky Rubio for a couple of reasons, one being Rubio doesn’t want to play there.
Minnesota could give the Thunder the No. 5 and No. 18 picks in exchange for OKC’s No. 3. Both teams might still get what they want.
If the Grizzlies select Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2, the Timberwolves could select Ricky Rubio at No. 3. Sacrammento might take Tyereke Evans which would allow Sam Presti to take either James Harden or Stephen Curry, two players Presti reportedly likes and obatin an additional draft pick.
Who knows how it will turn out? After trading Mike Miller and Randy Foye, Minnesota needs perimeter players but there was a report they would love Thabeet to fill out their front line. It could be a smoke screen to force Memphis to take Thabeet. It may be legit.
There also is a report the Thunder likes Rubio and plans to sign him and keep him, not trade him. Seems a little far-fetched but maybe Presti feels Rubio is a special player and will worry about shooting guard and center later in this draft, free agency or next season. Again, it could be a smoke screen or legit.
Combined with the rumor that OKC might be trying to obtain Phoenix’s No. 14 pick in exchange for the Suns unprotected pick for 2010 to try and get B.J. Mullens, there’s no telling what spots the Thunder drafts.
OKC currently has the No. 3 and 25 picks but conceivably could end up with No. 5, No. 14 and No. 18.
Rumors will only heat up all day Wednesday and throughout the day on Thursday. By the end of the day everything could change.
–MB
Another lottery pick?
By Mike Baldwin
ESPN reported late Tuesday night that the Thunder and Phoenix are rumored to be discussing a trade that would give Oklahoma City two lottery picks Thursday night in the draft.
Ready for the punch line. The Suns want their unprotected pick back that Sam Presti stole from them just a few months on the job from the Kurt Thomas trade two years ago.
According to the report, OKC would get Phoenix’s No. 14 pick while the Suns would get the Thunder’s No. 25 pick late in the first round. It went on to say Presti has an eye on using the pick on Ohio State center B.J. Mullens.
Is it a good deal? It depends.
Phoenix might dismantle. The pick Phoenix would get back could be extremely valuable in the 2010 draft, which figures to be much more loaded with star prospects. What if the Suns tear things apart and have a top 10 pick next season?
If the deal is made, who does Presti select with the final lottery pick?
Mullens would be a project. He was a major disappointment last season as a freshman with the Buckeyes. But many scouts feel he has a lot of upside, although it might be two or three years before you could fairly evaluate someone like Mullens.
But what if Presti ends up using the pick to take someone like Pitt’s beast DeJuan Blair, who might contribute immediately, giving the Thunder some much needed inside muscle?
For now, it’s only a rumor. But if Presti does get Phoenix’s pick it’s a sign he’s confident the team is closer to putting all the pieces together, even if he has to wait a year or two to let someone like Mullens develop.
Draft rumors gone wild
Mike Baldwin
In the internet age there is a ton of information. Sometimes too much.
Since Thunder GM Sam Presti never reveals options he’s mulling over even those most connected around the NBA have little information as to what Presti is thinking entering Thursday night’s draft.
One rumor had Thabeet’s camp stating it’s a 100 percent chance OKC will select him if he’s available at No. 3.
For a couple of weeks most reports indicate Sam Presti will select James Harden.
ESPN’s Chad Ford, who as connected as almost anyone in the NBA, predicts Presti will take Rubio if he’s available.
There are reports Presti wouldn’t mind trading the pick if he can accumluate additional assets.
It’s impossible to gague what Presti will do. There’s a good chance Presti himself doesn’t know just over 48 hours from the draft.
It’s quite possible that Presti is still reviewing all his options and will wait until No. 2 Memphis announces its decision — Rubio, Thabeet or trade the pick — before he knows what he will do.
The safe route is to take James Harden. He would give the Thunder a quality shooting guard and proved at the rookie combine he’s more athletic than given credit.
It’s doubtful Presti would select Rubio with the intent of keeping him on the roster. Presti probably would select Rubio and then try to trade the teenage point guard.
Thabeet? He’s the inside force the Thunder lacks. But he’s far from a slam dunk NBA center. Is Presti convinced Thabeet is the rebounder, shot blocker that can make a huge impact defensively?
And what about the rumors Presti is enamored with Stephen Curry? If OKC drafts Curry, or Rubio for that matter, they would be a fun team to watch racing down the floor with a bevy of shooters. But that lineup also would face some lopsided mismatches defensively.
Presti should have several options. He always does his homework. But what Presti does Thursday night is anyone’s guess at this point. No one truly knows. Maybe even Presti himself.
Scouts: OKC should take Thabeet
By Mike Baldwin
If Hasheem Thabeet is available when the Thunder picks No. 3 in the upcoming NBA Draft, it’s a no-brainer for Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti to select the UConn 7-foot-3 center, according to a couple of NBA scouts.
Thabeet’s offensive game is limited. His basketball IQ has come into question. But two scouts said what he brings to the defensive end with his shot blocking and rebounding more than warrant selecting him No. 3 if the Grizzlies don’t select Thabeet.
“He changes games,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “If he doesn’t give you anything on the offensive end he can change the game defensively. There’s not a lot of guys in this draft that can come in with their presence alone who can alter the game.
“I’m not saying he’s as good as Blake Griffin but I think he can alter a game defensively more than Blake Griffin. That’s why (Thabeet) is unique, especially in this draft that has so many point guards.”
Another scout had a similar comment.
“It’s not like he’s a stiff offensively,” the scout said. “He has a couple of signature moves. That’s something he can develop. If he does develop a little offensively, and picks up his intensity a little bit, he could become an All-Star.”
Magic deserves some credit
By Mike Baldwin
Will the Magic become the third team to overcome an 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals? Probably not.
But because Orlando spoiled a Kobe-LeBron final, the Magic hasn’t received proper credit for, pardon the pun, their magical run in this year’s playoffs. They’re a Courtney Lee missed last-second game-winner in Game 2 from being up 2-1 in the Finals.
Orlando is unpredictable, in large part because of its hot and cold 3-point shooting. But if opponents didn’t hit three last-second buzzer beaters the Magic would be 14-6 in the playoffs.
Andre Iguodala (76ers), Big Baby Davis (Celtics) and LeBron James (Cavaliers) all hit the Magic with last-second heartbreaks. On each occasion, Orlando responded to win the series.
Can the Magic do it one last time? Not likely. But Orlando, with as many offensive weapons as any team in the league, can beat anyone when they’re hot. And they swept the Lakers during the regular season.
Orlando will have to win both Games 4 and 5 to have any shot at winning the title. The Magic is a solid road team but no way can they win twice in Los Angeles. Winning once will be difficult enough.
The Lakers should win the series but Orlando could make it interesting. To the victor goes the spoils, but the Magic is one reason the 2009 NBA Playoffs have been one of the more entertaining post-seasons in recent years.
