Comments on: Getting Better Every Day

By: MartzMimic

MartzMimic — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:29:13 +0000

@DM
I agree, and would hope Cole and Byron get some playing time this season beyond trash time.

By: Carey

Carey — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:20:03 +0000

Hey DM, with Tibor Pleiss and Latavious Williams future rotation potential, and guys like Elijah Milsap, Jerome Dyson, Ryan Reid and Tweety Carter to maybe make the end of the roster in coming years do you see a scenerio where the Thunder never dabble to heavy into free agency?

By: Darnell Mayberry

Darnell Mayberry — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:07:44 +0000

MM, I just don’t see Curly being back. Ibaka, Aldrich and Mullens need more playing time, and Krstic has reached his ceiling. Add to that, he’s dealing with a back injury now. And we all know those things can linger for years. I agree that he’s being paid peanuts compared to starting centers. But unless he’s willing to take less money and a lesser role, his time could be up. Just my opinion, but I think it’s time to push the pace on the young guys no matter what.

By: Darnell Mayberry

Darnell Mayberry — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:04:09 +0000

Todd, I think D.J. has progressed extremely well. I was concerned about him being lost in the shuffle coming into this season. But a few injuries helped to give him an opportunity to showcase his development. He’s done well and has gotten better at both ends. I still question where he fits long term. But he does have value. I can say the same exact thing about Mullens. If Mullens develops into a player that gives the Thunder 15-20 good minutes a night, I think he’s worth the wait. It’s hard to say that he’ll be the answer, though, at this point. -DM-

By: MartzMimic

MartzMimic — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:41:17 +0000

(Bah!! Didn’t meant to hit the button)
Krstic may not be the best center in the world, but he deserves more credit than he gets. As is, he really is making backup money. I know they’ve already extended Nick and they certainly need a better starter, but neither should they cast Krstic adrift without knowing they have someone better ready to step in.

By: MartzMimic

MartzMimic — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:37:39 +0000

Kind of a follow-on to Todd’s question: With Krstic’s contract expiring, don’t Mullens and Aldrich need a little burn at some point? Maybe not so much to see if they’re “ready,” but whether or not they should offer something to Curly?

Krstic

By: Friday Bolts – 12.17.10 | Daily Thunder.com

Friday Bolts – 12.17.10 | Daily Thunder.com — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:53:56 +0000

[...] Darnell Mayberry with some notes from practice yesterday: “Keep an eye on Russell Westbrook if ever the Thunder has a chance to throw up a halfcourt shot to beat a quarter buzzer. Westbrook and Mo Peterson have been flinging halfcourt heaves after practice the last few sessions, and Westbrook has buried them with surprising consistency.” [...]

By: 12/17 Daily Links « OKC ThunderDome

12/17 Daily Links « OKC ThunderDome — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:44:56 +0000

[...] writes how the team takes a “getting better every day” approach. For a young team with players that aren’t even remotely close to being at their [...]

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:25:26 +0000

Always enjoy your articles, Darnell.

What’s your take on D.J. White’s long-term prospects with the team at this point? And what do you think of Mullens development so far? It seems like he’s made some pretty good strides since last year. Do you think he has a chance to be the team’s long-term answer at center?