Why The Thunder Signed Robert Vaden
Robert Vaden (right) was a a 2009 draft pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
At first glance, today’s signing of Robert Vaden might be a head-scratcher.
But dig deeper into the Thunder’s history and the culture of the organization and the transaction makes much more sense.
Vaden was a 2009 draft pick of Charlotte but was acquired via trade by the Thunder. Perimeter shooting is his specialty. The last two seasons, Vaden has played over in Italy and with the Tulsa 66ers, all while his draft rights remained property of the Thunder. In 45 regular season games with the 66ers this season, Vaden averaged 10.4 points while shooting 39.2 percent from 3-point range, along with 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 28 minutes per game.
The Thunder inked Vaden as the 15th man but kept him with the 66ers by immediately assigning him to Tulsa. The 66ers made the second round of the NBA D-League playoffs, but expect to see Vaden in a Thunder uniform at the conclusion of the D-League playoffs.
It’s unlikely Vaden will find minutes on the Thunder. The team’s rotation is set, and talented players like Nate Robinson are already squeezed out.
So why did the Thunder sign a guy who probably isn’t going to play?
The answer can be found in something rather significant the Thunder is doing — growing from within. Vaden’s signing is the organization’s latest example of its commitment to its current cast of young players. For the Thunder, a laundry list of guys already make up that group. In addition to Vaden, the list includes Byron Mullens, Cole Aldrich, Ryan Reid, Latavious Williams and Tibor Pleiss. Last season, D.J. White and Kyle Weaver also fell into that category.
Vaden’s call-up is further proof that the Thunder rewards hard-working players who have the right attitude and show a commitment to getting better. Aldrich has spent much of his rookie season paying his dues and is currently doing so in Tulsa. Mullens has been on the Turnpike Express as well over the last two seasons. The system might not result in every young player getting called up or put on the permanent roster. But a clear method has been created, and it’s already led to some pretty favorable results.
Quietly, the Thunder-owned 66ers have cranked out tons of talent. The Thunder did the exact same exercise with Mustafa Shakur last season, signing him toward the end of the season for the rest of the year and the playoffs. Shakur is now playing for Washington. Weaver, meanwhile, chipped in during emergency situations last year in between stints developing with the 66ers. Now, Weaver is a member of the Utah Jazz. The 66ers also helped Zabian Dowdell get signed by Phoenix and Larry Owens recently get signed by the Wizards.
The system is working because the Thunder is committed to in-house development.
Don’t be surprised if Vaden, Williams, Reid are all on the Thunder’s training camp roster next fall. It would be another step in the process for each of them to potentially make their NBA dreams come true. And for the Thunder, it would be another chance to groom young guys who might someday be able to contribute valuable minutes in a pinch.
Vaden might not be the sexiest selection as the 15th man. But be careful not to overlook what his signing symbolizes about the continued commitment to the growth and development of players that are in the program.
-DM-
Tony Brothers Swallowing His Whistle
By now, you’ve probably seen highlights of Orlando guard Quentin Richardson shoving Charlotte guard Gerald Henderson in the face late in Wednesday night’s Magic win at Charlotte.
But the most fascinating thing about the altercation wasn’t Richardson’s ridiculously effective two-handed mush. It was the way it was allowed to escalate to that point. Standing no more than two feet from Richardson and Henderson as tempers began to flare was none other than referee Tony Brothers, who of course holds a special place in Thunder fans’ hearts.
In the above video, starting at the 1:07 mark, you can clearly see Brothers taking no control of the situation. As the two square off, Brothers sticks his whistle in his mouth…and then swallows it. He does nothing more than stand there like a boxing ref bringing together two welterweights at the start of the fight. What’s more disturbing is how, at the 1:34 mark, exactly when Matt Winer is providing commentary about how “Henderson is just standing there,” you see Brothers still, well, just standing there…doing nothing.
It’s phenomenal stuff.
Brothers left the brunt of the breaking up of the fight to fellow referee Bennett Salvatore and the players, which included our old friend D.J. White.
Just one of those nights for Brothers. At least this time it didn’t determine the outcome of a game.
-DM-
Thunder Tames Bobcats, Wins Sixth Straight
Nuggets from my notebook from Friday’s 99-82 win over Charlotte.
- Kevin Durant sustained a shoulder injury late in this one when he ran into teammate James Harden. Durant said he’s OK. The team is calling it a shoulder bruise. “It was a quick stinger,” Durant said. “I could have stayed in the game, but I just wanted to be cautious about it. I’ll be all right by tomorrow.”
- As for the game, it was pretty open and shut. The Thunder let the Bobcats hang around a little longer than they probably should have. But in the end, OKC had one of its most impressive stretches of D that we’ve seen all season. It just won’t raise many eyebrows because it came against the Bobcats. Still, the Thunder closed out Charlotte by holding it to empty possessions on 13 of its final 15 possessions. The Bobcats had five turnovers in that eight-minute stretch. Those are really impressive figures, and only now is it becoming commonplace to see the Thunder on the right end of them.
- Serge Ibaka played his tail off doing what he does best — being an energy guy — from start to finish. He had three blocks in the first eight minutes and was an animal on the boards (game-high 13). He added 12 points to secure his ninth double-double of the year. Ibaka finished with five blocks, giving him 23 in his last four games.
- I guess I have to say Ibaka’s man defense on Boris Diaw was awful. Ibaka single-handedly allowed Diaw to join the list of players who’d be All-Stars if they played the Thunder every night. To my knowledge, it includes Tony Allen, Trevor Booker and Matt Bonner. Am I missing anyone?
- On a serious note, I had visions of Jeff Green being out there as I watched Diaw light up Ibaka. Green could have defended Diaw much better on the perimeter and perhaps not have gotten beat off the dribble as easily as Ibaka. Granted, Diaw could have made Green his…in the painted area. Still. Green is gone and it’s all water under the bridge, I know. But that little game within the game illustrated the benefits of having a 4-man as versatile as Green was. It’s not all gravy having Ibaka in that spot.
Five Quick Thoughts On OKC’s Deals
1) I love both deals. In one trade, the Thunder essentially packaged its out of position power forward (who is probably better suited as a sixth man) and its token starting center for a proven championship caliber center who can anchor its defense. In the other deal, OKC dealt spare parts for additional size, shot-blocking, experience and frontcourt depth. And the Thunder did it all without blowing up its budget in the short or long term. That about sums up the day. Yeah, the Thunder came out a huge winner.
2) I hope Perkins is healthy. The team’s medical staff already has pored over the particulars in Perkins’ history. No red flags were raised during that process, which ultimately paved the way for the Thunder to agree to the deal. Perkins must now pass a physical, and his knees will be the biggest question marks. Perk missed this season’s first 43 games after tearing the MCL and PCL in his knee in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. And he is currently sidelined for at least a week with a sprained MCL in his left knee. If even the slightest sign of something fishy appears during the physical process, we could see the Thunder rescind the deal. I highly doubt that happens. But Thunder general manager Sam Presti has proven in the past (see Tyson Chandler) that he listens to and trusts his medical staff. He’d nix this deal as well if need be. All indications, however, are that the Thunder organization believes Perkins is good to go and ready to be a cornerstone in OKC.
3) The Thunder just got tough. How many teams will want to to pick on a starting frontline of Perkins and Serge Ibaka? The answer is zero. The Thunder won’t be bullied by anyone. Not now. Not in the playoffs. For 2 1/2 seasons, the Thunder has been more of a finesse team. But both of today’s deals add more force and fire. Russell Westbrook is as tough as a point guard as you’ll find (ask Jermaine O’Neal), and Nick Collison and Nazr Mohammed have much-needed meanness as well. Perk and Mohammed are a match made in heaven for the Thunder.
4) Don’t underestimate Nate Robinson. It’s easy to look at him as a throw in. Don’t. Robinson has value. And lots of it. Whether he matters in Oklahoma City, though, will all depend on Scott Brooks. If Brooks gives Robinson minutes, he could be a serious spark plug. He scores in bunches and poses problems for defenses. He might be small. But he’s quick, he’s strong and he can shoot. Robinson can also get to the rack. So forget about where he plays. What’s important is that he plays. He’s a point guard but can slide over and steal minutes at the 2 in some situations, or all0w Westbrook to move over at times. Robinson might not fit in OKC long term. But my eyes are locked strictly on this year’s postseason. A scorer like Robinson who can heat up in a hurry is never a bad thing to have coming off your bench. It’s players like Robinson who can steal a game in a series. Just go back and look at Game 4 of last year’s Finals.
5) Say hello to better defense. You’re tired of seeing it. I’m tired of writing about it. The Thunder’s defense just hasn’t been as good this year as it was last season. At least not consistently. Perkins and Ibaka could be great together. They present ideal size and a perfect blend of bulk and athleticism. Perk is an exceptional position defender. Ibaka is a great shot-blocker who’s at his best when helping off his man. Together, they should shore up the team’s D while making everyone else in front of them better. Now, the Thunder can rely less on helping the post, either on post-ups or penetration, and stay at home more on shooters. It should have a trickle down effect that leads to better 3-point defense.
-DM-
Thunder 111, Clippers 88
News, notes and observations from Tuesday’s win over the Clippers.
- The most significant thing of the night had nothing to do with anything on the court. The most intriguing action surfaced following multiple reports that claim the Thunder is actively searching for a center as Thursday’s trade deadline approaches. Denver’s Nene was at the center of the reports Tuesday, and the Thunder was linked to Memphis shot-blocker Hasheem Thabeet as well. I haven’t heard anything that suggests the Thunder is close to a deal for either player, and my feeling is what’s being reported is snippets of standard conversations. It’s no secret that the Thunder needs improved inside play so the organization is going to be linked to just about every player over 6-9. And the front office would be crazy to not be taking and making calls. So none of the reports come as a surprise. I’ve written that the Thunder has the assets to get a deal done. But I wouldn’t hold my breath for any sort of blockbuster.
- Now to the game. This is what the Thunder is supposed to do to bad teams. Lost in all the Blake Griffin hype was the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers are still the Clippers. They’re 15 games below .500, and the Thunder walked over them like the bottom feeder that they are. Very encouraging result, especially when combined with the Sacramento massacre just before the break.
- The real test comes Wednesday at San Antonio. Starting with the Spurs, and continuing in Orlando on Friday and back here against the L.A. Lakers on Sunday, we’ll get a true sense of where this Thunder team is in this home stretch.
- A huge key in the win tonight was the play of the Thunder’s role players. Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison, James Harden, Eric Maynor and Daequan Cook all stepped up in a big way to overcome a poor shooting night from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Each guy chipped in something and made an impact.
- Who would have guessed Durant and Westbrook would combine for 34 points on 32 shots and Green and Harden would combined for 41 points on 23 shots? Not me.
- Give Green credit for this one. He started off in foul trouble but shook off those early struggles and bounced back with a nice offensive performance. What stood out early on is how Green was making the most out of garbage. He found ways to score and capitalized on opportunities when the ball was swung his direction. Classic game for the man known as Uncle Jeff.
- I thought Harden was exceptional tonight. Not perfect, but exceptional. He had only one assist (a beautiful drive and dish to Durant), but his playmaking was better than the assist column gave him credit for. At times, he made the pass that led to the assist. And his shooting touch was on target tonight. He was aggressive unlike he usually is, and his 12 shots tied Green for the second most tonight. More of this type of effort would be welcomed, I’m sure.
How Do You Get Out Of A Slump?
Thunder forward Jeff Green is averaging just 11.4 points on 39 percent shooting in January.
Just about every Thunder player has experienced some form of a slump this season.
Some of their slumps were snapped after a few games. Some have lingered for weeks.
But the key to being a good pro is finding a way to work your way out of a funk or, at the very least, contribute in other areas while mired in one. What have Thunder players historically done to snap a slump? That’s the focus of today’s question of the day.
How do you get out of a slump?
NICK COLLISON
Focus less on your shots and more about how you can get yourself in position to make a better shot, like running your man off a screen harder or setting your man up harder if you’re a perimeter player. If you’re a big guy and can set a good screen or roll harder, then you’re going to find yourself more open and in a better situation. Simplifying what you’re thinking of helps. I’ve had stretches where I’ve played really bad at times and it does where on you sometimes. Sometimes it’s better to get away from it all. The worst thing you can do is beat yourself up when you’re away from the court thinking about negative thoughts.
D.J. WHITE
The best way to work out of it is not to over think. Just continue to do whatever you do and shots will fall. I’ve been in shooting slumps before, and what I did to handle it was just get in the gym, get up extra shots and not over think. I’ve prayed, too (laughs). I know you’re supposed to pray all the time. But I’ve picked it up because of slumps.
KEVIN DURANT
Coming in and getting extra shots and pushing myself past the limit has always helped me get out of those slumps. Being confident and not getting down helps. It’s hard. I lose sleep over it. This is my life. I eat, sleep and breathe basketball. I just try to take my mind off of it by watching movies and playing video games. Not looking at Twitter and Facebook. Just shutting everything off and being myself and going back to being the kid I was when I was younger. Thinking about stuff like that helps me.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK
You got to continue to do what you were doing before the slump. You still got to stay consistent. I talk to my family after every game and they let me know what I need to do. Whether I’m playing good or not, they’re always telling me what I need to do or how I can get better.
-DM-
Thunder 103, Hawks 94
Nuggets from my notebook from Friday’s win over Atlanta.
- There was a quick glimpse of Thunder U just before tip-off. With the Thunder unveiling a new pre-game introduction video, James Harden, Eric Maynor and D.J. White stood shoulder to shoulder with their arms around each others neck as they stared up at the big screen. I thought that said a lot.
- Jeff Green got off to a great start. With Marvin Williams out, the Hawks started center Jason Collins instead of another wing player. That left Nenad Krstic to defend Collins and Green matched up with Al Horford. And that’s when Green’s value offensively really showed. Green sucked Horford out to the perimeter and drained jumper after jumper. It was a complete mismatch. Green even held his own on Horford defensively in the first quarter…Then the wheels fell off and foul trouble limited Green to 20 minutes. He didn’t score again after the first quarter.
- Harden is here, folks. Is he here to stay is the question. Tonight, he was huge. He shot the ball with confidence and absolutely no hesitation. He finished December averaging 14 points on better than 45 percent shooting.
- Josh Smith is a lot bigger than I remember. The guy is thick. I can’t imagine how tough of a cover he is for opponents. He’s skilled enough to take you outside and wide enough to have his way inside. There was a possession in the first half when I actually felt bad for Nick Collison trying to defend Smith out at the 3-point line. That was an impossible cover for Collison.
- Smith’s poster dunk on Serge Ibaka midway through the second quarter made me stop what I was doing for about three possessions and try to wrap my mind around what I had just witnessed. Smith is one of the highest fliers in the league. But he was clearly jacked to flush one on Ibaka. That tells me that Ibaka’s name is ringing out throughout the league. He’s sixth in the NBA in blocks per game with 2.21, but Smith’s reaction proves people outside of Oklahoma City are starting to know about it.
Thunder 102, Kings 87
Nuggets from my notebook from Friday’s win over Sacramento.
- The Kings were the first of five straight teams that the Thunder had not yet faced. And early on, this one was like a boxing match where both teams spend the first few rounds feeling each other out. Neither team could establish a rhythm in the first quarter, and it led to some pretty ugly basketball. The Thunder had four turnovers in the quarter and didn’t play particularly good defense.
- But with the Thunder’s offense stuck in mud in the first period, Eric Maynor came off the bench and ignited his team with precision passing. Maynor controlled the pace and dished out some beautiful dimes to get his guys going. He had five assists in six minutes and turned the tide in this one.
- When Maynor first came in, the Thunder trailed 20-17. When he sat, the Thundehad r led 35-27. That’s one instance where I’m a firm believer in plus-minus. You had to watch the game to see what kind of hand he had in this one.
- Nick Collison was better than he’s been all season. He scored a season-high 12 points, getting most of his baskets off hustle plays and pretty feeds from Maynor. And he rebounded aggressively like it was indeed a critical key to the game that Scott Brooks told his players it would be.
- James Harden again showed some nice assertiveness. He had a nice two-dribble pull-up just before the first-quarter buzzer, buried a 3 without hesitation early in the second and followed that with another aggressive drive to the hoop. Unfortunately for Harden, things dried up pretty quickly. After making two of his first four shots, Harden missed his next five. Even his free throws (4-for-6 tonight) bounced short and in and out. Tough night for him offensively after his nice early start. But Brooks praised him after the game for doing other things with passion.
- Harden had yet another near poster dunk. The guy is starting to threaten to make you jump out of your seat on at least one occasion every night.
- Thunder fans might consider sending Kings coach Paul Westphal a Christmas card for playing Carl Landry only 24 minutes, just 12 of them coming in the first three quarters. Apparently, Westphal didn’t know that Landry averaged 19.8 points and 8.5 rebounds against the Thunder over four games last season.
Getting Better Every Day
By now, you’ve read and heard the cliche.
The Thunder’s motto is to get better every day.
But lately, that theme has been seen on the practice court inside the Thunder’s training facility.
Thabo Sefolosha has joined Kevin Durant and Jeff Green of late at one goal to drill on individual moves. The three of them go through various shooting drills with assistant coaches Brian Keefe and Rex Kalamian.
“We’re just trying to expand our games, trying to get better each day,” Green said. “Trying to not come with the same thing every day. Make the opposing defense have to respect our one-on-one game.”
At another goal, big men Cole Aldrich, Byron Mullens, Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka and D.J. White rotated in and out to face each other in a one-on-one low-post drill. It created some entertaining moments, with Collison dunking on a player whose name I won’t mention. More importantly, you could see the work sharpening skills.
“It helps us out a lot, just to keep our game refreshed,” White said. “Whenever it’s called upon us to score on the low block, we want to be ready. Just competing against each other and trying to get each other better.”
- Nenad Krstic took stand-still jumpers today. Over the past few days, he’s been confined to light work on a treadmill. But today’s sighting has to be seen as progress as he works his way back from a back injury.
- I spoke with White today about his shooting. It’s seemed to me that he either is hesitant to pull the trigger when he gets some playing time or he doesn’t feel he has the green light that others do. White said that’s not the case and added that he’s looking to do whatever is asked of him on any given night. “Sometimes, you get into the game, you touch the ball and you don’t want to shoot it your first time. You want to work it around. But I feel confident. I missed a couple the past couple of games, but that happens to shooters.”
- If White gets more playing time Friday against Sacramento, he’ll face some familiar foes. White and Kings rookie DeMarcus Cousins are both from Alabama. White remembers when, during his sophomore year at Indiana, Cousins made visit to IU. “He’s a great young player,” White said. “I watched him all last year at Kentucky, and this year he’s doing well. He’s a very talented player so he’s going to be someone we’ll try to key on tomorrow night.” White also knows Kings forward Carl Landry quite well from their Big Ten days. Landry was a bruiser for Purdue. “Me and Carl had some great rivalries,” White said. “I think I got the best of the matchup because we won. But me and Carl battled for a couple of years. He’s a great player as well.”
- Green was asked about his ankle today, whether it’s something that continues to warrant treatment after causing him to miss seven games this season, or if it can fully heal during the season. “I don’t know,” Green said. “But it’s been feeling great these past couple of games. I haven’t even been thinking about it so that’s a plus.”
- Green also responded to a question about the difference between this season and last season for him individually by saying he’s getting to the free throw line. “I’m not settling for jump shots,” Green said. “The games I’ve been getting to the free throw line a lot, I’ve had semi big games.”
- 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.
-DM-
Thunder 117, Rockets 105
Nuggets from my notebook from Wednesday’s win over Houston.
- On the day I wrote about the Thunder’s inability to control opposing teams on the offensive glass, the Thunder started the game out-rebounding Houston 9-0. It led to a quick 7-0 Thunder advantage in second-chance points. The Thunder stuck with that theme from start to finish, eventually winning the rebound game 41-28. Unlike the last meeting at Houston, OKC never let the Rockets set the tone by controlling the boards. Huge factor in tonight’s win.
- Kevin Durant is back. Say goodbye to his slow start and his inexplicable shooting struggles. Durant had a game-high 32 tonight, and he got there on 12-of-18 shooting. That’s now seven straight games that Durant has scored 25 points or more. Shall we start the official count? I think so. Can he top last year’s mark of 29 straight games?
- This was a great team victory. So many players played well. Jeff Green’s shooting, passing and hustle were great. Russell Westbrook played within himself throughout most of the game and showed maturity in being able to let the offense run itself rather than forcing himself to be the only facilitator. It seemed like everything in Thabo Sefolosha’s final line of 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots were difference-makers. And Eric Maynor, D.J. White and Nick Collison all made timely plays in limited minutes.
- The player of the game, though, has to be James Harden. Harden started his night with a 3-pointer, then he followed that with another strong driving dunk. Right then, you knew his confidence has fully recovered from whatever happened to it at the start of this season. Eight of Harden’s 16 points off the bench came in the first half and either ended a Rockets’ run or brought the Thunder back to a tie. You can officially add Harden to the list of players who are heating up. In eight December games, Harden is now averaging 13.8 points, three rebounds and 2.6 assists.
- There wasn’t much in this one to shake your head at. The Thunder did a terrible job of playing defense without fouling in the first quarter. And OKC had 10 first-half turnovers that led to 13 Rockets points and helped Houston stay in it. Other than that, it was an extremely well-played game from a team standpoint.
