Steven Adams

[Buffjones]

Hey, Just wanted to here what everyone thinks of this guy.

~ Should Brooks be playing him more ?
~ Will he be a legit All-Star one day ?
~ Could he be better than Ibaka in 2 years ? 3 years?
~ What does he need to work on?

THUNDER UP

[bondom34]

Just my 2 cents but:

1. I think for now the minutes are about right, but soon will increase. We saw Perk's value a few times this year as a starter, and it seemed earlier when Adams started he didn't fit as well with that group as with the bench. He's been splitting minutes w/ Perk lately, which I think is OK for no.

2/3. Maybe? I don't like to be indecisive, but all star bigs are tough to call, especially this soon. He's only half a season in, so its definitely possible. He's shown to be a solid force on D, and with improvements on the other end, his ceiling is really high. He was supposedly really raw out of college, and has exceeded expectations so far, so I could see him being an all star. That being said, Ibaka's not an all star, and as an overall player I don't know how to project him relative to Serge. It's possible that he's not as good as Ibaka, but is an all star based on position.

4. 2 points to work on that really stand out now are more poiish and skill in his offensive game, particularly ball handling/short range jump shots and the fouling issues. He's already more skilled than Perk, but that isn't saying much, but with a little work could be really really awesome. The fouls show he's aggressive on D, but he's averaging 6.5 per 36 minutes, so they really need to drop, which I'd expect as he learns.

[bbms]

1 - Thunder don't need him on court. We are one of the best teams in terms of FG% against at the rim, and we are finally a good rebounding team. Playing him more would instantly skyrocket his value, which is not something OKC wants. It is perfect for the Thunder to give him a run only when he's ready to take over the position. 18 mpg seems the most Thunder can give.

2 - I don't know. Thunder doesn't need him to be. Thunder needs in order of importance from our center: to play defense, to be a rebounding force and last, to have an effective skillset that doesn't overlap with Westbrook/Durant (perfect scenario: potentialize WB/Dur abilities, like a high post passing). He's on his way to be exactly what the Thunder needs to be. Someone between Noah and Asik.

3 - Yes. Ibaka doesn't have an outstanding rebounding, his offensive game is somewhat limited and his defense is improving but still arguably unidimensional. Ibaka is what I call "creme de la creme" of roleplayers.

4 - Help defense, rebounding, free throws, passing, ball handling and mid range jumper. He's already good for a rookie in some areas, but doesn't mean he doesn't have to work on. In that order.

[theokie]

It looks like hell be significantly better than what Perkins has been over the last couple of years. HIs minutes are fine for now, but I wouldnt mind seeing him get a little more time. I doubt hell ever be as complete of a player as Ibaka and really doubt hell ever be an all-star, but as long as he's a competent rebound, defender, and finisher at the rim I will be thrilled.

[Buffjones]

From what i've seen out of Adams, he's 10 times better than perkins.

Now i agree that Perk should start, but i don't agree with limiting Adams to just 18 mins a game.....

You dont win the NBA championship now... you win it in May, so why not give Adams some decent court time now, because the thunder will need him if they want to win it all.
Perkins makes DUMB plays when the balls in his hand !!

Per 48 Mins.... Adams 12.11 points, 13.84 Rebs, 2.95 blks, 2.75 tov
Per 48 Mins.... Perkins 7.17 Points, 10.30 Rebs, 1.47 blks, 3.49 tov

Adams has better stats over perkins in every category except Assists and Fouls.

I've said it since Adams started in Pitt, he could be as good (if not better) than Tyson Chandler

[GREENE1148]

1 - Thunder don't need him on court. We are one of the best teams in terms of FG% against at the rim, and we are finally a good rebounding team. Playing him more would instantly skyrocket his value, which is not something OKC wants. It is perfect for the Thunder to give him a run only when he's ready to take over the position. 18 mpg seems the most Thunder can give.

2 - I don't know. Thunder doesn't need him to be. Thunder needs in order of importance from our center: to play defense, to be a rebounding force and last, to have an effective skillset that doesn't overlap with Westbrook/Durant (perfect scenario: potentialize WB/Dur abilities, like a high post passing). He's on his way to be exactly what the Thunder needs to be. Someone between Noah and Asik.

3 - Yes. Ibaka doesn't have an outstanding rebounding, his offensive game is somewhat limited and his defense is improving but still arguably unidimensional. Ibaka is what I call "creme de la creme" of roleplayers.

4 - Help defense, rebounding, free throws, passing, ball handling and mid range jumper. He's already good for a rookie in some areas, but doesn't mean he doesn't have to work on. In that order.

With your points in no. 1, I don't think we're the best rebounding team in the NBA without Adams... with him on the floor we are grabbing 55.9% of rebounds, Adams on the bench, it falls to 51.8%... Whereas with Perkins on we only get 49.8% of rebounds... (and 55.1% with him on the bench)

[Thunderhead]

1 - Thunder don't need him on court. We are one of the best teams in terms of FG% against at the rim, and we are finally a good rebounding team. Playing him more would instantly skyrocket his value, which is not something OKC wants. It is perfect for the Thunder to give him a run only when he's ready to take over the position. 18 mpg seems the most Thunder can give.

2 - I don't know. Thunder doesn't need him to be. Thunder needs in order of importance from our center: to play defense, to be a rebounding force and last, to have an effective skillset that doesn't overlap with Westbrook/Durant (perfect scenario: potentialize WB/Dur abilities, like a high post passing). He's on his way to be exactly what the Thunder needs to be. Someone between Noah and Asik.

3 - Yes. Ibaka doesn't have an outstanding rebounding, his offensive game is somewhat limited and his defense is improving but still arguably unidimensional. Ibaka is what I call "creme de la creme" of roleplayers.

4 - Help defense, rebounding, free throws, passing, ball handling and mid range jumper. He's already good for a rookie in some areas, but doesn't mean he doesn't have to work on. In that order.

With your points in no. 1, I don't think we're the best rebounding team in the NBA without Adams... with him on the floor we are grabbing 55.9% of rebounds, Adams on the bench, it falls to 51.8%... Whereas with Perkins on we only get 49.8% of rebounds... (and 55.1% with him on the bench)

Thunder are top rebounding team in NBA, because of KD and Russell .

A 6-10 or 6-11 SF and a crazy freakishly athletic PG that both get double digit rebounds regularly. Not many other teams have that combo, if any.

[bbms]

Objectively: Thunder is a good rebounding team. Could be better? Yes, we could. At all costs? I don't think so. Managing Adams value to keep it low for when he's about to extend is more valuable than taking 2 or 3 percent more available rebounds imo.

Also, team numbers when Perkins is in are becoming less and less relevant since his minutes are less and less frequent. Dude is averaging just 19 minutes per game.

[Devilanche]

nobody has said communications on defence? or getting more familiar with our defensive set?

[Buffjones]

Damn shame Adams tweaked his ankle, He was on pace for a SURE double double game !

And whats up with Perkins fouling Love at the end. I thought rookies were suppose to make idiotic plays like that, not 10 year vets !

[bondom34]

Damn shame Adams tweaked his ankle, He was on pace for a SURE double double game !

And whats up with Perkins fouling Love at the end. I thought rookies were suppose to make idiotic plays like that, not 10 year vets !

I honestly laughed when I saw Perk jog onto the court for that play, I had a bad feeling!

[wizkid27]

Damn shame Adams tweaked his ankle, He was on pace for a SURE double double game !

And whats up with Perkins fouling Love at the end. I thought rookies were suppose to make idiotic plays like that, not 10 year vets !

I honestly laughed when I saw Perk jog onto the court for that play, I had a bad feeling!

To compound the amusement (I think I heard him correctly...) but Brian Davis said tonight (no sarcasm) that Perkins played a great 2 seconds of basketball getting out to defend Love on the three despite the foul. Can anyone that was watching the Thunder vs Celtics game confirm/deny that is what he said?

[bondom34]

Damn shame Adams tweaked his ankle, He was on pace for a SURE double double game !

And whats up with Perkins fouling Love at the end. I thought rookies were suppose to make idiotic plays like that, not 10 year vets !

I honestly laughed when I saw Perk jog onto the court for that play, I had a bad feeling!

To compound the amusement (I think I heard him correctly...) but Brian Davis said tonight (no sarcasm) that Perkins played a great 2 seconds of basketball getting out to defend Love on the three despite the foul. Can anyone that was watching the Thunder vs Celtics game confirm/deny that is what he said?

I missed it if he did, but hope its true

[Grits n Gravy]

Objectively: Thunder is a good rebounding team. Could be better? Yes, we could. At all costs? I don't think so. Managing Adams value to keep it low for when he's about to extend is more valuable than taking 2 or 3 percent more available rebounds imo.

Also, team numbers when Perkins is in are becoming less and less relevant since his minutes are less and less frequent. Dude is averaging just 19 minutes per game.

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong but you're not seriously suggesting it's better to keep Steve on the bench because in 3 and a half years he'll need a new contract. Again I hope I'm just reading this wrong because that would be beyond ridiculous.

[bbms]

Objectively: Thunder is a good rebounding team. Could be better? Yes, we could. At all costs? I don't think so. Managing Adams value to keep it low for when he's about to extend is more valuable than taking 2 or 3 percent more available rebounds imo.

Also, team numbers when Perkins is in are becoming less and less relevant since his minutes are less and less frequent. Dude is averaging just 19 minutes per game.

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong but you're not seriously suggesting it's better to keep Steve on the bench because in 3 and a half years he'll need a new contract. Again I hope I'm just reading this wrong because that would be beyond ridiculous.

Gotta take in context: 3 years as starter can give you better bargaining power than 1 year as starter. Let Adams start for 3 straight seasons, and he'll ask for Joakim Noah/Ty Chandler/Marc Gasol type of deal.

[spearsy23]

Objectively: Thunder is a good rebounding team. Could be better? Yes, we could. At all costs? I don't think so. Managing Adams value to keep it low for when he's about to extend is more valuable than taking 2 or 3 percent more available rebounds imo.

Also, team numbers when Perkins is in are becoming less and less relevant since his minutes are less and less frequent. Dude is averaging just 19 minutes per game.

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong but you're not seriously suggesting it's better to keep Steve on the bench because in 3 and a half years he'll need a new contract. Again I hope I'm just reading this wrong because that would be beyond ridiculous.

Gotta take in context: 3 years as starter can give you better bargaining power than 1 year as starter. Let Adams start for 3 straight seasons, and he'll ask for Joakim Noah/Ty Chandler/Marc Gasol type of deal.

And if he's playing like Noah or gasol we'll have a championship....

[GREENE1148]

At the time of the reply, I was absolutely dumbfounded by the suggestion that limiting Adams' minutes would lower his value, but I had decided not to waste my time with responding to it, it's gotten the better of me, so here goes...

Omer Asik started 5 games in his career before Morey threw 3yrs/$25mil at him, he'd averaged 2.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career, whilst shooting below 50% from the free throw line... He was also 26 years old when he was signed to the deal, so his development was pretty much finished... And a savvy NBA GM had no problem giving him over $8mil per year...

Adams at this point (30 games into his career) is averaging 4.1ppg and 4.4rpg... (68.6% at the free throw line), he's 20 years old, so it's a safe bet to say his production will be much improved in 3 years time, when he's due for an extension. So regardless of how much you limit his minutes (and restrict the Thunders chance of winning games), somebody is going to be willing to pay the guy big $$$ by 2017. Aren't we better off getting maximum value out of his rookie deal (4yrs/$9.5mil odd), and having a great asset, whether it be as a trade piece in the future, or as a guy we can resign as a franchise center, and giving us the best possible situation to retain our key free agents in KD/Russ?

Basically, the point is, big men in the NBA get paid very handsomely, limiting Adams' minutes isn't going to prevent this, as teams are willing to look past per game stats in todays NBA... in all likelihood, it would probably only make him want to sign elsewhere...

[wizkid27]

At the time of the reply, I was absolutely dumbfounded by the suggestion that limiting Adams' minutes would lower his value, but I had decided not to waste my time with responding to it, it's gotten the better of me, so here goes...

Omer Asik started 5 games in his career before Morey threw 3yrs/$25mil at him, he'd averaged 2.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career, whilst shooting below 50% from the free throw line... He was also 26 years old when he was signed to the deal, so his development was pretty much finished...

Adams at this point (30 games into his career) is averaging 4.1ppg and 4.4rpg... (68.6% at the free throw line), he's 20 years old, so it's a safe bet to say his production will be much improved in 3 years time, when he's due for an extension. So regardless of how much you limit his minutes (and restrict the Thunders chance of winning games), somebody is going to be willing to pay the guy big $$$ by 2017. Aren't we better off getting maximum value out of his rookie deal (4yrs/$9.5mil odd), and having a great asset, whether it be as a trade piece in the future, or as a guy we can resign as a franchise center, and giving us the best possible situation to retain our key free agents in KD/Russ?

Another perspective that seems to get overlooked is that players at least generally have an idea of how an organization treats its players. This suggestion is akin to not giving any employees promotions because they would look more valuable to external competition. A lot of companies choose to employ this type of logic, and in the end, all of their talented employees walk out the door and they aren't able to attract any new (good) ones.

[GREENE1148]

At the time of the reply, I was absolutely dumbfounded by the suggestion that limiting Adams' minutes would lower his value, but I had decided not to waste my time with responding to it, it's gotten the better of me, so here goes...

Omer Asik started 5 games in his career before Morey threw 3yrs/$25mil at him, he'd averaged 2.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career, whilst shooting below 50% from the free throw line... He was also 26 years old when he was signed to the deal, so his development was pretty much finished...

Adams at this point (30 games into his career) is averaging 4.1ppg and 4.4rpg... (68.6% at the free throw line), he's 20 years old, so it's a safe bet to say his production will be much improved in 3 years time, when he's due for an extension. So regardless of how much you limit his minutes (and restrict the Thunders chance of winning games), somebody is going to be willing to pay the guy big $$$ by 2017. Aren't we better off getting maximum value out of his rookie deal (4yrs/$9.5mil odd), and having a great asset, whether it be as a trade piece in the future, or as a guy we can resign as a franchise center, and giving us the best possible situation to retain our key free agents in KD/Russ?

Another perspective that seems to get overlooked is that players at least generally have an idea of how an organization treats its players. This suggestion is akin to not giving any employees promotions because they would look more valuable to external competition. A lot of companies choose to employ this type of logic, and in the end, all of their talented employees walk out the door and they aren't able to attract any new (good) ones.

Exactly, I was editing my post when you commented this lol, but we're on exactly the same page! I'd imagine trying to screw over a guy who's with Wasserman Media Group (the biggest agency in basketball) wouldn't exactly be the greatest business decision...