Oklahoma City Thunder Regular Season 2015-2016 Part 2

[NaturalThunder]

it's so hard to accept that we are barely even an above average team. Presti took the youngest championship contender ever and trashed it. Bad roster moves, bad coaching change, bad everything except drafting.

And what's the point in calling a timeout so that you can have KD dribble for 20 seconds and shoot a three?

This. Surely Donovan didn't say, "alright guys, here's what we're going to do...KD, I know you're struggling tonight, but I want you to stand at the top of the key, hold the ball for 15 seconds, then make a move and score."

I do have a feeling he had something drawn up in the timeout, but Durant played like trash tonight. He played with an abnormally low IQ, passed up good shots to try and force a pass, took terrible shots,and missed open jumpers and chippies.

What's so frustrating is that this team used to be dang near unbeatable in lose games. Yet, this year, this team can't close out close games to save their lives. It's pathetic and highly frustrating.

[spearsy23]

Westbrook is what Wade wishes he developed into.

Also, gotta love Adams' 1970s porn look.

Peak Wade was better than what Russis currently. Not by a ton, but better.

[Bravenewworld]

The new system is amazing. I particularly enjoyed that brilliantly drawn up play by Donovan to get KD that shot with 7 seconds to go. I mean, we wouldn't have wanted to use something simple like the Russ/KD pin down that Scott ran.

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed.
It was a failed and broken play, happens to the best of the best, deal with it. Accept reality.

[bondom34]

it's so hard to accept that we are barely even an above average team. Presti took the youngest championship contender ever and trashed it. Bad roster moves, bad coaching change, bad everything except drafting.

And what's the point in calling a timeout so that you can have KD dribble for 20 seconds and shoot a three?

This. Surely Donovan didn't say, "alright guys, here's what we're going to do...KD, I know you're struggling tonight, but I want you to stand at the top of the key, hold the ball for 15 seconds, then make a move and score."

I do have a feeling he had something drawn up in the timeout, but Durant played like trash tonight. He played with an abnormally low IQ, passed up good shots to try and force a pass, took terrible shots,and missed open jumpers and chippies.

What's so frustrating is that this team used to be dang near unbeatable in lose games. Yet, this year, this team can't close out close games to save their lives. It's pathetic and highly frustrating.

I partially agree, but everything leads to **** coaching. I just had to get out because originally I was OK if they lost, but how they did just pisses me off.

Sorry, but everything leads to bad coaching. Defense is worse, check. Offense the same, check. Rotations questionable (improving but not good), check. And the final play of the game, nothing drawn up to get a good shot I could see led by 2 possessions that were largely worse than Brooks "give it to whoever and go" possessions. Half the fourth was Dion dribble for 20 seconds and shoot a contested jumper, where the living hell is this new shiny offense supposed to be? Sorry, but now I've gone from a little worried, to maybe it is improving, to what the hell did Presti screw up. This team went from a group I thought could compete w/ GSW under Brooks if healthy last year to a quite possible (probable?) first round out. I still think KD hangs around, but man I can see the locker room turn on this coach with this stupidity level.

[spearsy23]

The new system is amazing. I particularly enjoyed that brilliantly drawn up play by Donovan to get KD that shot with 7 seconds to go. I mean, we wouldn't have wanted to use something simple like the Russ/KD pin down that Scott ran.

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed.
It was a failed and broken play, happens to the best of the best, deal with it. Accept reality.

Reality is 11-8. You're the one on fantasy island. What are we doing better underDonovan than under Brooks?

[spearsy23]

it's so hard to accept that we are barely even an above average team. Presti took the youngest championship contender ever and trashed it. Bad roster moves, bad coaching change, bad everything except drafting.

And what's the point in calling a timeout so that you can have KD dribble for 20 seconds and shoot a three?

This. Surely Donovan didn't say, "alright guys, here's what we're going to do...KD, I know you're struggling tonight, but I want you to stand at the top of the key, hold the ball for 15 seconds, then make a move and score."

I do have a feeling he had something drawn up in the timeout, but Durant played like trash tonight. He played with an abnormally low IQ, passed up good shots to try and force a pass, took terrible shots,and missed open jumpers and chippies.

What's so frustrating is that this team used to be dang near unbeatable in lose games. Yet, this year, this team can't close out close games to save their lives. It's pathetic and highly frustrating.

I partially agree, but everything leads to **** coaching. I just had to get out because originally I was OK if they lost, but how they did just pisses me off.

Sorry, but everything leads to bad coaching. Defense is worse, check. Offense the same, check. Rotations questionable (improving but not good), check. And the final play of the game, nothing drawn up to get a good shot I could see led by 2 possessions that were largely worse than Brooks "give it to whoever and go" possessions. Half the fourth was Dion dribble for 20 seconds and shoot a contested jumper, where the living hell is this new shiny offense supposed to be? Sorry, but now I've gone from a little worried, to maybe it is improving, to what the hell did Presti screw up. This team went from a group I thought could compete w/ GSW under Brooks if healthy last year to a quite possible (probable?) first round out. I still think KD hangs around, but man I can see the locker room turn on this coach with this stupidity level.

I still think we win a round. Every team except Golden State has looked mediocre (and SAS, but we've already beat them even with Donovan at his worst, and our athleticism always gives them issues).

Truthfully, I still think we get things turned around. But there is no question that Donovan is not an upgrade and his 'system' has broken more than it has fixed.

[gom]

Hey guys! Sorry if I'm intruding, but I thought the Thunder played really well. We were lucky to catch Durant on a night where he was a mortal. If that 3 point shot swished (like the other a couple minutes before) the result would be different. Both teams played right down to the wire and it could have gone either way. We'll both be better by the playoffs.

Anyway, I just want to wish you luck and may our players stay healthy!

[spearsy23]

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed..

Also, can I get a list of what is okay to criticize? Rotations? Nope. Play calling? Nah. Record? No. Roster moves? Not even.. Dion? Well that's just right out. It's not nit-picking when the coach is literally doing everything worse than his predecessor.

[bondom34]

Hey guys! Sorry if I'm intruding, but I thought the Thunder played really well. We were lucky to catch Durant on a night where he was a mortal. If that 3 point shot swished (like the other a couple minutes before) the result would be different. Both teams played right down to the wire and it could have gone either way. We'll both be better by the playoffs.

Anyway, I just want to wish you luck and may our players stay healthy!

Thanks, but they're screwed. Coach is a **** moron.

And saying that, I rarely ever swear.

[spearsy23]

Hey guys! Sorry if I'm intruding, but I thought the Thunder played really well. We were lucky to catch Durant on a night where he was a mortal. If that 3 point shot swished (like the other a couple minutes before) the result would be different. Both teams played right down to the wire and it could have gone either way. We'll both be better by the playoffs.

Anyway, I just want to wish you luck and may our players stay healthy!

Thanks man, but you would have blown us out if you guys didn't go full Shaq from the free throw line. We just aren't very good right now.

[spearsy23]

Anyone else remember when Serge was the 'most improved player over the summer'? Posting the lowest reb%, ts% and efg% of his career.

[Bravenewworld]

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed..

Also, can I get a list of what is okay to criticize? Rotations? Nope. Play calling? Nah. Record? No. Roster moves? Not even.. Dion? Well that's just right out. It's not nit-picking when the coach is literally doing everything worse than his predecessor.

Criticize whatever you want, just don't be surprised when its called out as hyperbolic nonsense if that is what it is.

Dont run around screaming that the sky is falling and then act like you're just making casual commentaries.

[Bravenewworld]

The new system is amazing. I particularly enjoyed that brilliantly drawn up play by Donovan to get KD that shot with 7 seconds to go. I mean, we wouldn't have wanted to use something simple like the Russ/KD pin down that Scott ran.

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed.
It was a failed and broken play, happens to the best of the best, deal with it. Accept reality.

Reality is 11-8. You're the one on fantasy island. What are we doing better underDonovan than under Brooks?

See, like this.
Since i have been involved with basketball for more then 2 minutes... or don't have a learning disability.
I have no issues giving Donovan time.
So you wont see me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Now, if we get into game 50 and our offense is still questionable, then we definitely have an issue on our hands. But sorry, ive been involved with basketball long enough to know that these things, more often then not, take time. Its as obvious as can be and i expect more from people like you and Bondom..... but you've shown that i shouldn't.

[bondom34]

Yah, lets nit pick tiny things over and over and over. That seems productive and definitely not something we can do with every single team that has ever existed.
It was a failed and broken play, happens to the best of the best, deal with it. Accept reality.

Reality is 11-8. You're the one on fantasy island. What are we doing better underDonovan than under Brooks?

See, like this.
Since i have been involved with basketball for more then 2 minutes... or don't have a learning disability.
I have no issues giving Donovan time.
So you wont see me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Now, if we get into game 50 and our offense is still questionable, then we definitely have an issue on our hands. But sorry, ive been involved with basketball long enough to know that these things, more often then not, take time. Its as obvious as can be and i expect more from people like you and Bondom..... but you've shown that i shouldn't.

Name the last team that started this poorly and won a title without a major midseason roster move. Go, you've been watching basketball longer than us so examples should be aplenty.

[spearsy23]

See, like this.
Since i have been involved with basketball for more then 2 minutes... or don't have a learning disability.
I have no issues giving Donovan time.
So you wont see me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Now, if we get into game 50 and our offense is still questionable, then we definitely have an issue on our hands. But sorry, ive been involved with basketball long enough to know that these things, more often then not, take time. Its as obvious as can be and i expect more from people like you and Bondom..... but you've shown that i shouldn't.

What are we doing better under Donovan than under Brooks?

[Bravenewworld]

Name the last team that started this poorly and won a title without a major midseason roster move. Go, you've been watching basketball longer than us so examples should be aplenty.

I dont even know how to address that as its completely loaded.
I get you want to think its championship or bust, but i dont think it is. Maybe next year, but not this season. And this mentality is the "newer" mentality of "what have you done for me lately" with everything in basketball.... if you're not a 20/10 rookie then you suck. Or if you're not a coach reaching the playoffs year 1... you suck. Patients. Stability is the key to success.

And btw, i have not been watching basketball longer then the rest of you as i do not know your ages. But i do know for over 30 years ive either been watching, playing, coaching and learning from professionals and at least two HOFers.

[spearsy23]

Stability is the key to success.

Do you even know what you're arguing about

[bondom34]

Name the last team that started this poorly and won a title without a major midseason roster move. Go, you've been watching basketball longer than us so examples should be aplenty.

I dont even know how to address that as its completely loaded.
I get you want to think its championship or bust, but i dont think it is. Maybe next year, but not this season. And this mentality is the "newer" mentality of "what have you done for me lately" with everything in basketball.... if you're not a 20/10 rookie then you suck. Or if you're not a coach reaching the playoffs year 1... you suck. Patients. Stability is the key to success.

And btw, i have not been watching basketball longer then the rest of you as i do not know your ages. But i do know for over 30 years ive either been watching, playing, coaching and learning from professionals and at least two HOFers.

Well, pretty sure that is longer, because I'm not old enough and don't think Spearsy is either. But a few things I'd note:

Really don't have a year to just toss out, I hear there's a guy who's a free agent.

You claim to know these things, then refuse to answer straightforward questions.

"Patience" not "patients"

[Bravenewworld]

See, like this.
Since i have been involved with basketball for more then 2 minutes... or don't have a learning disability.
I have no issues giving Donovan time.
So you wont see me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Now, if we get into game 50 and our offense is still questionable, then we definitely have an issue on our hands. But sorry, ive been involved with basketball long enough to know that these things, more often then not, take time. Its as obvious as can be and i expect more from people like you and Bondom..... but you've shown that i shouldn't.

What are we doing better under Donovan than under Brooks?

Depends on what we are running at the time.
We have some sets that have some great ball movement. Our out of timeout plays are ten times what they were with Brooks.
But again, ive said this to you before.
Donovan was brought in because he would run a more organized "give Durant or Westbrook the ball" system that Brooks ran. And again, it will still take time for everyone to get it all down... i mean... how do you not get that? How have you gotten this far in life without figuring out that this is applicable to pretty much everything.

[spearsy23]

And btw, i have not been watching basketball longer then the rest of you as i do not know your ages. But i do know for over 30 years ive either been watching, playing, coaching and learning from professionals and at least two HOFers.

Only about 15 years and one hall of famer here. Despite that, I can still recognize a spade when I see it. Nobody thinks Donovan can't become a solid coach, but that's completely beside the point.