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Im an OKC fan, and have probably seen about 60 of their games this year. We all know Perkins is not really a starting caliber NBA center, and I honestly don't think at this point that he would see minutes at the backup spot on some teams (Miami comes to mind). From what I've seen, Thabeet is more active, finish's better around the rim, is a better shot blocker, and doesn't take stupid shots, like Perkins 15 footers that don't ever get above the rim. What do others think about Thabeet? Collison is clearly better than perk, and I really think Thabeet is as well

So as an OKC fan you'd feel good about going into the playoffs and facing the Lakers in round 1, the Grizzlies in round 2 and the Spurs in the WCF with Hasheem Thabeet guarding Howard, M.Gasol and Duncan?

Thabeet came into training camp with the Thunder as a bit of a punchline, but he has demonstrated a toughness that had always been missing from his game. I think it's safe to say Thabeet has exceeded expectations, but he still fouls a lot on defense. His activity is just as likely take him out of position defensively at this point and neither he nor Perkins are going to get the ball much offensively on this team, ever.

Perkins has an important role on this team, a role I don't think Thabeet is capable of stepping into at this point, but if he continues to gain confidence and experience it will be interesting to see how close he comes to filling the role.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with thabeet going against them, but Im not comfortable with perkins going against them either. He is OK on Howard, will get lit up by gasol and any other big that can shoot a 15 footer. Going small with Collison and bringing thabeet in as an energy guy to commit some fouls would be better than starting with perkins, and having perkins miss a few shots and get called for a few quick fouls. Sure perk plays a role, but he is not very good at that role. If a Dwight Howard led lakers offense can outscore a perkins-less OKC team, hats off to the Lakers.

The Thunder have beaten the Spurs, Lakers and Memphis in the playoffs the last two years with Perkins as the starting center. They've proven they can win with Perkins. It is Perkins who prevents anyone of these teams from totally dominating inside with great efficiency and turning the course of a playoff series.

Collison gives you more in some areas but isn't capable of protecting the paint like Perkins so you give up something as well. With this team that difference is big enough to change the outcome of games.

As awful as Perkins can be at times I don't think Thabeet would be the solution. If anything small ball lineups with Serge at the 5 and KD at the 4 would be more apt I think, although we'd probably get killed on the glass.

I agree, small ball is their most deadly lineup. If they are going to play a center, I think it should be in limited minutes. I just don't see what Perkins does better than Thabeet, and by no means do I think thabeet is a starting caliber center yet. I just hope this perkins fiasco does not go beyond this season and does not cost OKC a shot at the title

Agreed to all, the smaller units definitely seem best. Really hoping that's something that they luck out on in the draft, even if it doesn''t help this yr, someone for next and beyond (still crossing my fingers for porter to fall).

Perkins is better than Thabeet but not worth the price difference of the contracts. Perkins cost 6-7 million more than Thabeet. For a 24 minute role player I'd rather have Thabeet at 1 million vs Perk at 7-8 million.

However, I think Perkins is going to remain on the roster at least until his contract expires. He is useful against "old school bigs" like Howard, Duncan, and the Memphis bigs. When his contract is up Howard and Gasol will be 30, and Duncan will be retired most likely, so there is absolutely no reason to resign him for more than vets minimum.