The missing ingredient to championship

FrostJeremin · Post #1 » by **FrostJeremin** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 4:57 am

The OKC thunder have been considered to be a championship contender for 3 years now but every year u just dont see them winning the chip. Even this season.

I think the main reason isnt about the necessity of a third scorer like harden or martin, but more of defense.

You have probably never heard anyone talking about Durant and Westbrook being great defenders. But lets consider this. Westbrook is arguably the most athletic point guard in the league. With his strength,quickness and explosiveness, he have great potential to be THE top defender in this league. Same with Durant. 6'10, 7'5 wingspan,with such quickness for a forward. If they really give it their all on defense,110% focus, why cant they be the top defenders in the league?

Imagine Durant and Westbrook being the top 1 and 2 defender in the league. With Serge Ibaka and some good defensive role players they can be the best defensive team in the league. Don't forget about Durant and Westbrook's great offensive abiliies!

With a better coach that dont play perkins that much every game, and having the top 1 and 2 defenders in the league in Westbrook and Durant and a good supporting cast i dont see why they need a third scorer to win the championship!

P.C. · Post #2 » by **P.C.** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 7:00 am

What do you think about:

Chi: Noah for
OKC: Perkins/Adams/Lamb

You could add picks or young talent on either side of the equation and the salaries still work out.

Chicago gets: A worse record for this season and a higher draft pick. A shot at a max free agent in two season once Perkins expires. A young talented center who is potentially more of a two way player. A promising young shooting guard.

OKC gets: Win now talent on a reasonable contract. The best defensive and rebounding front court unit in recent memory. A player who can put up ten points a game without needing a play run for him.

Which team says no?

ThunderUp1234 · Post #3 » by **ThunderUp1234** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 7:32 am

P.C. wrote:What do you think about:

Chi: Noah for
OKC: Perkins/Adams/Lamb

You could add picks or young talent on either side of the equation and the salaries still work out.

Chicago gets: A worse record for this season and a higher draft pick. A shot at a max free agent in two season once Perkins expires. A young talented center who is potentially more of a two way player. A promising young shooting guard.

OKC gets: Win now talent on a reasonable contract. The best defensive and rebounding front court unit in recent memory. A player who can put up ten points a game without needing a play run for him.

Which team says no?

OKC, hurts the bench.

And Adams potential is through the roof, he's just extremely raw.

HeartSouloma · Post #4 » by **HeartSouloma** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 7:34 am

P.C. wrote:What do you think about:

Chi: Noah for
OKC: Perkins/Adams/Lamb

You could add picks or young talent on either side of the equation and the salaries still work out.

Chicago gets: A worse record for this season and a higher draft pick. A shot at a max free agent in two season once Perkins expires. A young talented center who is potentially more of a two way player. A promising young shooting guard.

OKC gets: Win now talent on a reasonable contract. The best defensive and rebounding front court unit in recent memory. A player who can put up ten points a game without needing a play run for him.

Which team says no?

Hail no! That's too much to give up for Noah! Plus Noah is not a healthy big, so no thanks....

retrospect05 · Post #5 » by **retrospect05** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 7:58 am

i think they need a better 3 and D guy, someone who can legitimately body up lebron. In saying that i think they can beat anyone currently except Miami

FrostJeremin · Post #6 » by **FrostJeremin** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 8:03 am

retrospect05 wrote:i think they need a better 3 and D guy, someone who can legitimately body up lebron. In saying that i think they can beat anyone currently except Miami

which is why, i say that Westbrook and Durant should improve on the defensive end greatly. They are younger than Miami, i believe if Durant really focus on D, he can contain Lebron with his length. Westbrook should terrorize Chalmers on D or he can guard the older D.Wade, and dont forget they got an additional rim protector in Serge Ibaka

Balkman32 · Post #7 » by **Balkman32** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 2:52 pm

Adams and Lamb will not be traded for a major player. I think they both fit the mold on this team.

Trades in the future will prob be Jackson for picks and Lamb for picks.

Thunderhead · Post #8 » by **Thunderhead** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 4:34 pm

No thanks, Thunder roster is set.

As was said last summer, all improvement will come from internal organic growth.

comingbacktousa · Post #9 » by **comingbacktousa** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 5:45 pm

I don't think OKC is really missing anything. Part of winning it all is luck. Miami last year is the perfect example of that. OKC just didn't have it last year. The team has gotten better since their last finals appearance and win healthy has established itself as being one of the top tier teams. There isn't much that separates the top tier teams so luck comes into play.

In my opinion the most important thing for the Thunder is whether or not the bench can keep their level of play up. Jackson and Lamb are really the key for OKC to win it all. Not only does OKC need to extended leads but going small with both of them, Westbrook, Ibaka, and Durant puts a very dynamic offensively line up on the floor.

Its too early to worry about matching up with another team. There are still 60 games left for each team, one injury changes the dynamics of the playoffs, and no team is the clear favorite either.

BIG EDDIE · Post #10 » by **BIG EDDIE** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 6:24 pm

I really feel that this year could be the Thunders year.
However, we might be lacking a high percentage 3pt shooter.
Durant will get his 3s and lamb is the next best long range shooter.
Besides those two, I dont see too many options. Fish can hit the 3 and so does Thabo if he can find his stroke, but thats rather slim if you compare it with teams like the Spurs or Miami.

Regarding the D, the Thunder have shown that they can step it up and be an elite defensive team. Also the turnovers which are always a concern are usually cut down drastically come playoff time. Only the 3pt shooters are missing...

Balkman32 · Post #11 » by **Balkman32** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 8:02 pm

Is Dequan Cook avail?

Podirk · Post #12 » by **Podirk** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 8:45 pm

Balkman32 wrote:Is Dequan Cook avail?

Whether sarcastic or not he is overseas...not sure if he has a buyout or not.

ThunderUp1234 · Post #13 » by **ThunderUp1234** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 9:26 pm

retrospect05 wrote:i think they need a better 3 and D guy, someone who can legitimately body up lebron. In saying that i think they can beat anyone currently except Miami

Truth be told, no one can body up LeBron, he's a freak.

You just gotta live with him getting his, and limit everyone else.

HeartSouloma · Post #14 » by **HeartSouloma** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 11:18 pm

I agree KD, Sef, Serge, cannot defend Lebron one on one. LBJ completely destroy KD in the post.