Who do you expect to under perform?

[basketballRob]

Orlando is going to be a good defensive team but you do have to wonder where all the offense is going to come from.

I keep reading this (not harping on you motown) and I have to question this assumption.

They have some added defensive players at the rim, but the remaining players don't know how to play defense and will have to be taught, and some of their players are terrible defensively.

They have a long, long way to go before I make any assumption on that team and all its crazy pieces.

I think Vogel can put it all together, he's the best defensive coach we've ever had in Orlando.


Aaron Gordon has always been known for his defense, Payton was the defensive college poy, and Fournier is a fighter. I think we're at the very least a top 10 defensive team with plenty of cap flexibility to add a player or wait and add a max player next season.

[basketballRob]

And considering Biyombo/Ibaka lineups may not score ever, that's a problem.

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

[bondom34]

And considering Biyombo/Ibaka lineups may not score ever, that's a problem.

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

[basketballRob]

And considering Biyombo/Ibaka lineups may not score ever, that's a problem.

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

Oladipo's a good player, I just feel we're trying to build a team with size.

[bondom34]

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

Oladipo's a good player, I just feel we're trying to build a team with size.

Well that you have.

[basketballRob]

And considering Biyombo/Ibaka lineups may not score ever, that's a problem.

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

He's eligible for the max next season, which their have already been reports he wants the max. I think that makes it relevant whether or not OKC decides to move him or not based on the salary he's commanding, and whether or not the Thunder feel like an undersized 2 guard who has been very inconsistent in his play, worthy of a max deal.

Serge seems like a loyal guy, that being comfortable in his surroundings is more valuable than money. Based on his track record and their never being a report that he wants the max, all indications point towards him signing a cap friendly deal in Orlando next season.

[bondom34]

I'm sure Thunder fans are looking forward to those 8-58 fg nights from Dipo and Westbrook.

Wonder if they try to trade Dipo before the deadline? He's a decent player, but 25 million for a short 2 guard?

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

He's eligible for the max next season, which their have already been reports he wants the max. I think that makes it relevant whether or not OKC decides to move him or not based on the salary he's commanding.

Serge seems like a loyal guy, that being comfortable in his surroundings is more valuable than money. Based on his track record and their never being a report that he wants the max, all indication point towards him signing a cap friendly deal in Orlando next season.

Presti has also wanted him since the 2013 draft, and targeted him for a long time. Moving him at the deadline makes the team worse, and likely older. He seems like a loyal guy, and Serge has never had a payday yet. He's assuredly making more than VO in a year, and he's unrestricted and eligible for over 30 mil a year. Nothing points to him taking a discount unless his play is poor, which to be honest, I don't want it to be. Every player "wants" a max. This thread is just so weird.

[basketballRob]

Dunno, but I'd rather a top tier SG than having Serge walk after a season. And I'd also rather you know, not totally ignore reality.

Seems odd a guy who's favorite athlete listed in his profile as Oladipo thinks he's this terrible. Also odd how you'd call out his shooting when your team got a worse 3 point shooter last year.

Also, why are you continually bringing up what he might make in 2 years? This thread is about this year. In your words, stay on topic.

He's eligible for the max next season, which their have already been reports he wants the max. I think that makes it relevant whether or not OKC decides to move him or not based on the salary he's commanding.

Serge seems like a loyal guy, that being comfortable in his surroundings is more valuable than money. Based on his track record and their never being a report that he wants the max, all indication point towards him signing a cap friendly deal in Orlando next season.

Presti has also wanted him since the 2013 draft, and targeted him for a long time. Moving him at the deadline makes the team worse, and likely older. He seems like a loyal guy, and Serge has never had a payday yet. He's assuredly making more than VO in a year, and he's unrestricted and eligible for over 30 mil a year. Nothing points to him taking a discount unless his play is poor, which to be honest, I don't want it to be. Every player "wants" a max. This thread is just so weird.

It's not Oladipo, it's his agent.

Serge signed for under the market value with the Thunder, that seems like a track record.

[bondom34]

He's eligible for the max next season, which their have already been reports he wants the max. I think that makes it relevant whether or not OKC decides to move him or not based on the salary he's commanding.

Serge seems like a loyal guy, that being comfortable in his surroundings is more valuable than money. Based on his track record and their never being a report that he wants the max, all indication point towards him signing a cap friendly deal in Orlando next season.

Presti has also wanted him since the 2013 draft, and targeted him for a long time. Moving him at the deadline makes the team worse, and likely older. He seems like a loyal guy, and Serge has never had a payday yet. He's assuredly making more than VO in a year, and he's unrestricted and eligible for over 30 mil a year. Nothing points to him taking a discount unless his play is poor, which to be honest, I don't want it to be. Every player "wants" a max. This thread is just so weird.

It's not Oladipo, it's his agent.

Serge signed for under the market value with the Thunder, that seems like a track record.

Actually at the time many thought that was an overpay. Also, it isn't a "track record" considering a guy who's never been paid is more likely to want to be paid than someone who's already maxed out their earning.

Also stay on topic.

[basketballRob]

Presti has also wanted him since the 2013 draft, and targeted him for a long time. Moving him at the deadline makes the team worse, and likely older. He seems like a loyal guy, and Serge has never had a payday yet. He's assuredly making more than VO in a year, and he's unrestricted and eligible for over 30 mil a year. Nothing points to him taking a discount unless his play is poor, which to be honest, I don't want it to be. Every player "wants" a max. This thread is just so weird.

It's not Oladipo, it's his agent.

Serge signed for under the market value with the Thunder, that seems like a track record.

Actually at the time many thought that was an overpay. Also, it isn't a "track record" considering a guy who's never been paid is more likely to want to be paid than someone who's already maxed out their earning.

Also stay on topic.

Serge wanting the max is only speculation, not once have I heard anyone from his camp indicating he wants the max, the opposite is true for Oladipo.

[bondom34]

It's not Oladipo, it's his agent.

Serge signed for under the market value with the Thunder, that seems like a track record.

Actually at the time many thought that was an overpay. Also, it isn't a "track record" considering a guy who's never been paid is more likely to want to be paid than someone who's already maxed out their earning.

Also stay on topic.

Serge wanting the max is only speculation, not once have I heard anyone from his camp indicating he wants the max, the opposite is true for Oladipo.

Everyone wants a max. That isn't news.

And stay on topic.

[Bergmaniac]

It's really this simple: if Ibaka had had a better year on defense than Steven Adams, he would still be wearing a Thunder jersey.

If Dipo hadn't been outplayed by Fournier, Elf Payton or Mario Hezonja...than he would likely still be with the Magic. He did not live up to the high expectations placed on him.

Dipo wasn't outplayed by Hezonja last season. This is simply an absurd claim. Which doesn't mean Mario can't end up being better than Dipo at some point, but this definitely was not the case last season.

[basketballRob]

It's really this simple: if Ibaka had had a better year on defense than Steven Adams, he would still be wearing a Thunder jersey.

I doubt this is true, the Thunder are a small market and always looking for a cheaper option. Harden, Ibaka, and I'm sure you can name others.

[bondom34]

They had the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll last year dude. And added a billionaire owner, you can admit you were wrong. It was proven like a page ago.

[basketballRob]

They had the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll last year dude. And added a billionaire owner, you can admit you were wrong. It was proven like a page ago.

I think its safe to say all NBA owners are billionaires.

Yes they evolved to the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll but being a small market that's not something they'd be able to sustain.

[bondom34]

They had the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll last year dude. And added a billionaire owner, you can admit you were wrong. It was proven like a page ago.

I think its safe to say all NBA owners are billionaires.

Yes they evolved to the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll but being a small market that's not something they'd be able to sustain.

And yet they had no plans to not maintain it.

[MoneyTalks41890]

We really still having this uneducated argument about payroll?

[DeezRaptors]

The Warriors

Underperform as in record or playoff success?

[miamiheat319]

The Warriors

Underperform as in record or playoff success?

Just based on hype I guess. But either one.

[DeezRaptors]

The Warriors

Underperform as in record or playoff success?

Just based on hype I guess. But either one.

Maybe like the heat when they first got together, a expect a slow start and solid finish. easily they will make the finals though.