Thunder taking DeRozen? wiretap

[wiff]

From Hoopsworld

Could Thunder Take DeRozan With Third Pick?

Jun 05, 2009 7:38 AM EST

Rumors are circulating that the Thunder could use the third overall pick on USC's DeMar DeRozan.

Oklahoma would play him alongside Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook, a lineup that has DeRozan excited.

"That would be great. It would feel good to be in a lineup like that. Kevin Durant's one of the best players in the league, and that would be an opportunity to help build a program from the ground up," DeRozan told HoopsWorld.

"I think we could put Oklahoma City on the map as a top team in the next few years. Playing with a star player would also really help my career. Playing with someone like Kevin Durant, who's been there and remembers what it takes as a rookie to get where you want to go, that would be great because he just did it. I'd love to play with Kevin and help him build his team up."

I said about two months ago after Harden laid an egg in the NCAA tournament that I would rather have DeRozen.

However now that the combine results have come out and Harden is on the same athletic level as DeRozan I think I would prefer Harden.

I recently read a clip from Chad Ford saying that the Thunder were a hard egg to crack when it came to the draft. Saying that Presti is tight lipped and they have floated 5 or 6 names out there to keep people off their track.

But at least the kid said he would love to come to OKC.

[the_bruce]

OKC can easily pick whomever is there of Rubio or Harden and trade down for additional assets if they want derozan. Derozan is a high risk pick, but could end up high reward and a sick fit on your squad if he pans out even close to his high end potential.

I'd imagine they are floating their interest in derozan to see what sort of packages would be available with teams further down in the draft from WAS, MN, GSW, NYK, & TOR.

[moocow007]

OKC can easily pick whomever is there of Rubio or Harden and trade down for additional assets if they want derozan. Derozan is a high risk pick, but could end up high reward and a sick fit on your squad if he pans out even close to his high end potential.

I'd imagine they are floating their interest in derozan to see what sort of packages would be available with teams further down in the draft from WAS, MN, GSW, NYK, & TOR.

Pretty much. Presti wouldn't be doing his job otherwise. Same thing with Walsh in NY. Despite the Curry rumors, Walsh has said that "leaked" that they also very much love Thabeet, Holiday ("possibly even more than Curry"), Evans and Derozan. And you can expect a "we really love Flynn" any day now from Donnie. So yeah, probably more posture than reality.

[88' Draft Pick]

I've thought Derozen would be a solid pick. Super athletic shooting guard. People say he could turn into Vince Carter. I like him, but im just worried he will turn into another Gerald Green or JR Smith, never really living up to their hype. James Harden is definitely a safer pick. But I honestly have tremendous confidence in Presti. He will make the right pick.

[bmw42690]

I dont know much about either DeRozen or Harden so I really cant comment about them. Personally, I would take whichever one can knock down the 3 and also get to the basket. I dont know if either can do both but that is my thoughts on that. I just want Memphis to take Thabeet so we dont have to worry about him. Having our choice between Rubio, Harden, and DeRozen is what I would like to see. I think those are the best 3 for us to draft. I think the only hole in the starting lineup is at one of the guard spots. That is what needs to be addressed IMO.

[slick_watts]

derozan has no range on his jumper, i'd rather have harden. i wouldn't be upset if derozan was picked, but not 3rd. they'd have to trade down.

[Hiphophead101]

DeRozan diddn't impress me much after seeing those filthy mixtapes he came out with in highschool. I like Gerald Henderson if were to take a 2 guard. I know he cant shoot, maybe hes the next Desmond Mason... Something about the guy sticks out to me.

[slick_watts]

uhh the next desmond mason?? des was terrible most of his career.

[Hiphophead101]

Thats what I mean. Des sucked. If Gerald Henderson cant get a jumpshot I see Desmond Mason, he gets a jumper hes Vince.

[miltk]

I don't see the big deal about Derozan. He has no range, he only goes to his right, he's not the brightest bulb.....and don't you find him to be a little redundant on your team? OKC was as erratic a team as I've ever seen in my whole life, and Derozan won't help....he'll make it worse. I think this fuss over Demar is all about his hilite film.

[Clangus]

I don't see the big deal about Derozan. He has no range, he only goes to his right, he's not the brightest bulb.....and don't you find him to be a little redundant on your team? OKC was as erratic a team as I've ever seen in my whole life, and Derozan won't help....he'll make it worse. I think this fuss over Demar is all about his hilite film.

I agree. Personally if we don't take Rubio, then I'm looking for a solid guy, someone who can contribute and be consistent. I am not looking for a guy with superstar potential, but high risk. We have our superstar and we have at least one (possibly two) stars. We need guys who can hit an open shot (from the outside) and play D. Nothing flashy.

[DubaLakers]

It's simple you take Thabeet or Rubio, don't overguess it. De Rozen isn't going to be a superstar.

[Durantist]

It's simple you take Thabeet or Rubio, don't overguess it. De Rozen isn't going to be a superstar.

Its not that simple.
What about James Harden?
What about Westbrook's future as OKC's PG?
What about getting a Center via free agency or by trade?
What about landing BJ Mullens in the mid 1st round?
What about trading the #3 pick?
What about signing a key free agent (Ben Gordon) and developing DeRozen into a Stud?
Im sorry but OKC isn't an established franchise as your Lakers (30 finals appearances in 61 seasons), they need to explore and be open to every option out there when it comes to the NBA draft.
The NBA draft on June 25th- "Where OK lets C what happens"

[DubaLakers]

True, you're right. honestly I think Thabeet is the best player on the board. He's so young, but he's an outstanding player, blocks everything has good control of his body, and he's a surefire center.. Griffin has had a major injury, he doesn't have a jumper (wasn't hitting jumpers or free throws consistantly at the clippers workout), and dude looks like he was inbred, marketing matters, lol, and they aren't sure if they want to play him at SF or not, what? lol.

Trade up and get Thabeet is my answer. Your piece Jeff Green. I know I know you love him, but think about it Westbrook, Duranchula, Thabeet, wtf is gonna have a better three than that in a couple of years?

I'm a Laker fan, but I love OKC's team. Go OKC!