Let's be honest: Jeff Green needs to go

[Airness]

Or at the very least, he needs to go to the bench if this team wants to become a serious contender.

He's undersized for a PF, hasn't shown any improvement in the past year, and was awful in the playoffs. Size is what separates the Lakers from the rest of the West. Green obviously doesn't solve that problem.

I'm honestly not seeing any real benefits the Thunder get from him. If I were the FO, I'd pursue a sign-and-trade for a true big man.

[sonictecture]

Presti has done a decent job of assembling the team, to this point, but to be HONEST it's time he step aside to make room for the realgm poster known as Airness to shape this team into a serious contender.

I look forward to your upcoming S&T of Jeff Green for a TRUE big man.

[Clangus]

Presti has done a decent job of assembling the team, to this point, but to be HONEST it's time he step aside to make room for the realgm poster known as Airness to shape this team into a serious contender.

I look forward to your upcoming S&T of Jeff Green for a TRUE big man.

well played

[MrCavs]

Presti has done a decent job of assembling the team, to this point, but to be HONEST it's time he step aside to make room for the realgm poster known as Airness to shape this team into a serious contender.

I look forward to your upcoming S&T of Jeff Green for a TRUE big man.

well played

x2

[Effigy]

Please. There were tons of big men available in the off season. David Lee, Scola, Boozer, Amare, Bosh. Presti didn't go after a single one of them. Instead he used his cap to draft Aldrich, a mid first round center (those always turn out well!) and instead enabled MIAMI to sign Bosh (and LBJ) Al Jefferson was available too. Any one of these guys would have done a ton to help OKC's size problem, but Presti pissed away his cap space before even attempting to get one of them.

[dream_catcher_9]

Blazer fans are funny. I know it sucks Oden is made of glass but don't take it out on us.

[slick_watts]

I wouldn't go so far as to say he doesn't give any real benefits, but the OP's premise that Green: is an undersized PF, played poorly in the playoffs, and didn't improve much in year three isn't really up for debate, is it? Does anyone expect us to win a title with Green at PF? Seems awfully farfetched.

Please. There were tons of big men available in the off season. David Lee, Scola, Boozer, Amare, Bosh. Presti didn't go after a single one of them. Instead he used his cap to draft Aldrich, a mid first round center (those always turn out well!) and instead enabled MIAMI to sign Bosh (and LBJ) Al Jefferson was available too. Any one of these guys would have done a ton to help OKC's size problem, but Presti pissed away his cap space before even attempting to get one of them.

We'll go through these one at a time, OK?

Bosh obviously had other plans. Amar'e isn't worth $100 million to anyone. Give me one good reason Boozer would have chosen OKC over CHI. David Lee was signed to a fair deal, but the Warriors had to give up an awful lot of young talent to get him that sixth year. Scola wasn't going anywhere.

I don't see any way we could have acquired any of those players except maybe Lee if we were prepared to give up serious assets like the Warriors did, or Boozer if we were prepared to seriously overpay him.

In hindsight, the only one of these players we could have gotten realistically is Al Jefferson. But, like Utah, this would have been a last resort type of deal. I like Big Al but there's a reason he was shed for cap space and picks. Of all the listed big men he's the worst...

As for the draft pick not working out. Cole Aldrich was selected at #12.

#10 - Brook Lopez, Andrew Bynum, Caron Butler, Joe Johnson
#11 - JJ Redick, Andris Biedrins, Mickael Pietrus
#12 - Jason Thompson, Nick Collison, Etan Thomas
#13 - Thabo Sefolosha, Richard Jefferson
#14 - Anthony Randolph, Luke Ridnour, Troy Murphy

Looks like there's a decent chance that Cole Aldrich will be a quality starter, as all those players were at least at some point during their careers. Aldrich was acquired for $6 million + his rookie scale, so he's paid a lot less what an average center would make in the NBA currently. I'd call that a steal if he's at least average, then.

[Balkman32]

I must say I agree with the thought that the Thunder were a PF away from doing Great things. Plus, that Green should be the 6th man.

But, let’s look at what they did.

First, they brought in Dequan Cook who can shoot the three ball. Very Good! Attached to Cook was #18 overall. (The thought with the #18 pick was Kevin Seraphin, think Ibaka) We all know Seraphin was taken with the #17 pick right ahead of the Thunder. So Presti parlayed the pick for a Future #1 from the Clippers. The Clippers have a nice team now. But, we all know how they roll.

Second, The Thunder went out and got the guy they targeted in Cole Aldrich. Aldrich in not going to be a Top 10 Center, nor will he be a 10-time All-Star, but, those kinds of guys are very hard to find., especially, out of the Top 10. But, they got a guy who is going to be a backup Center. Presti, looked at the draft and understood what was available and got his guy.

Third, he did nothing. Yes, the Thunder had Cap Space and Yes they let all of those players switch Teams. But, I know he sniffed around. I mean people got PAID this offseason. Amare got 100 million, Boozer got 80 million, Lee got 13 per, Bosh got LeBron, Wade, and about 100 million. Tyrus Thomas and Scola got contracts in the 40-50 million range. Al Jefferson got dealt for two first round picks and cap space + he is making 42 million over the next three seasons. I mean these are contracts that are ridiculous.

The Thunder are in a Great Position right now. Durant is signed for 6 years. Your star is there. Now we have to support him. The Thunder have under contract for this and next season Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka, Thabo, Maynor, and Aldrich. That is 7 players who can theoretically contribute to this team, with Mullens and White also under contract. Brooks liked to play 9 last seasons.

Next offseason there will be a new CBA. New rules and a total new game! Who knows what the Cap will be. How contracts will work. But, the Thunder will be WAY under the Cap. They will have the opportunity to match a contract to Jeff Green, and they will be able to Offer Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, Nene, Carl Landry, Tyson Chandler and Big Baby.

The Thunder will take the opportunity to see Green's worth to the rest of the League and if it is in reason than Presti can pay him.
The Thunder Have a roster now of:

Kristic/ Alrdich/ Mullens
Ibaka/ Collison/ White
Durant/ Green/ Peterson
Harden/ Thabo/ Cook
Westbrook/ Maynor/ POINTGUARD

If the Expiring Contracts of Kristic, Collison, Peterson, Cook, and Green; are not picked up next season, the Roster will look like.

Alrdich/ Mullens
Ibaka/ White
Durant
Harden/ Thabo
Westbrook/ Maynor

*By the way all of the players above other than Durant and Thabo are signed to rookie contracts.

I believe that Presti wanted to see the rules before he went and signed a guy to a HUGE contract. None of the Big men that have been talked about that moved teams or signed big deals this season are a perfect fit. I like what Sam didn't do. Because there is some talent out there next season. Plus, the Thunder have a lot of money to spend.

[wiff]

Please. There were tons of big men available in the off season. David Lee, Scola, Boozer, Amare, Bosh. Presti didn't go after a single one of them. Instead he used his cap to draft Aldrich, a mid first round center (those always turn out well!) and instead enabled MIAMI to sign Bosh (and LBJ) Al Jefferson was available too. Any one of these guys would have done a ton to help OKC's size problem, but Presti pissed away his cap space before even attempting to get one of them.

Ahh isn't that cute Blazer fan is making fun of OKC's front office. What is Prichard doing these days?

Oh wait the Blazers just hired Presti's bitch. Lol

[Jimmy76]

Please. There were tons of big men available in the off season. David Lee, Scola, Boozer, Amare, Bosh. Presti didn't go after a single one of them. Instead he used his cap to draft Aldrich, a mid first round center (those always turn out well!) and instead enabled MIAMI to sign Bosh (and LBJ) Al Jefferson was available too. Any one of these guys would have done a ton to help OKC's size problem, but Presti pissed away his cap space before even attempting to get one of them.

Ahh isn't that cute Blazer fan is making fun of OKC's front office. What is Prichard doing these days?

Oh wait the Blazers just hired Presti's bitch. Lol

and little do they know he's undercover

and by the time the green/expirings for aldridge/roy trade is complete itll be too late

[jax98]

I've always thought Jeff Green would make an excellent 6th man as a combo forward. Kind of like Al Harrington, but with a brain. 6'9, 235, decent athleticism and is very active offensively.

With Cole Aldrich on the team, you guys just need a very solid true PF. Someone who can give you good rebounding and a competent scoring output. I'm thinking someone in the Paul Millsap mold.

C Cole Aldrich
F Paul Millsap
F Kevin Durant
G James Harden
G Russell Westbrook

6 Jeff Green

Obviously Millsap is under contract with Utah, but something in that mold could really improve your offensive and defensive dimensions.

[God Squad]

lol. AIrness got told.

I agree with Morten Jensen. Paul would be a great fit.

[Jimmy76]

I've always thought Jeff Green would make an excellent 6th man as a combo forward. Kind of like Al Harrington, but with a brain. 6'9, 235, decent athleticism and is very active offensively.

With Cole Aldrich on the team, you guys just need a very solid true PF. Someone who can give you good rebounding and a competent scoring output. I'm thinking someone in the Ibaka mold.

C Cole Aldrich
F Ibaka
F Kevin Durant
G James Harden
G Russell Westbrook

6 Jeff Green

Obviously Millsap is under contract with Utah, but something in that mold could really improve your offensive and defensive dimensions.

good post but fixed

[jax98]

Ibaka is obviously a huge piece for you guys going forward, I agree. But as of right now, someone like Millsap would have a stronger impact. Ibaka is a guy who most certainly can be the future starting four for you, but is he ready already? I know his progression really took on a life of its own in the late stages of his season, but has he reached the status of full-time starter this quick?

If so, my hat's off to him.

[fallacy]

Ibaka is obviously a huge piece for you guys going forward, I agree. But as of right now, someone like Millsap would have a stronger impact. Ibaka is a guy who most certainly can be the future starting four for you, but is he ready already? I know his progression really took on a life of its own in the late stages of his season, but has he reached the status of full-time starter this quick?

If so, my hat's off to him.

Defensively he is easily ready to start. He destroyed Gasol and Bynum in the laker's series. He had like 8 blocks in one game? I know he set a record. Gasol still got his points but Ibaka made some nasty plays

[slick_watts]

Ibaka is obviously a huge piece for you guys going forward, I agree. But as of right now, someone like Millsap would have a stronger impact. Ibaka is a guy who most certainly can be the future starting four for you, but is he ready already? I know his progression really took on a life of its own in the late stages of his season, but has he reached the status of full-time starter this quick?

If so, my hat's off to him.

Defensively he is easily ready to start. He destroyed Gasol and Bynum in the laker's series. He had like 8 blocks in one game? I know he set a record. Gasol still got his points but Ibaka made some nasty plays

Destroyed? C'mon... Ibaka had a good series and good end to the season that we don't have to resort to hyperbole.

Did you happen to catch the last play of the series? That's why he's not ready to start, even defensively.

[KidDelicious]

if ibaka shows the same rate of improvement that he did last season he could be the starter by seasons end, thats too much talent for the bench..

[slick_watts]

]if ibaka shows the same rate of improvement that he did last season he could be the starter by seasons end, thats too much talent for the bench..

Agreed but that's a big 'if'.

[wiff]

Ibaka is obviously a huge piece for you guys going forward, I agree. But as of right now, someone like Millsap would have a stronger impact. Ibaka is a guy who most certainly can be the future starting four for you, but is he ready already? I know his progression really took on a life of its own in the late stages of his season, but has he reached the status of full-time starter this quick?

If so, my hat's off to him.

Defensively he is easily ready to start. He destroyed Gasol and Bynum in the laker's series. He had like 8 blocks in one game? I know he set a record. Gasol still got his points but Ibaka made some nasty plays

Destroyed? C'mon... Ibaka had a good series and good end to the season that we don't have to resort to hyperbole.

Did you happen to catch the last play of the series? That's why he's not ready to start, even defensively.

I don't think you can really say the last play where Ibaka got caught looking at the ball when Kobe let it fly and Gasol slid in for the put back, is the reason why he shouldn't start. The size of the moment was pretty high right there for a rookie. I'm sure he has learned his lesson having all Summer to think about that one final play. I 'd be willing to bet he replays that final play in his head countlessly. I think that's the reason why you play the kid. Let him learn.

[fallacy]

Defensively he is easily ready to start. He destroyed Gasol and Bynum in the laker's series. He had like 8 blocks in one game? I know he set a record. Gasol still got his points but Ibaka made some nasty plays

Destroyed? C'mon... Ibaka had a good series and good end to the season that we don't have to resort to hyperbole.

Did you happen to catch the last play of the series? That's why he's not ready to start, even defensively.

I don't think you can really say the last play where Ibaka got caught looking at the ball when Kobe let it fly and Gasol slid in for the put back, is the reason why he shouldn't start. The size of the moment was pretty high right there for a rookie. I'm sure he has learned his lesson having all Summer to think about that one final play. I 'd be willing to bet he replays that final play in his head countlessly. I think that's the reason why you play the kid. Let him learn.

Yeah, he's a rookie in the biggest game of his life. He didn't block out, stuff happens. That is no reason to say that he isn't ready to start or play starter minutes. Shaq and Howard have missed block outs and let people get tip ins before, it happens to everybody. To say that he isn't ready to start, even defensively, because of that is a little ridiculous.