Is a Thabo trade/extension inevitable?

theokie · Post #1 » by **theokie** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 8:08 pm

Heres the list of rotational players that have hit free agency under Presti's regime

1. Kevin Martin

Thats it. Jeff Green was traded, Harden was traded, Maynor was traded, Perkins was extended, Westbrook was extended, Collison was extended, Durant was extended etc. etc.

He's still one of the better perimeter defenders in the league, but he's pretty atrocious offensively. i doubt that he would command that much in free agency, and at the same time i doubt we could trade him and get much in return. Its tough to figure out his value, what do you guys think?

Is there anyway we can package Thabo with Perk and a pick and get something useful back?

Podirk · Post #2 » by **Podirk** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 8:27 pm

His d hasn't even been great as of late. I wouldn't care if the team traded him or let him hit FA.

An expiring is going to be valued by Presti though as a nice asset to have so if an extension comes...I would think it would be last second. Presti will milk offers and if the right one doesn't come...have an extension worked out or let him hit FA.

Post #3 » by **bondom34** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 8:42 pm

Trying to think of teams who would be interested and give anything back is tough as well though. I could think up:
Houston - In need of perimeter D, but don't think another trade happens w/ those 2 teams.
Brooklyn - No good SGs on that roster to speak of, but not much to send back either.

Plus his value's probably not high enough to offset Perk, so I doubt return would be great. That being said, I don't know if he gets resigned, so he's kind of in an odd spot on the roster.

theokie · Post #4 » by **theokie** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 9:06 pm

Hes not doing himself any favors, with basically career lows in FG% and 3P%. I still think he's very valuable to the Thunder for his defense. This time last year, I thought he was underpaid, and would get a raise on his next contract. Now, not so much. If Tony Allen gets 5 million a year, Thabo should get around 3-4. Maybe Presti can talk him into a contract that declines over time.

comingbacktousa · Post #5 » by **comingbacktousa** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 9:41 pm

His offense was bad to start the year but since then and last couple years, it hasn't been close to atrocious. Over 40% from 3 and ts average of over 60% for the last 2 years. I'd expect it to slow creep back up to that. He started the season 3 of 21 but since then 8 of 15, so he is on the right track.

His on/off rating the past 2 years for opp offensive rating has been -4 and -9, the best on the team. As a reference point Tony Allen had -6 and -5.5 the past 2 years. Pretty much every playoff contender in the western conference has a match up he is needed in, I doubt he gets traded. I don't think a team will give much for him considering he is an ufa this summer and of only real value to a playoff team. I'm probably in the minority but I think he is an important part to the team.

spearsy23 · Post #6 » by **spearsy23** » Thu Dec 5, 2013 10:01 pm

My problem with letting him walk is that we have to get a guy that can replace him and is still the best perimeter defender on the team. There's nobody that's going to be A) cheap B) better offensively and C) still the best perimeter defender in the starting lineup. No matter what, if we get rid of him we're shoring up one or two problems only to create one or two others.

Edit: That's not to say we should keep him either though, I'd prefer a bit more balanced player if there's one to be had at the right price.

theokie · Post #7 » by **theokie** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 1:56 am

comingbacktousa wrote:His offense was bad to start the year but since then and last couple years, it hasn't been close to atrocious. Over 40% from 3 and ts average of over 60% for the last 2 years. I'd expect it to slow creep back up to that. He started the season 3 of 21 but since then 8 of 15, so he is on the right track.

His on/off rating the past 2 years for opp offensive rating has been -4 and -9, the best on the team. As a reference point Tony Allen had -6 and -5.5 the past 2 years. Pretty much every playoff contender in the western conference has a match up he is needed in, I doubt he gets traded. I don't think a team will give much for him considering he is an ufa this summer and of only real value to a playoff team. I'm probably in the minority but I think he is an important part to the team.

He's extremely important to the team. You're in the majority. He's the type of glue guy/role player that championship teams need. 3 and D guys are vital, hopefully he can get his stroke back.

Post #8 » by **bondom34** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 6:18 am

theokie wrote:
comingbacktousa wrote:His offense was bad to start the year but since then and last couple years, it hasn't been close to atrocious. Over 40% from 3 and ts average of over 60% for the last 2 years. I'd expect it to slow creep back up to that. He started the season 3 of 21 but since then 8 of 15, so he is on the right track.

His on/off rating the past 2 years for opp offensive rating has been -4 and -9, the best on the team. As a reference point Tony Allen had -6 and -5.5 the past 2 years. Pretty much every playoff contender in the western conference has a match up he is needed in, I doubt he gets traded. I don't think a team will give much for him considering he is an ufa this summer and of only real value to a playoff team. I'm probably in the minority but I think he is an important part to the team.

He's extremely important to the team. You're in the majority. He's the type of glue guy/role player that championship teams need. 3 and D guys are vital, hopefully he can get his stroke back.

He certainly is, perimeter D is really needed. I'm wondering if his slow start could be a blessing in disguise, as it could lead to a cheaper contract. As odd as it sounds, it could help in the end.

koolcrud · Post #9 » by **koolcrud** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 8:15 am

I think we keep him through the season, then let the deal expire. We're unlikely to retain him on the open market barring a discount.

Chalky White · Post #10 » by **Chalky White** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 10:59 am

I'd trade him for a shooter/draft pick and start Lamb. He'll be 30 by the end the season and he really isn't providing the shooting/spacing we desperately need. Plus, I think Durant is a better perimeter defender anyway.

Thunderhead · Post #11 » by **Thunderhead** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 12:46 pm

Thabo's greatest value ,is that he's a versatile defender. He can defend the 1 to the 3 and he's good at it. Depending upon the opponent , he can cover for KD on defense or can cover for Russ.

There's also something to be said for chemistry, team defense is more important than ever, and continuity only improves team defense.

Thunderhead · Post #12 » by **Thunderhead** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 12:49 pm

comingbacktousa wrote:His offense was bad to start the year but since then and last couple years, it hasn't been close to atrocious. Over 40% from 3 and ts average of over 60% for the last 2 years. I'd expect it to slow creep back up to that. He started the season 3 of 21 but since then 8 of 15, so he is on the right track.

His on/off rating the past 2 years for opp offensive rating has been -4 and -9, the best on the team. As a reference point Tony Allen had -6 and -5.5 the past 2 years. Pretty much every playoff contender in the western conference has a match up he is needed in, I doubt he gets traded. I don't think a team will give much for him considering he is an ufa this summer and of only real value to a playoff team. I'm probably in the minority but I think he is an important part to the team.

This.

His three point shooting was bad in the first seven games, but he's regained last years numbers in the last seven games.

Its way too early in the season to be arriving at conclusions.

Podirk · Post #13 » by **Podirk** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 2:48 pm

He has hardly shot a 3 in the last 5 games, not even taking 1 in 3 of the last 5.

He is currently taking 1 less 3 a game, it feels like he is looking to drive more, and he still doesn't need to run a fast break.

Thunderhead · Post #14 » by **Thunderhead** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 3:25 pm

Podirk wrote:He has hardly shot a 3 in the last 5 games, not even taking 1 in 3 of the last 5.

He is currently taking 1 less 3 a game, it feels like he is looking to drive more, and he still doesn't need to run a fast break.

That just makes knocking down a three, even more difficult.

FGA's for Thabo, are more a product of minutes, and his minutes have been down the last three games.

Podirk · Post #15 » by **Podirk** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 3:34 pm

Good point on the min/game

spearsy23 · Post #16 » by **spearsy23** » Fri Dec 6, 2013 7:14 pm

Podirk wrote:He has hardly shot a 3 in the last 5 games, not even taking 1 in 3 of the last 5.

He is currently taking 1 less 3 a game, it feels like he is looking to drive more, and he still doesn't need to run a fast break.

Him running the fast break is honestly comical, I've never seen an NBA player look so inept with the ball :lol:

He has his strong points, and I love his defense, but he handles the ball and finishes worse than some centers.

ThunderUp1234 · Post #17 » by **ThunderUp1234** » Sat Dec 7, 2013 4:29 am

Eh, it depends how much he wants.

If they could keep him for around 3 mil or so, that would be good.

But i think they may roll with Lamb as starter next year.

theokie · Post #18 » by **theokie** » Sat Dec 7, 2013 4:55 am

Another factor to consider - Andre Roberson. Great game tonight for Tulsa

spearsy23 · Post #19 » by **spearsy23** » Sat Dec 7, 2013 5:42 pm

theokie wrote:Another factor to consider - Andre Roberson. Great game tonight for Tulsa

He has a loooooooong way to go before being considered any kind of answer. The real deciding factors are obviously Lamb and Reggie, if Lamb becomes a + defender and Reggie is willing to accept 6th man dollars, I think thabo has to be the odd man out (or transfer to a 8 mpg bench role and accept a very low salary...)

theokie · Post #20 » by **theokie** » Sat Dec 7, 2013 6:22 pm

spearsy23 wrote:
theokie wrote:Another factor to consider - Andre Roberson. Great game tonight for Tulsa

He has a loooooooong way to go before being considered any kind of answer. The real deciding factors are obviously Lamb and Reggie, if Lamb becomes a + defender and Reggie is willing to accept 6th man dollars, I think thabo has to be the odd man out (or transfer to a 8 mpg bench role and accept a very low salary...)

I don't think Roberson is the answer or the deciding factor. But you're crazy if you don't think he's relevant to the equation