2014 roster predictions

[Podirk]

Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves but lets throw out some predictions...

http://hoopshype.com/Library/teams/oklahoma_city.htm

Apologies ahead of time for those who don't like abrevs.

Starting Lineup predictions:
RW, PJ, KD, SI, KP

3 are gimmies and the other two are where the Thunder have struggled SG and C. I had SA starting but with 2 starting positions in the air I don 't see Brooks going into the season with 2 new starters. PJ and AR got some starts last year but if you don't start either it's hard to justify much playing time with RJ, JL, AM, ST all wanting mins. Perry is a better all around player then AR (summer improvement not yet known).

Bench prediction:
RJ, JL, AM, NC, SA

RJ, AM, and SA are locks for roster spots...so if they aren't starting they will make a pretty nice bench unit. Attacking, 3 point threats, defense, and big men with hands.

Prediction that I would bet all my internet bragging rights on is SA taking over KP starting spot through the year.

Final roster prediction:
RW, RJ, ST
PJ, JL, AR
KD, AM, JH
SI, NC, GJ
KP, SA, MM

At some point this season a small trade will happen, 14 players seems like Prestis MO over the last few years and once a few players solidify there place the team will knock back to 14.

Semaj will learn from Ivey on the Blue this year.

[Kizz Fastfists]

There will be no trade. The 15th player will be Ray Allen who signs around the all-star break to chase one more ring. By waiting until mid-season Allen will be fresh down the stretch and in the playoffs making him a big contributor off the bench hitting some big shots. This will allow the Thunder to play small in the playoffs with Ibaka and Adams as the lone big for extended stretches allowing KD and Russ to attack and kick it to Morrow, Allen, Lamb or PJ3 in the corner for open high percentage 3s. This allows the Thunder to set a record for most 3s per game, assists per game and highest 3pt percentage ever in the playoffs. KD does not score 30+ points in a single playoff game, but both he and Westbrook average over 10 assists a game and the Thunder do not lose a single playoff game.

[babase]

There will be no trade. The 15th player will be Ray Allen who signs around the all-star break to chase one more ring. By waiting until mid-season Allen will be fresh down the stretch and in the playoffs making him a big contributor off the bench hitting some big shots. This will allow the Thunder to play small in the playoffs with Ibaka and Adams as the lone big for extended stretches allowing KD and Russ to attack and kick it to Morrow, Allen, Lamb or PJ3 in the corner for open high percentage 3s. This allows the Thunder to set a record for most 3s per game, assists per game and highest 3pt percentage ever in the playoffs. KD does not score 30+ points in a single playoff game, but both he and Westbrook average over 10 assists a game and the Thunder do not lose a single playoff game.

I'd love for that to happen...but I'd be really surprised if he went anywhere but Cleveland.

[Podirk]

There will be no trade. The 15th player will be Ray Allen who signs around the all-star break to chase one more ring. By waiting until mid-season Allen will be fresh down the stretch and in the playoffs making him a big contributor off the bench hitting some big shots. This will allow the Thunder to play small in the playoffs with Ibaka and Adams as the lone big for extended stretches allowing KD and Russ to attack and kick it to Morrow, Allen, Lamb or PJ3 in the corner for open high percentage 3s. This allows the Thunder to set a record for most 3s per game, assists per game and highest 3pt percentage ever in the playoffs. KD does not score 30+ points in a single playoff game, but both he and Westbrook average over 10 assists a game and the Thunder do not lose a single playoff game.

Mayberry with the Oklahoman wrote something about Shaq on Russ. Shaq was hitting on the popular topic of Westbrook needing to give more sacrifice to his game for the better of the team. I think we will see that this season, with Morrow Roberson and Adams getting more minutes. A 3pt shooter to trust, a slasher (hopefully improved 3 pt shooter) and a space creating, finishing monster should mean more assists and better lanes for the offense to move.

[Podirk]

My PJ as the starting SG looks a little hopeful on my part.

If Perk doesn't start, does he play outside of a handful of big teams?