Personal theory on Russ and the extention

[Atomic Punk]

If the thunder FO have such a good relationship with Russ then why can't someone ask him what's he's thinking about the extension?

I believe that Russ could have already told them he was 100% gone next off-season and Presti would continue to push for one final playoff appearance.

Good god man, you just pull one speculative piece of nonsense after another right out of you ass based on absolutely nothing.

[Atomic Punk]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right. I wonder what you will do if you are proven wrong. Will you come out here and admit it? I seriously doubt it. What you will likely do is change your screen name and begin asserting the exact opposite position you are taking now.

[Kizz Fastfists]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right.

I also said the objective statistical data that Kevin Pelton put together for ESPN that has OKC slotted 5th in the West was right. I said the opinion of idiots without factual (statistical) data to back up their claims that OKC is not still sitting with the roster of a first round exit team are wrong. Everyone on TV is a so called "expert" yet few of them ever use facts to support their position. The facts are that OKC is not in any better position to get out of the first round of the playoffs today than they were when they played Houston. The facts (statistics) back this up. I realize that I am one of the very few people left that still believe in facts, but I don't plan on giving up just to be one of the cool kids.

[Kizz Fastfists]

I'm just curious, if Russ did sign the extension what would be your spin on that?

It would mean Russ is committed to playing in OKC and OKC basketball would continue to be exciting to watch compared to a rebuild. My spin would be that I was wrong about Russ being a competitor and wanting win. It would be a mistake over trading him, but since Presti has already gone full (Please Use More Appropriate Word) he might as well keep at it. Next year Russ would be playing with Roberson, Adams, Kanter, Patterson, Abrines, Ferguson, Singler, Dakari and some vet minimum types and missing the playoffs. I guess it is possible that OKC could miss the playoffs end up with the #1 pick and get a 2nd star that way. They would just be unlikely to develop before Russ' decline keeping OKC capped as a first round exit and they would never be able to bottom out for a true rebuild.

[Atomic Punk]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right.

I also said the objective statistical data that Kevin Pelton put together for ESPN that has OKC slotted 5th in the West was right. I said the opinion of idiots without factual (statistical) data to back up their claims that OKC is not still sitting with the roster of a first round exit team are wrong. Everyone on TV is a so called "expert" yet few of them ever use facts to support their position. The facts are that OKC is not in any better position to get out of the first round of the playoffs today than they were when they played Houston. The facts (statistics) back this up. I realize that I am one of the very few people left that still believe in facts, but I don't plan on giving up just to be one of the cool kids.

No, what you do is cherry pick stats that you feel will support your narrative. You may call it fact, but in truth it is opinion about what may happen based on speculation.

[Atomic Punk]

I'm just curious, if Russ did sign the extension what would be your spin on that?

It would mean Russ is committed to playing in OKC and OKC basketball would continue to be exciting to watch compared to a rebuild. My spin would be that I was wrong about Russ being a competitor and wanting win. It would be a mistake over trading him, but since Presti has already gone full (Please Use More Appropriate Word) he might as well keep at it. Next year Russ would be playing with Roberson, Adams, Kanter, Patterson, Abrines, Ferguson, Singler, Dakari and some vet minimum types and missing the playoffs. I guess it is possible that OKC could miss the playoffs end up with the #1 pick and get a 2nd star that way. They would just be unlikely to develop before Russ' decline keeping OKC capped as a first round exit and they would never be able to bottom out for a true rebuild.

Again, rampant speculation pulled out of your ass based on absolutely nothing but your opinion. And that's fine, just stop trying to promote it as some kind of fact based on the statistics that you have carefully examined to reach your undeniable conclusion. It's all just guessing on your part, nothing more.

[Andre Roberstan]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right. I wonder what you will do if you are proven wrong. Will you come out here and admit it? I seriously doubt it. What you will likely do is change your screen name and begin asserting the exact opposite position you are taking now.

Let's not do this.

Kizz is usually the Eeyore of the board, but he's got a right to his opinion. Let's not start throwing wild baseless speculations on people's character out there.

If only one opinion was allowed on the board (and it would be mine, because I am always right ) there would be no point in discussion.

[Atomic Punk]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right. I wonder what you will do if you are proven wrong. Will you come out here and admit it? I seriously doubt it. What you will likely do is change your screen name and begin asserting the exact opposite position you are taking now.

Let's not do this.

Kizz is usually the Eeyore of the board, but he's got a right to his opinion. Let's not start throwing wild baseless speculations on people's character out there.

If only one opinion was allowed on the board (and it would be mine, because I am always right ) there would be no point in discussion.

You're right boss, my bad.

[spearsy23]

There's probab middle ground between 'we can win a championship' and 'all hope is lost' that's much closer to reality. The likeliest scenario is that nobody's mind is made up yet, and Abrines/Adams/PatPat/dre are going to have a huge role in shaping the future of the thunder. If they collectively outperform their history then we will be a good team, if they are the same guys as last year then Russ and George are likely gone. Despite the big trade our fortunes continue to hinge mostly on internal development.

[Balkman32]

I think there are 2 points here. First, he cant get a NTC if he signs this year. Second, He might want to sign a shorter deal so he can sign a long term max contract at the age of 31-33 that has him making the max at a later stage of 35-37.

[Ontario]

I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how you stated in another post that all of the experts, all of the prognosticators, and all of the posters on this board are just flat wrong about the Thunder and only you are right.

I also said the objective statistical data that Kevin Pelton put together for ESPN that has OKC slotted 5th in the West was right. I said the opinion of idiots without factual (statistical) data to back up their claims that OKC is not still sitting with the roster of a first round exit team are wrong. Everyone on TV is a so called "expert" yet few of them ever use facts to support their position. The facts are that OKC is not in any better position to get out of the first round of the playoffs today than they were when they played Houston. The facts (statistics) back this up. I realize that I am one of the very few people left that still believe in facts, but I don't plan on giving up just to be one of the cool kids.

A) 4th at worst without a major injury.

B) Even if it is 5th it's still a first round match-up that evades GSW, SAS, HOU so we have to be a favourite against anyone else.

C) I actually like how we match-up with SAS if we could draw them in round two I feel we could have a 30-40% of ending up in the WCF, (for this to happen we would most likely need a 3rd place finish in the conference standings which would really be the hard part).

D) Worst case scenario, Russ and George both move on.... oh well, OKC can rightly say they gave the Durant/Westbrook era every opportunity they could and went to the wall to do right by their stars. The franchise starts a new chapter after a super exciting season with boatloads of available cap space and we move on.

No matter what happens just enjoy the ride, the sky is not falling.

[Kizz Fastfists]

D) Worst case scenario, Russ and George both move on.... oh well, OKC can rightly say they gave the Durant/Westbrook era every opportunity they could and went to the wall to do right by their stars. The franchise starts a new chapter after a super exciting season with boatloads of available cap space and we move on.

We have different definitions of boatload. The most recent projection I've seen has the '18-'19 cap projected to be $103M. Assuming that holds and it doesn't end up being lower OKC is sitting with $24.8M in cap space IF they renounce Russ, PG, McDermott, Grant, Collison, etc do not pick up the team option on Huestis and opt out on Semaj. Basically that is the max cap space OKC can have. If they offer the QO to McDermott they will have about $15M in cap space.

[bondom34]

D) Worst case scenario, Russ and George both move on.... oh well, OKC can rightly say they gave the Durant/Westbrook era every opportunity they could and went to the wall to do right by their stars. The franchise starts a new chapter after a super exciting season with boatloads of available cap space and we move on.

We have different definitions of boatload. The most recent projection I've seen has the '18-'19 cap projected to be $103M. Assuming that holds and it doesn't end up being lower OKC is sitting with $24.8M in cap space IF they renounce Russ, PG, McDermott, Grant, Collison, etc do not pick up the team option on Huestis and opt out on Semaj. Basically that is the max cap space OKC can have. If they offer the QO to McDermott they will have about $15M in cap space.

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

[Kizz Fastfists]

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

They are worse off because whatever asset they could have gotten for Dipo is not there. They are worse off because Sabonis is not developing for OKC. They are much worse off than if they had traded Russ for the Brooklyn pick and other assets.

Once the season starts I'll enjoy the ride of another first round playoff exit just like we all did last year. It is still the off-season and I'm pissed about how Presti blew it. Especially now that we have seen what Ainge was willing to give up for a non-upgrade in Kyrie. I lost track of how many times I was told that Boston wasn't interested in a new PG and would never make an offer for Russ.

[bondom34]

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

They are worse off because whatever asset they could have gotten for Dipo is not there. They are worse off because Sabonis is not developing for OKC. They are much worse off than if they had traded Russ for the Brooklyn pick and other assets.

Once the season starts I'll enjoy the ride of another first round playoff exit just like we all did last year. It is still the off-season and I'm pissed about how Presti blew it. Especially now that we have seen what Ainge was willing to give up for a non-upgrade in Kyrie. I lost track of how many times I was told that Boston wasn't interested in a new PG and would never make an offer for Russ.

And I've lost track of how many other things you were wrong on.

And they didn't make an offer for Russ in at least a year.

Also no clue what you thought Dipo and Sabonis were worth, but it's not a lot. It's about a neutral value package you could trade for cap space or a little more most likely.

[Balkman32]

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

They are worse off because whatever asset they could have gotten for Dipo is not there. They are worse off because Sabonis is not developing for OKC. They are much worse off than if they had traded Russ for the Brooklyn pick and other assets.

Once the season starts I'll enjoy the ride of another first round playoff exit just like we all did last year. It is still the off-season and I'm pissed about how Presti blew it. Especially now that we have seen what Ainge was willing to give up for a non-upgrade in Kyrie. I lost track of how many times I was told that Boston wasn't interested in a new PG and would never make an offer for Russ.

Step away from the crack pipe. Russ and PG13 are two top 15 players in this league. It's a SUPER STAR league. These two with Adams, Patterson, and Roberson create a strong starting lineup. Top 5 in the league. Period. End of Story. If Westbrook and George are retaliative healthy they will be in the 2nd round for sure. They will get out of the 2nd round if they ain't facing the GSW. The name of the game is not to tear it down to build it back up. But, its to win the dam game. Presti made the moves to make this team better now and for a long time. Getting PG13 was a highway robbery. If you think its anything else please go become a Pacers fan. Because we riding w/ PG13 and Russ ALL DAY LONG. Get your head out of your ass.

The Thunder have the best first meeting with PG13 and they have it for 365 days. This team is basically at the same place it was in 2015-16. Trade Ibaka and Durant for Patterson and George. This team has the ability to go places. Having the MVP Presti had to go out and make the move to get George. This season will be a GREAT Ride. If it is as good as I think it can and will be George and Russ will be back next year to chase the Larry O'Brian trophy. Which is better than two guys around 25 that are mid tier players.

[Balkman32]

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

They are worse off because whatever asset they could have gotten for Dipo is not there. They are worse off because Sabonis is not developing for OKC. They are much worse off than if they had traded Russ for the Brooklyn pick and other assets.

Once the season starts I'll enjoy the ride of another first round playoff exit just like we all did last year. It is still the off-season and I'm pissed about how Presti blew it. Especially now that we have seen what Ainge was willing to give up for a non-upgrade in Kyrie. I lost track of how many times I was told that Boston wasn't interested in a new PG and would never make an offer for Russ.

And I've lost track of how many other things you were wrong on.

And they didn't make an offer for Russ in at least a year.

Also no clue what you thought Dipo and Sabonis were worth, but it's not a lot. It's about a neutral value package you could trade for cap space or a little more most likely.

Remember the C's wanted to retain their cap space so they could add Hayward this off season.

[Pillendreher]

If Russ and PG leave, they're still better off than they would have been with Dipo/Sabonis because they'll suck worse and have cap space to take on some money in salary dumps if needed.

This season's just a ride worst case. I'm getting to a game and gonna enjoy.

They are worse off because whatever asset they could have gotten for Dipo is not there. They are worse off because Sabonis is not developing for OKC. They are much worse off than if they had traded Russ for the Brooklyn pick and other assets.

Once the season starts I'll enjoy the ride of another first round playoff exit just like we all did last year. It is still the off-season and I'm pissed about how Presti blew it. Especially now that we have seen what Ainge was willing to give up for a non-upgrade in Kyrie. I lost track of how many times I was told that Boston wasn't interested in a new PG and would never make an offer for Russ.

And I've lost track of how many other things you were wrong on.

And they didn't make an offer for Russ in at least a year.

Also no clue what you thought Dipo and Sabonis were worth, but it's not a lot. It's about a neutral value package you could trade for cap space or a little more most likely.

I hope we win the title just to spite him

[Kizz Fastfists]

I hope we win the title just to spite him

That makes two of us.

[bondom34]

If they did I'm sure you would be first in line to call it pure luck and tell us why PGis still gone.