My Off season strategy.

NetsWorld · Post #1 » by **NetsWorld** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 2:00 pm

As the season winds down and the chance OKC does not make it in the playoffs, I would like to share my input and would like to hear yours on what off season moves are necessary along with direction for this team. The Melo-PG13-Russ experiment did not work under Coach Donovan. Part of the blame is coaching and part of the blame is on the players themselves, I felt that as they turned the corner several times, they fell flat once again without developing a form of chemistry. Sure, we hit that stride in January but after Roberson went down, and who knows if he will be the same again, the team never really recovered. With this in mind, I feel Presti needs to do what Morey did for Houston, look for talented players who fit within a complete system and that will compliment one another. Your main piece in Westbrook is there, but we are now lacking good shooters and ball movement just has not been as prevalent as I would have liked it to be.

We need to see players available on some teams who had bad seasons, such as Brooklyn, Chicago and among others, who we can trade for that will flourish with Westbrook to give us a better chance of competing now and down the line. I say look for a trade for Melo elsewhere and PG13 is probably leaving to his dream destination of LA. Just like Houston gave up Howard, we have to give up some to get better. A Joe Harris type player is one I really like as he is a spot up 3 pt shooter who is automatic from there. He's young and I feel he can compliment Russ and Adams alongside Roberson. As far as Billy's other moves, I will leave that up to him to decide but I feel Joe Harris is a good piece for this Thunder squad.

Post #2 » by **ThunderBolt** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 2:30 pm

Joe Harris would be a great replacement for abrines, but not for Paul George. All George needs to do is have one good game and a lot of the negativity towards him will cool. He’s struggling but he’s still a very good player.

Post #3 » by **slick_watts** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 2:52 pm

so we're just continuing to down grade that roster spot? oladipo -> george -> harris? doesn't seem like a good strategy.

DaddyCool19 · Post #4 » by **DaddyCool19** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 5:17 pm

To which team could you realistically trade Melo? I don't think there are that many teams who would trade for him and would Melo even agree to a trade?

NYG · Post #5 » by **NYG** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 5:27 pm

Not a Thunder fan, but trying to get a feel for what the Thunder are trying to do this off-season if some one or a few of you combined could let me know a detailed breakdown of what they’re likely to do this off-season.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #6 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 6:19 pm

NYG wrote:Not a Thunder fan, but trying to get a feel for what the Thunder are trying to do this off-season if some one or a few of you combined could let me know a detailed breakdown of what they’re likely to do this off-season.

It really is in the hands of PG. If PG stays they will keep pushing all-in. If PG walks they will basically have no choice but to accept they are a rebuilding team. The only exception is if Presti pull off another stunning trade like PG last off-season. Maybe add Kawhi.

NYG · Post #7 » by **NYG** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 6:33 pm

Kizz Fastfists wrote:
NYG wrote:Not a Thunder fan, but trying to get a feel for what the Thunder are trying to do this off-season if some one or a few of you combined could let me know a detailed breakdown of what they’re likely to do this off-season.

It really is in the hands of PG. If PG stays they will keep pushing all-in. If PG walks they will basically have no choice but to accept they are a rebuilding team. The only exception is if Presti pull off another stunning trade like PG last off-season. Maybe add Kawhi.

If PG leaves, is Westbrook tradeable?

Post #8 » by **ThunderBolt** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 7:07 pm

NYG wrote:
Kizz Fastfists wrote:
NYG wrote:Not a Thunder fan, but trying to get a feel for what the Thunder are trying to do this off-season if some one or a few of you combined could let me know a detailed breakdown of what they’re likely to do this off-season.

It really is in the hands of PG. If PG stays they will keep pushing all-in. If PG walks they will basically have no choice but to accept they are a rebuilding team. The only exception is if Presti pull off another stunning trade like PG last off-season. Maybe add Kawhi.

If PG leaves, is Westbrook tradeable?

I think he should be traded if George leaves. I think the front office is content to let Westbrook retire here if he wants. I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility that Russ is willing to be traded somewhere he feels he will be able to contend. What teams could give OKC a decent return and still have a roster that is enticing enough russ would want to play there? Very few.

RalphSampsonJr · Post #9 » by **RalphSampsonJr** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 7:28 pm

Off season strategy starts with firing Billy. I dont think it is even up for debate at this point. OKC have not once this season found an identity on the offensive end. They are just awful to watch on that end of the floor.

Billy has more talent and fire power than 90% of teams yet he cant get anything to work. You compare them to a Utah, Boston, or even a Indiana. these teams have less and are all doing far more.

His rotations are ridiculous and have been all year he is my first focal point if i am Sam.

2nd is Melo. If he does not want to be traded then you have to sit him down and tell him what he is now. No beating around the bush. Hopefully a new coach who has no problems with doing that.

I think you make o go back to basics. Russ and Adams are the backbone, you need to find complimentary players to fit around that.
I guess im saying follow Houstons model. have Russ create while having 3 and D players that will give Russ and Adams the room they need.
Yea yea i know.. easier said than done.

A back up center should be high on the list too. Grant and Patterson have been awful on the boards. You cannot get away with having those two play the 4 and 5 together. Grant playing the 5 is ridiculous to me. It may work against 5 out of 30 teams.

Keep Grant. He is still raw but you cant teach some of the things he is doing and t seems his confidence is rising. If he can hit 35% of his 3s and put a lil more weight on he will be a very handy role player.

As far as PG goes im not sure what happens.. if he and Melo stay do we have to give up Adams? in my mind this would be disastrous.
If Russ is your main guy then you have to keep Adams. He seems to be the only guy that can compliment Russ' style of play.

Yea PG is an all star etc but he is wildly inconsistent and there is still question mark over whether him and Russ can take the thunder to the next level together.

Dn4sty · Post #10 » by **Dn4sty** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 7:51 pm

Russ can’t be traded till the summer of 2019 correct?

Kizz Fastfists · Post #11 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 7:55 pm

Dn4sty wrote:Russ can’t be traded till the summer of 2019 correct?

Summer of 2018. One year after signing the contract.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #12 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 7:58 pm

NYG wrote:If PG leaves, is Westbrook tradeable?

He should be, but I don't know if Presti has the brains and balls to actually do it. If Presti is as smart as I thought he was then his problem is he lacks the balls to do what is right for the organization out of fear of upsetting the brainless fans. One should never be afraid to offend stupid people by speaking the truth and doing what is right.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #13 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 8:03 pm

If I am ownership my off-season plan is simple. 1) Fire Presti 2) Hire Hinkie.

If I am Presti my off-season plan is 1) Fire Donovan 2) Get PG to stay 3) Trade first round pick and other assets for another veteran OR trade Russ and commit to a rebuild depending on what PG did

If I am Donovan my off-season plan is to go fishing after getting swept in the first round to secure my job as long as ownership isn't smart enough to fire Presti.

Dn4sty · Post #14 » by **Dn4sty** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 8:16 pm

Kizz Fastfists wrote:
Dn4sty wrote:Russ can’t be traded till the summer of 2019 correct?

Summer of 2018. One year after signing the contract.

His extension doesn’t start till next season. He played this season under his old deal

NYG · Post #15 » by **NYG** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 8:19 pm

Knrstz wrote:
NYG wrote:
Kizz Fastfists wrote:
It really is in the hands of PG. If PG stays they will keep pushing all-in. If PG walks they will basically have no choice but to accept they are a rebuilding team. The only exception is if Presti pull off another stunning trade like PG last off-season. Maybe add Kawhi.

If PG leaves, is Westbrook tradeable?

I think he should be traded if George leaves. I think the front office is content to let Westbrook retire here if he wants. I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility that Russ is willing to be traded somewhere he feels he will be able to contend. What teams could give OKC a decent return and still have a roster that is enticing enough russ would want to play there? Very few.

Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow?

Post #16 » by **ThunderBolt** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 9:12 pm

NYG wrote:
Knrstz wrote:
NYG wrote:
If PG leaves, is Westbrook tradeable?

I think he should be traded if George leaves. I think the front office is content to let Westbrook retire here if he wants. I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility that Russ is willing to be traded somewhere he feels he will be able to contend. What teams could give OKC a decent return and still have a roster that is enticing enough russ would want to play there? Very few.

Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow?

For russ? No. Picks would be needed or a young player on a rookie contract that is showing potential.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #17 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 10:07 pm

NYG wrote:Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow?

Not even close. None of those players would have any place in a rebuild for OKC. The goal would be draft picks and youth. The problem is finding a fit and a team with the assets now. Last season there were a few options and the package Boston sent to Cleveland for Kyrie would have been close. Boston and Philly could make nice offers, but they don't need Russ with Kyrie and Simmons. The Bulls could make a solid offer, but I think they are going to continue their rebuild. Phoenix could make an interesting offer with Miami and Milwaukee picks plus their own, Bender and Chriss with Knight as salary filler. Knight is still young enough he could bounce back and at least be a solid backup.

Post #18 » by **ThunderBolt** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 10:29 pm

Kizz Fastfists wrote:
NYG wrote:Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow?

Not even close. None of those players would have any place in a rebuild for OKC. The goal would be draft picks and youth. The problem is finding a fit and a team with the assets now. Last season there were a few options and the package Boston sent to Cleveland for Kyrie would have been close. Boston and Philly could make nice offers, but they don't need Russ with Kyrie and Simmons. The Bulls could make a solid offer, but I think they are going to continue their rebuild. Phoenix could make an interesting offer with Miami and Milwaukee picks plus their own, Bender and Chriss with Knight as salary filler. Knight is still young enough he could bounce back and at least be a solid backup.

I’ve wondered about something similar to what Indiana did with George. Suppose Denver misses the playoffs, could you get a package with their draft pick and Jamal Murray plus salary?

RalphSampsonJr · Post #19 » by **RalphSampsonJr** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 10:34 pm

is this what its come to for some of you? trading Russ?! im upset as the next guy about how this season has gone but jesus

NYG · Post #20 » by **NYG** » Sat Apr 7, 2018 10:46 pm

RalphSampsonJr wrote:is this what its come to for some of you? trading Russ?! im upset as the next guy about how this season has gone but jesus

I think there’s a few things that need to align that aren’t close to happening yet, but if they do then trading Westbrook becomes realistic.