2021-22 OKC Thunder Regular Season Discussion

[retrobro90]

do you guys think Shai makes another big leap? Last years leap was huge and made me think he might have what it takes to be a #1 option, not there yet but he is showing signs....

do you think he makes another big leap offensively to where he can get his anytime he wants, or does he make a big leap defensively where tha'ts his biggest weakness right now. Or do you think he plateaus?

I think he improves as a player but ultimately regresses a little in regard to his production/efficiency as a scorer. Think he understands how good he is and will maintain his approach but the percentage from 3 doesnt match the form and speed of release he has. It probably isnt tenable to expect him to lead the league in drives per game each year and I'd like to see Giddey and Poku with opportunities as a lead ball handler.

[Old Man Game]

So no Tre Mann for the pictures? Guess the "personal reason" was real. Is this stat kept anywhere? Games lost due to undisclosed "personal reasons?" After Abrines years ago I'm having flashbacks. Hope this isn't as serious.

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[thedoppelganger]

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Figured it'd be him or Hoard, both will probably get a lot of run on the Blue this year

[Mr Thunder Nick]

Oh no...I would have preferred Edwards , da Silva and even Williams has given a very good impression.
I can't understand what Management finds in J.Hall.

[retrobro90]

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Looks good to me!

[Curtis Lemansky]

How do you guys see Maledon? His percentages look pretty rough but he nevertheless looked solid in general. How do you project him developing?

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[retrobro90]

How do you guys see Maledon? His percentages look pretty rough but he nevertheless looked solid in general. How do you project him developing?

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I like Theo more than Mann or Jerome but he's still frustratingly inconsistent from a motor and effort standpoint. The games in which Theo is able to get in the paint more willingly he looks incredible. Passing arsenal has only gotten better. He's got touch on his floater and I think he's a better shooter than his percentages suggest. Still very young. Was I think the 4th youngest rookie last year. He's noticeably added a ton of upper body strength over the offseason but we'll see what it all translates to in a non-summer league setting.

[retrobro90]

I can't believe no one has picked up Jarred Vanderbilt. He's 22 and looked solid in the minutes I've seen. Is there something I'm missing?

[bondom34]

I can't believe no one has picked up Jarred Vanderbilt. He's 22 and looked solid in the minutes I've seen. Is there something I'm missing?

Not totally sure either, looking at his numbers and would be a player I'd be interested in for OKC as well. Last year was his first real playing time it looks like but solid numbers even though a smaller role. Seems like a guy who'd be worth a shot (Vecenie actually mentioned this on his podcast too).

Edit: One of the Timberwolves writers (Jon Krawczynski) for the Athletic seems to believe he'll be back it seems:

https://theathletic.com/2797725/2021/08/31/the-timberwolves-lack-of-activity-at-power-forward-all-seemingly-points-one-way-ben-simmons/

Jarred Vanderbilt will factor into the mix as well. He is a restricted free agent and has been locked in a long negotiation for a new contract, but he will be back next season. He will either get a multiyear deal (things are pointing in that direction) or sign the qualifying offer and play one more season before reaching unrestricted free agency.

[Mr Thunder Nick]

What about G.Deck now.

Will he stay with the Thunder or will he return to Europe ?

[Dadouv47]

What about G.Deck now.

Will he stay with the Thunder or will he return to Europe ?

No idea but it looks like he wants to stay in the NBA from what I read. Guess it depends if Presti is willing to give him some playing time. He barely played last season and only when we were tanking with terrible line ups so I hope he gets another chance.

[Dadouv47]

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[Balkman32]

What about G.Deck now.

Will he stay with the Thunder or will he return to Europe ?

Earlier in the year it sounded as if Deck would not be back with the Thunder. The one thing on Deck is if the Thunder bought him out they might lose their trade exceptions, I think the Thunder see these as valuable pieces, and they should try to retain the trade exceptions. So I would expect a trade, where the trading team either buys him out or brings him to camp.

Here is an interesting article on Deck.
https://ontapsportsnet.com/2021/08/31/a-unique-solution-to-the-bulls-power-forward-issues/

[Devilanche]

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Under the radar move

[Dadouv47]

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[Dadouv47]

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Under the radar move

hope so

[Devilanche]

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Under the radar move

hope so

Decent small contract .
With Boston/ Memphis latest trade this really will be under the radar in terms of newsworthy .

I’m not sure what it means for him since he’s an SF size prospect and Giddey is also the same archetype body wise

[Dadouv47]

Under the radar move

hope so

Decent small contract .
With Boston/ Memphis latest trade this really will be under the radar in terms of newsworthy .

I’m not sure what it means for him since he’s an SF size prospect and Giddey is also the same archetype body wise

I'm a bit lost about our roster in general tbh...gonna be interesting to see in the beginning of RS

[Devilanche]

I’m looking forward to the team scrimmage during training camp

[Balkman32]

I think the types of players the Thunder are brining in make it very easy for the Thunder to play position less basketball. If we have like guys on the roster it helps them work on things together, bounce things off of. I think the way Presti is building the rebuild makes a lot of sense. If this team gets an All-Star caliber Center, they will be ready to take off.