Round Table Discussion: Post-Trade Deadline Edition
By David Ramil
May 3, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison before the start of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo J. Adams-USA TODAY Sports
"The NBA Trade Deadline passed on February 19 and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a number of trades that have added depth and versatility to the roster. The Thunderous Intentions staff looks at the deals, how they impact the team’s title chances and evaluate who could possibly be the biggest steal in Thunder history."
What do you make of Enes Kanter deal? Was it a good choice considering he might not stick around past this season?
Sam Livingston (@samkamo): I don’t want to go as far as to say that Kanter is going to be a star on the Thunder, but so far it certainly looks that way. He’s been extremely productive as the team’s starting center and doesn’t seem to be the liability on defense everyone expected him to be. With his good friend Steve Novak on the team and his apparent joy towards playing on OKC, I don’t think Kanter will leave and think this is an excellent deal.
Zach Collums (@ZachCollums): Kanter was an absolute steal for the Thunder. Not only are you getting another young center who has proven to be a good scorer and a decent pick and roll guy, but you got him for almost nothing. I think Kanter will sign and you will have a wonderful tandem at the center position for years to come. Also gives you an option if Adams becomes too pricey.
J.M. Van Sant (@RTFans_): Kanter is a fantastic addition to the team. He provides a low-post presence on offense that the Thunder have never had before. He allows the team to slow down the pace of the game if needed and score an easy bucket. You also have to believe Sam Presti had him agree to sign an extension this offseason so he should be on the team for a while.
Jerry Stephens (@JR_Steph23): Kanter was the best player added by the Thunder in the trades made at the deadline. He is a skilled low post big man who can add an offensive presence. It was a great choice in adding Kanter even if it is only for this season. The chance for an NBA title is an open race this season and the Thunder are in prime position to win now.
Jeremy Lambert (@jeremylambert88): It was a very good choice, especially since I think he will stick around after this season. He’s a younger and cheaper version of Brook Lopez, who OKC nearly pulled the trigger to acquire and gives the Thunder a low post scorer, something they’ve never had before.
Jake Fielder (@reddsix): It was a solid move. Kanter has expressed a desire to start and get paid. While he probably won’t start for Oklahoma City, I do anticipate that the team will open up the checkbook with the new TV deal looming. Finally, being in a championship culture should also help Enes realize that coming off the bench really isn’t that big of a deal.
Evan Riggs (@EvanRiggs15): Kanter was a very nice pickup for the Thunder. He may not be as offensively skilled as Lopez, but he’s pretty close. He and Russell Westbrook already have pretty good chemistry on the pick-and-roll, too. Also, I think Kanter will stay in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will have plenty of cap space for him, and he may even be the starting center when Steven Adams returns.
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