Thunder in the news: Jerami Grant contract, Russ MVP
By Tony Heim
Thunder in the news provides OKC Thunder fans with a daily post solely focused on their favorite team.
We’re officially settled in to offseason mode here at Thunderous Intentions. Questions surrounding the future of the roster, postseason awards and draft content is only a few of the things we’re covering.
Jerami Grant contract situation
Grant flashed potential as a prototypical stretch forward in his first season with the Thunder, but whether or not that play can be sustained is a big question mark. Robert Mitchell from Welcome to Loud City discusses what Sam Presti should do with one of the NBA’s most fearless leapers.
"The number that really stands out is Grant’s three-point percentage, because he only shoots 30% for his career. In his last full year with the Sixers, he shot a lousy 24% from three, and 24.6 in catch-and-shoot opportunities. This is either drastic improvement by the young forward or last season was a complete mirage.Further, while Jerami Grant is a sky walker that converted 66% of his shots at the rim last season, we know he can protect the rim and perhaps become the stretch power forward the modern NBA calls for.But, can he add 2-4 more attempts per game while maintaining those shooting percentages? If so, it would be in the best interest of the Thunder to offer him a more permanent role with the franchise."
Your 2016-2017 MVP award goes to…
Leave it to Russell Westbrook to already have an MVP award secured. Mr. Triple Double secured the coveted Shaqtin’ a Fool MVP two days ago, off this wonderful walk.
Des Bieler from the Washington Post has the story.
"The all-too-obvious infraction was No. 1 on the end-of-season rankings for “Shaqtin’ a Fool,” which should have tipped everyone off that Westbrook was likely to be named MVP. His leisurely stroll came out just ahead of humorous moments provided by the Hornets’ Kemba Walker (says here that homage to Nick Young should have topped the list), the Celtics’ Marcus Smart, the Rockets’ Sam Dekker and the Cavaliers’ J.R. Smith. Harden won the “Shaqtin’ a Fool” MVP award last season, so perhaps it could be taken as a good omen for future success. In the four previous years the award was handed out, it went to JaVale McGee twice, and Kendrick Perkins and Otto Porter Jr. once each."
Jordan Bell prospect preview
Shoutout Thunderous Intentions’ newest writer Will Brewer for stepping up immediately. Will takes a look at Bell, an intriguing big man prospect for the Thunder because of his athletic ability.
"Bell feeds off of his energy and his athletic ability. He has the ability to immediately come in the NBA and shine with his rebounding, shot blocking and energy on both ends of the floor. He improved on his rebounding each year at Oregon and notched double-digit rebounding games in each of Oregon’s NCAA Tournament games this past March.Bell runs the floor with the best of them and is a major threat in transition. Defensively, Bell is an elite shot blocker and his athleticism allows him to defend multiple positions. He has a 7’1″ wingspan and also shows the ability to put the ball on the floor."
That’s it for today’s Thunder in the news. Check back tomorrow for another round of Oklahoma City Thunder talk.