OKC Thunder in the news: Big 3 of Westbrook, George, LeBron, the new narrative
Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Sunday, July 30, featuring topical daily news on your favorite team and the NBA.
As the weekend and July draw to a close In the News offers three news features on the OKC Thunder.
Big 3 – Westbrook, George, James?
It was inevitable this narrative would arise as the three super stars will all enter free agency next summer. Of course this speculation will change direction if/when Russell Westbrook signs his Designated Player Extension. Most Thunder fans expect Brodie to remain loyal and take the super max contract. Yet, even that scenario doesn’t rule out these three hooking up in OKC.
I mean, let’s face it, if LeBron James truly wants to take down the Warriors imagine how much satisfaction would be involved if he could do it with the team Durant departed.
The Big Lead writer Ryan Phlllips hypothesized about the potential pairing of LeBron forming a duo with Westbrook.
"LeBron James is conducting workouts in Las Vegas this week, and he has a pretty stellar cast of players with him. Among the participants are Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe, new teammate Derrick Rose and, curiously, reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook."
Then Newsweek writer Teddy Cutler took it one step further and examined the possibility of the Big 3 merger.
"The argument would make a great Hollywood film script—an area, incidentally, in which James has business plans. Westbrook watched Kevin Durant walk away from the Thunder and win a championship with the already dominant Golden State Warriors. James, too, wants to take the Warriors down having lost to them in the NBA Finals twice in three years."
Raymond Felton Biggest Offseason Bargain:
Patrick Patterson is making many writers best free agent signing lists. Patterson certainly may have been the most economical considering what he brings to the court. But, another OKC Thunder signing was pegged as a top bargain. FanRag’s Tom West believes Raymond Felton was a bargain particularly due to the role (and gap) he’ll fulfill.
"A big reason things fell off a cliff when Westbrook rested is because of the Thunder’s backup point guard problem. Or, more to the point, they didn’t really have one. Cameron Payne offered little more than dancing and Semaj Christon simply didn’t cut it, nor could Norris Cole when he arrived later in the season. Things couldn’t get any worse through free agency. The Thunder needed someone to control the offense for short bursts when Westbrook was out, to avoid silly turnovers, keep the ball moving and score a little if possible, too.This is why Raymond Felton is such a good signing because he gives OKC just that. Felton isn’t the most explosive athlete or dynamic floor general. Along with every other backup point guard in the league, he also can’t fully eradicate that massive drop-off when Westbrook takes to the bench. That said, Felton will keep things moving and ensure that the offense has some structure and energy when he takes over."
Bottom line, Patterson or Felton could have both collected larger contracts which speaks to Sam Presti’s brilliance at the helm. Presti is addressing key gaps on the roster with quality character and at a reasonable rate. What’s not to like?
OKC Thunder Steven Adams – The Kiwi Bible:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
In the category of “in case you missed it”. Thunderous Intentions scribe Heather Koontz served up a brilliant look at Steven Adams. She provides insight into his childhood, intro to basketball, NCAA journey, draft selection and tenure with OKC. It’s a must read for any Adams admirer or Thunder fan looking to learn more about the engaging Kiwi.
"He’s a youngster in the world of the NBA, playing alongside veterans and the occasional athlete old enough to have fathered him. But the thing about Steven Adams is—none of that really matters. Not his age, his experience, or even his mortality.In fact, he seems to break all the rules. Steven doesn’t mind throwing elbows for the sake of his team, his body doesn’t break when beaten, and he’s on track to grow more hair than Rumble the Bison."
That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for July 30. Enjoy the final day of your weekend and make sure to make OKC Thunder, In the News part of your daily fix.