Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

#5 – Current Thunder Player – Enes Kanter

Jake’s Historic Counterpart – Rony Seikaly

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This one is so perfect it almost hurts. Rony Seikaly was the first ever draft pick of the Miami Heat franchise in 1988. He brought a crafty euro-style post game that hadn’t really ever been seen in the NBA and, as such, is a true Heat legend and probably their best post not named Alonzo Mourning or Chris Bosh (contrary to popular belief, Bosh has a decent Hall of Fame argument). However, Seikaly was incredibly unique, preferring a more finessed approach to the incredibly gritty NBA of the ‘90s.

Enes Kanter is very similar in this way. Both have a devastating array of spin and post moves and beautiful touch at the rim. In fact, in some ways Kanter may actually be the better overall offensive player as both his touch on jump shots is slightly better and he rebounds at a slightly higher clip. However, as OKC fans can attest, Kanter really struggles defensively. Seikaly had multiple seasons where he averaged 2 blocks per game and really excelled as a rim protector. If Kanter was able to get to that level of rim protection, though, it would make him a top-tier post in the NBA. One can dream.

(Editor’s Note: Of all the videos on Seikaly – not many – this one was the most appropriate as Rony has rebranded himself as a South Florida DJ/Legend and Kanter is quite the party-boy)

Next: #4 - The Talented Underachiever