Breaking Down the Enes Kanter Signing

May 13, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (left) and guard Russell Westbrook (center) celebrate their win with Kevin Durant

This Could Be Really Good (or Really Bad)

For all of the intrigue and drama and potential of the past few seasons in Oklahoma City, this team has them all beat. The shadow of Durant’s free agency, the possible locker room discord, a new coach and a desperate need for a championship – each story line fascinating in its own way.

But it should be encouraging to know that someone very familiar with the team’s inner workings has high hopes for this group:

Kind of ironic, isn’t it? Brooks had always been maligned for his alleged lack of creativity and for possibly depending too much on Durant and Westbrook for success. That won’t be the problem for this team, by far the deepest and most talented in Oklahoma City’s short history.

And that’s why all of these moves – firing Brooks, hiring Donovan, trading for and re-signing Kanter – were made. This team has the potential to be historically good or possibly fall apart before reaching their goal.

It’s a risk that Presti and the Thunder front office have been anticipating for years. Kanter’s deal is just one of many make-or-miss moves that have been part of a long-term plan.

Thunder fans – and the critics – will simply have to wait patiently to see how it all pans out.

Next: What Did We Learn From Orlando Summer League?