OKC Thunder: Ranking the depth at each position before training camp
By Tony Heim
![Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with center Steven Adams (12) after his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with center Steven Adams (12) after his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8b3f921a8255a224e7848b2c5aee56c4778d6256495dcb272a5504cb70b3602c.jpg)
1. Point Guard
I mean c’mon. Did you really think anyone could top Russ?
You know all about Westbrook. So it’s time to be enlightened on Cameron Payne, Ronnie Price AND Semaj Christon. Christon probably won’t make the roster in training camp, but he is one injury away from a call up. The 23-year old was taken by the Thunder in the 2014 draft, and he has played with the organization’s summer league team and D-League team.
Cam Payne is my favorite player on the Thunder. I am biased. But I think Payne plays well this season. He showed flashes on the court in his rookie season; more importantly he gained the respect of Russ.
Throwback Thursday: One of my favorite Westbrook/Payne dance sessions from last season. Slight disco work. #Thunderhttps://t.co/BDMMqH6XC0
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) August 25, 2016
Golly I love these two.
Ronnie Price was brought in as a mentor. The 33-year old does not have the talent to be in the NBA, but he has the mentality for it. Presti realized that Payne should be learning the game from a true point guard because that’s what his skillset fits. In comes Price.
Price’s role will be eerily similar to Nick Collsion: player-coach. This postseason gave Donovan and Presti intel on their own team. They realized that youth is good, but veteran leadership is required so that 3-1 series leads aren’t wasted. Yes I’m still bitter.
#ThunderUp