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Oklahoma City Thunder Christmas Round Table Series, 2 sleeps til Santa

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Dec 25, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Members of the Oklahoma City Thunder dance team entertain the fans in a break in action against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Members of the Oklahoma City Thunder dance team entertain the fans in a break in action against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Through this point in the season what has been the biggest disappointment or conversely greatest surprise?

Jeremy Lambert: Biggest disappointment has Billy Donovan’s rotations. He still can’t help but experiment. That leads to guys losing and gaining playing time randomly. It’s nice that he’s not set in his ways and willing to adapt, but sometimes he needs to reign it in a bit. Victor Oladipo has been the greatest surprise. I knew he was good, but he’s been fantastic for OKC. He can run the offense, space the floor, and is an above average defender. We’re seeing just how valuable he is right now.

Yaman Khabbaz: The biggest disappointment also happens to be the greatest surprise – 50% of Thunder losses have come by 4 points or less. This obviously makes for plenty of heartbreak towards the end, but it means that the team is competing until the very end. They’re playing until the final buzzer.

Joshua Lea: The biggest Disappointment has to be the inconsistent use of Steven Adams. He’s becoming such a low-post scoring threat and he’s just not being utilized. The biggest surprise is the increase in Anthony Morrow’s minutes. Thunder fans have been calling for Morrow to see the floor more and he’s getting that shot.

Chris Hughes: Definitely the biggest surprise was how we started the season. Fresh off the back of losing frankly one of the top three players in the league, going 6-1 was a pretty crazy feeling. I mean we didn’t then go on a losing streak admittedly, but we’re still boasting a positive ratio now so I can’t complain.

Rich Condon: Steven Adams lack of involvement offensively. He’s taking between 5-10 shots a game. I’d like to see him be more assertive on offense.

Cole Hixon:  Russell Westbrook actually averaging a triple double. I like many other people thought it was an insane notion to start the season and now it seems feasible.

Heather Koontz: One of the greatest surprises for me came at the beginning of the season when the Thunder defeated the Clippers and became the only undefeated team in the western conference at the time. Sure, it was short-lived. But, the explosion of talent at the beginning of the season was a pleasant surprise.

Anthony Halkias:  Lack of wins. Not enough production out of role players.

Tony Heim: Most are going biggest disappointment, so I’ll take the high road: how great Victor Oladipo is. He struggled early in the season, but as he’s found his role in the offense he’s flourished. Look what’s happened with him out with the wrist injury? In two years, Dipo will be an all-star in this league. Love that guy.

Casimir Cuffy: I want to go the greatest surprise route. I am surprised at how well Andre Roberson is playing. Not just defensively, but his all-around game is pleasant to watch this season

Eric Snyder:  The biggest disappointment this season so far has been GM Sam Presti. He was caught flat-footed by Durant’s departure and has done nothing to provide more scoring help to Russ. The current record is skewed because of Russell Westbrook. Presti better have a great trade lined up as a Christmas present for Thunder fans and players alike.

Tamberlyn Richardson:  When I made my preseason picks I had the Thunder competing for a seed somewhere between 3 and 6 with Russell Westbrook averaging a triple-double, winning MVP and forming a major bond with Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams. So… not surprised.

I did anticipate Donovan would get the youngsters to perform, but to do that he needs to give them consistent minutes. Therefore my disappointment lies in a combo of roster utilization and Sam Presti not making a move to add another scorer/star yet. Or course the unfortunate timing of Cameron Payne‘s injury was another disappointment.

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