Thunderous Intentions
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5 NBA Players OKC Thunder Should Target To Fill Open Roster Spot

By Casimir Cuffy

Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti is seen on the floor prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti is seen on the floor prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) dives for a ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) dives for a ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Terrence Jones:

Let me start by saying that signing Terrence Jones is the least likely option on this list but one that could pay major dividends in the long run. Signing Jones goes against everything Presti normally does especially by how he built the team this season. That said, he could put this team in a better position as far as depth.

Terrence Jones is only 25 years old, fresh off one of his best seasons as a pro. He even dropped 36 points on the Cavaliers a few weeks ago, so he is capable of scoring in bunches. The only reason he was bought out was to pursue other options after Sacramento acquired Cousins. So, if more minutes or a starting spot is what he is looking for then the OKC Thunder may not be his choice.

OKC has a plethora of bigs as is, as well as a newly drafted one in Domantas Sabonis. Signing Jones would definitely cut into his playing time and possibly his growth as a player. However, if Presti is looking long-term (which he always is) then that shouldn’t stop him from signing someone of Jones’ caliber if given the opportunity.

So why even entertain it?

Taj Gibson’s contract is up after this season and long-time OKC forward, Nick Collison, may be retiring after this season. If this occurs it would leave two open spaces for the Power Forward position on this team. That alone offers solid reasoning to add a talent like Jones to this team and keep him here. And the carrot is the ability to play next to a talented young center in Steven Adams and a Superstar is Russell Westbrook.

It is highly unlikely Terrence Jones would look OKC’s way when considering his options. Yet, by chance it happens, Jones could be an important cog in this machine  being built in Oklahoma City.

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