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OKC Thunder: Matt’s Monday Musings, Edition Three

By Matthew Hallett

Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Ersan Ilyasova for Jerami Grant

It is almost unfair for other General Managers when they deal with Presti. Every trade that he has made has improved the OKC Thunder. Presti is a man blessed with long term vision, without adversely effecting the short term.

If Kevin Durant stayed, the trade that Presti made on draft night made the OKC Thunder good enough to compete, and beat the Golden State Warriors the next time the met in the playoffs. Victor Oladipo, Ilyasova and Domantas Sabonis for Ibaka. Wow! What a deal.

RELATED CONTENT:  Victor Oladipo is More Valuable to the Thunder Than We Thought

The Thunder now had an elite level perimeter defender and good third option scorer in Oladipo, a good back-up forward in Ilyasova and a promising rookie in Sabonis.

Durant slithered away, so Presti had to put on his thinking cap. Ilyasova was a good back-up to play with the second unit, but now the small forward position looked a little bare. Sure, Andre Roberson has done a masterful job defensively. But, Ilyasova’s style of play did not suit the high tempo offense of Westbrook.

Why It Was a Good Idea

The Thunder had their eyes on Grant for a while, drawn to his athletic play and age. All the Thunder had to give up was Ilyasova, his expiring $8.4 million contract and a second round pick.

No head scratching required as to why Grant now plays for the OKC Thunder. Ilyasova has been good for the 76ers but Grant has been better for the Thunder. Grant is leading the Thunder in three point percentage (39 percent). He is also leading the OKC Thunder in blocks per game (1.1), consequently the same number as Steven Adams.

Must Read: Analyzing success of Jerami Grant trade 49 games in

Grant brings an impressive defensive presence to the second unit, as well as scoring more than six points per game. The only real worry I have for Grant is that he may hit his head on the rim.

The upside of Grant is massive. He is just 22 and only in his third season in the league. He can do things with his athleticism that Ilyasova could only dream of. His fit with the new high octane Westbrook run offense is like a hand to a perfectly matched glove.

The other benefit is Grant has a $1.3 million team option for next year, which I am sure the Thunder will pick up. With all the large contracts  the Thunder have on their books next year, Grant will be a necessary, low cost, high return piece.

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