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OKC Thunder: Matt’s Monday Musings – Edition Six

By Matthew Hallett

Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) defend Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second quarter at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) defend Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second quarter at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball action between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball action between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

In Presti We Trust

There was a good chance for Sam Presti to try and cover the loss of Durant by spending money over the off-season. His decisions to stand pat on players have been as good as his trade decisions this season.

By inserting Roberson into the starting small forward slot, the OKC Thunder were able to offer Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams long term extensions which locked up the short to mid term future of the team.

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During the season, Presti was able to trade for Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott, as well as sign Norris Cole. He could do this because of the steady, reliable play of Roberson.

I am not sure that the OKC Thunder has the pieces this season to make a run at the Championship. There is a little seasoning required for the current players, and organic growth which will move the team forward.

These same pieces, if kept together next season, may help take the OKC Thunder deeper into the playoffs next season. Only Gibson and Roberson need to have their contracts negotiated for the team to stay together this off-season

Considering the OKC Thunder had seven new players on the roster at the start of this season, this will be a tremendous boost for next season. By not spending money on a risk like Parsons has made all the difference.

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