Thunderous Intentions
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The Real Direction Behind OKC Thunder Trade

By Gideon Lim

Mar 2, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) scramble for a ball on the floor during the second half of the game at Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) scramble for a ball on the floor during the second half of the game at Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder
Mar 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Ripples Down To The Rookies

I wonder what Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines’ reactions were when they first heard about the trade.

Both of them were just starting to find their feet in the league. Having Gibson and McDermott on the team brings up the collective talent level, but it also means both rookies will find it harder to see game time.

They say competition helps young players grow. But think about how the team’s front office and coaching staff have been treating young players. Those who are deemed to have starting potential are given direct mentors. Once they look like they are ready to make the next step, Presti has no qualms freeing up game time for them. Think about how Steven Adams (Kendrick Perkins), Roberson (Thabo Selfolasha) and even Sabonis (Serge Ibaka) came into their starting jobs.

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Payne – A Warning Sign

On the other hand, think about Cameron Payne’s season last year. Compare it before and after Randy Foye came in. At the point of the trade, Payne was just starting to clock in proper game time. He was starting to look like he might finally be on track to fulfill his ceiling. But the moment Presti presented Donovan with a more playoff-ready veteran to field, Payne never saw a chance back into the squad again.

You can’t help but wonder what this trade means for the rookies. Both Abrines and McDermott share a very similar player profile. This is good news, because regardless of who comes out stronger from this competition, the OKC Thunderwill stand to benefit.

OKC Thunder
Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) is congratulated by forward Taj Gibson (22) after scoring a basket against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Still, there’s no one on the OKC Thunder roster who offers the same upside as Sabonis at the 4 position. Online commentaries often document Sabonis’ struggles on the offensive end. But after having struggled with defensive rotations last year, Sabonis has really started to contribute on that end of the court. As of now, Gibson has already displaced Sabonis from the starting line-up.

Come playoffs, Sabonis’ game time will drop even further. If Sabonis is going to become a long-term option for the Thunder, then he will need to fight his way through some strong competition.

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