Shoutouts for the 2016-2017 Oklahoma City Thunder season
By Tony Heim
Shouting every single person and object that made this OKC Thunder season special.
Before we get going I’d like to point one thing out. In no case is the placement of the shoutout indicative of a hierarchy or anything like that. Except for the one or two cases where it is indicative of that, but I’m sure you’ll be able to figure that out.
Shoutout Russell Westbrook. You kept us relevant this season, for that I am eternally grateful.
Shoutout Alex Abrines, Steven Adams, Semaj Christon, Norris Cole, Nick Collison, Taj Gibson, Jerami Grant, Josh Huestis, Ersan Ilyasova, Enes Kanter, Joffrey Lauvergne, Doug McDermott, Anthony Morrow, Victor Oladipo, Cameron Payne, Andre Roberson, Domantas Sabonis and yes, Kyle Singler. Even if you’re not on the team anymore we still thank you for your time playing for the Thunder.
Shoutout Billy Donovan, Vin Bhavnani, Mark Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, Adrian Griffin, Royal Ivey, Darko Rajakovic, Billy Schmidt and all the other assistants. Now is when you’re work truly begins though.
Shoutout Clay Bennett and the rest of the ownership group. You did a great job of helping us forget about the Kevin Durant era and move on to a new era of OKC basketball.
Shoutout all the concession workers, ushers, Storm Chasers and all the other fantastic behind-the-scenes people who make Chesapeake Energy Arena one of the best environments in the NBA. There’s a reason the team is significantly better at home…
Shoutout the person who makes Russ’ PB&J sandwich.
Shoutout Nina Westbrook for keeping a man like Russell Westbrook happy. You the Real MVP.
Shoutout the Philadelphia 76ers organization for giving us Jerami Grant. We will forever be indebted to you.
Related Story: Taking a look at the Ilyasova, Grant trade a couple months later
Shoutout the Orlando Magic for giving us Ersan Ilyasova. Aka for giving us the proper piece for Jerami Grant.
Shoutout Cameron Payne for showing just enough potential in less than 82 career NBA games to net two rotation players.
Shoutout Russell Westbrook.
Shoutout Alex Abrines aka Dion Waiters 2.0 aka DA GAWD aka the Spaniard Sniper.
Shoutout Sam Presti for rebuilding on the fly and creating a team with a high enough ceiling to make the second round. Again, he did that after making the third round the year before and losing a top three player in the NBA. Amazing.
Shoutout the Lowkey MVP for proving my given-moniker to be true this postseason. Now please take less money to stay.
Shoutout the two random pedestrians who hit the half-court shot during the timeout.
Shout Semaj Christon and Taj Gibson for hitting half-court shots during the game.
MUST READ: The ultimate guide to free agent Taj Gibson
Shoutout Antonio Daniels for making postgame coverage watchable. Someone get this man in the play-by-play booth next season.
Shoutout Michael Cage and Brian Davis. I may want Antonio taking your place, but the homerism was hilarious once again.
Shoutout Mitch McGary. Homie still hasn’t found a basketball team, in the NBA or overseas.
Shoutout all the big OKC media members. Erik Horne, Fred Katz, Darnell Mayberry and Royce Young all did a fantastic job getting us the good sound bites as always; Brett Dawson was a welcome addition to the bunch. To the smaller/non-full time reporters we love you too.
Shoutout Daily Thunder, Inside Thunder, Thunder Digest, Welcome to Loud City and Up the Thunder for bringing fresh Thunder content, both articles and social media. You challenged us to push to new heights and with UTT and DT’s Warrior-like partnership, you will continue to do so.
Shoutout OKC Twitter even though I probably have more complaints than positives to say. LOL jk. But seriously, the passion you all have makes rooting for this team that much more fun.
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
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Shoutout Kelly Masters-Newton for donating two lower bowl tickets to the “Tony Heim needs to make an OKC game fund.” You have no idea how much I appreciated that.
Shoutout Kendrick Lamar. I needed that album to cope with this L.
Shoutout the use of “cupcake” as a derogatory term.
Shoutout Russell Westbrook.
Shoutout the Thunderous Intentions staff for making my first year covering the NBA a remarkable one. The beauty is we’re just getting started…expect bigger and better things from TI next season as we work out the kinks from this season. In the meantime you best be checking us out this summer for the most Thunder draft, free agency and other offseason content your heart desires.