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OKC Thunder in the News: Arrest warrant issued for Enes Kanter

By Heather Koontz

Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Oklahoma City Thunder logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Oklahoma City Thunder logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s the weekend! Celebrate with your OKC Thunder daily in the news column, where we serve up topical stories about your favorite team.

Today’s offerings include yet another Enes Kanter update, a look at Westbrook’s future role, and a season review of Taj Gibson.

For Kanter, the hits keep coming:

There just isn’t an end to the Enes Kanter saga. After holding a press conference and writing for the Players’ Tribune, Kanter hasn’t kept quiet about his opinions.

And, all of that has landed him in some hot water. In fact, the Turkish government has issued an arrest warrant for the OKC Thunder big man, citing him as a part of a “terror group.”

ESPN writer Royce Young explains:

"“Kanter is a vocal supporter of Fethullah Gulen and the “Gulen Movement.” After a military coup attempt in 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan placed blame for the attempt on Gulen and his supporters.Gulen, a Muslim spiritual leader, has spent the last 15 years in exile in Pennsylvania. Gulen has denied claims of involvement with the coup.”"

Read the rest of the article here.

Where Westbrook fits:

According to Thunder beat writer Fred Katz, Oklahoma City’s upcoming season can’t be littered with the same excuses this past one had. Katz explains:

"“He attempted to implement some more motion. It didn’t work. And the organization mostly pointed to new players, a rotating roster and a general learning period as reasons why the offense failed to progress.”"

Additionally, even Thunder star Russell Westbrook may have held the team back. In fact, Katz suggests:

"“Additionally, Donovan will have a history with the pieces the Thunder retain and should be able to do more with them. The offense must add those wrinkles and must find ways to be more effective. Oklahoma City must expand its game and its near-certain MVP point guard can’t stand in the way.”"

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Season review – Taj Gibson:

In the latest installment of Thunderous Intentions’ season review series, Tamberlyn Richardson takes a look at the season performance of one of the team’s newest players. He only played a total of 28 games in a Thunder jersey, but Taj Gibson certainly added value to a roster that desperately needed it.

With Gibson’s free agency looming, now’s the perfect time to study what he brings to the team. Richardson says:

"“Ultimately the decision won’t be Gibson’s alone. What Sam Presti does with Russell Westbrook will dictate every other move. If Westbrook takes the designated veteran extension at it’s max level, available money is certainly far less. Other factors Presti needs to look at is having a veteran voice on the roster and the 2-way game Gibson offers.”"

Do you agree? Read the rest of the article here, and decide for yourself.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Enjoy your weekend! And, be sure to make OKC Thunder ‘In the News’ a daily stop so you’re always up-to-date.

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