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OKC Thunder in the News: Oladipo’s Summer, NBA Awards, and Trade Prospects

By Heather Koontz

Jan 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Darko Rajakovic are seen on the floor prior to action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Darko Rajakovic are seen on the floor prior to action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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So glad it’s Monday (said no one ever)! To make the start of your week a bit brighter, here’s your OKC Thunder daily in the news column.

Today’s offerings include an update about Victor Oladipo’s summer goals, inaugural NBA Fan Awards, and the possible scenarios for an OKC trade.

Victor’s Summer Promise:

At only 25-years-old, OKC Thunder player Victor Oladipo made his mark this past season. In just his fourth appearance as a professional, Oladipo averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti remarked:

"“He had his most efficient year as a player. The thing that’s impressive to me about what Victor did is the fact that he did it with less usage, so he kept his production at a certain level, an expected level, but he did it without using the ball quite as much.”"

After a rocky playoffs performance, Oladipo is back on the court for summer practice before training camp starts in September. In an article for the OKC Thunder, the young guard told Nick Gallo that he’s focused on improving his game in the summer months:

"“It’s going to be a very relentless summer. I just use it as motivation, and I’m going to come back better.”"

One Week Left:

Voting for the NBA Fan Awards is almost closed. The inaugural NBA Awards feature two of OKC’s finest in the lineup.

You can vote for Russell Westbrook to receive:

  • Best Style
  • Game Winner of the Year
  • Performance of the Year

And while you’re there, cast your vote for Victor Oladipo to receive the “Dunk of the Year” award.

Voting ends June 26, just in time for the official MVP announcement. Click here to vote.

“Reverse Harden Trade”:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Who could forget the trade that forever rocked the OKC Thunder roster? When James Harden left for Texas, he took a piece of the team’s potential with him. And, Houston didn’t give up much in return. In a new piece for Thunderous Intentions, writer Austin Sternlicht analyzes the trade, and how likely Oklahoma City is to pull off a smiliar feat:

"“The Rockets took a risk, giving up multiple picks and players for Harden, who at the time, was a sixth man averaging less than 17 points a game. Houston’s gamble paid off as Harden has become one of the league’s top players and turned the Rockets into a top-five NBA team.The big difference however, between Houston and Oklahoma City’s situation is that at the time, Houston had no franchise player to build around and were in need of a superstar. The Thunder already have that player in Russell Westbrook.”"

Read the rest of the article here.

Enjoy your week! And, be sure to make OKC Thunder ‘In the News’ a daily stop to get up to speed on the latest and greatest about your favorite team.

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