Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder 2017 free agents point guard shortlist

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Jan 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball in front of Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball in front of Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Apr 5, 2017; Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (right) reacts alongside guard Shaun Livingston against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (right) reacts alongside guard Shaun Livingston against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Shaun Livingston:

While teams have already begun to actively assemble their own ‘super team’ to attack the Golden State Warriors perhaps the wisest way to defeat them is to remove their depth.

Sure, players like Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee Patrick McCaw, and Ian Clark all provided serviceable minutes. But let’s not kid ourselves, arguably Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston represent an equally important role for the champions.

Revisit the finals series and in fact, the minutes when Iggy and Livingston were on court inevitably was when Golden State overtook the Cavaliers. Therefore, doesn’t it stand to reason taking those 2 players away from the Warriors would be the best way to weaken them?

Earlier I outlined why Iguodala should be on Presti’s x-factor free agents list. In reality, as outlined Iguodala will likely be the player who garners higher offers given his skillset. That said, Livingston is no less valuable to the Warriors and offers plenty for a competing squad. First of all, his size allows him the potential to guard 1 through 3 easily and even smaller power forwards on occasion.

Fundamentally Sound:

Livingston possesses strong fundamentals and the only missing asset is a reliable, consistent perimeter shot. On the season Shaun’s numbers don’t jump off the page (5.1 points 2.0 rebounds,1.8 assists). That said he’s a great defender, shoots over 50 percent from the field (54.7 percent) and has a 54.9 effective field goal percentage.

Related: 5 x-factor players OKC should pursue in free agency

Where you see his true value is in his on court – off court stats especially of the Warriors who played more than 900 minutes. Livingston ranks third defensively (100.2) behind only Draymond Green and Pachulia. And, not surprisingly he ranks right after the starters and Iguodala offensively (107.7).

Those numbers are inspiring when you align them with OKC. Westbrook (107.9) and Kanter (107.8) are better offensive by a minuscule margin. And his defensive numbers outperform all Thunder players. Given, this information and the quality of character Livingston offers coupled with his experience and leadership it’s not hard to recognize why he should be considered a smart option.

Home/Thunder Free Agency