Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Thunderous Thoughts: OKC Thunder Mailbag Edition

By Jeremy Lambert

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: OKC Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game versus Houston Rockets during the game 4 of the first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs on April 23, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: OKC Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game versus Houston Rockets during the game 4 of the first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs on April 23, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Welcome to Thunderous Thoughts. A weekly look at the OKC Thunder where the main story ranges from fake emails from fake people to real emails from real people. And sometimes in between.

Welcome to the first ever Thunderous Thoughts Mailbag. These are fake questions from real people.

Do you know my Player’s Tribune password? – R. Westbrook

I do not, but I sure wish you’d remember it. It’s really unfortunate that Russell Westbrook forgot his password the same summer he’s allowed to sign the triple double max contract. He could always sign the contract, but until he posts about it on the Player’s Tribune, it’s not official. Doesn’t the Player’s Tribune have a password reset system? That seems like a huge oversight. Maybe this is his punishment for all those shots at Kevin Durant last year. Or this is KD’s way to get Russ to talk to him again. Just give him his password back, Kevin.

Russ is going to pass me the ball, right? – P. George

Of course he is. Contrary to popular belief, he’s not the ball hog he’s made out to be. He deferred to Durant far more than hot take artists give him credit for. Russ averaged 10.4 assists in each of the last two seasons. He gets his teammates involved when he trusts them. I have a feeling that he’s going to trust you, Paul. Not only because you’re the second best player he’s ever played with (2017-18 Paul George is better than 2011-12 James Harden), but because he wants to prove that he’s a good teammate.

You’re going to get the ball plenty, Paul. You’re going to put up a career high in points and assists this year because of Westbrook.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Do people still want me traded? – E. Kanter

Probably. People see that you’re a defensive liability and know that you’re almost unplayed against the Rockets and Warriors, the two most dangerous teams in the West. I used to be someone who wanted you traded, but my stance has softened this offseason. Last year, you were the second best scoring option and the entire second unit offense. When you would have poor performances, it put even more onus on Westbrook and dragged down the second unit even further. That, combined with your defense, led to a lot of frustration.

This year will be more like two years ago. With Paul George, Patrick Patterson, and even Raymond Felton, you won’t have to do as much. There are other guys on the team that can score and pick up the offensive slack. This turns you back into a luxury low-post player, rather than the second best offensive player on a playoff team.

Plus, word is you’re working on stretching your game. I’m sure you’re also working on your defense and I hope you’re working on your passing. I’d rather you work on your passing than your 3-point shooting. An inside-outside game with you, Alex Abrines, and Doug McDermott could be deadly. But that doesn’t work if you’re not comfortable or willing to pass the ball out of the post.

James Harden trade. James Harden trade. – B. Simmons

Sorry, not sure how this spam got into my email box.

Hey mate. I’m thinking of changing up my style. Any suggestions? – S. Adams

Well, first off, we need to define style.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Your playing style? Nothing needs to change, you just need to be better than you were last year. I suspect that will happen with the new starting lineup. There will be less pressure on you defensively and more room for you offensively. I’m hoping we see 2016 playoffs Steven Adams next year and not whatever we saw for the majority of last season.

Your grooming style? I’d like to see you rock a mullet. In fact, just go all Joe Dirt. Mullet, L-shaped sideburns, tight goatee, and obviously the stache.

Your clothing style? Take tips from Russell Westbrook. There’s no way you could pull it off, but that’s the fun.

A guy who looks like Joe Dirt, dresses like Russell Westbrook, and plays basketball like 2016 playoffs Steven Adams. If that’s not the greatest basketball player of all-time, I don’t know who is.

Am I going to leave with Russell and Paul next offseason? – B. Donovan

Billy, what kind of question is this? You’re breaking my heart, Billy. Now I have bad thoughts of them leaving for Los Angeles and you leaving for UCLA. You don’t want to do that, Billy. LaVar’s other kids are going to be there soon. You think dealing with Westbrook is tough, at least he’s the reigning MVP. You’re going to be ignored and yelled at by a guy who has never played in the league or coached a professional game. You don’t want that, Billy.

All three of you are staying. Please.

Hi. – S. Christon

New email who dis?

Home/Thunder News