Thunderous Intentions
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The Great Debate: Keeping Kyle Singler or Semaj Christon

By Tony Heim

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 13: Kyle Singler
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 13: Kyle Singler /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 22: Semaj Christon #6 of the OKC Thunder dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the game on March 22, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 22: Semaj Christon #6 of the OKC Thunder dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the game on March 22, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Semaj Christon

Pros

  • With Semaj the Thunder will have a security blanket in case Raymond Felton gets hurt. Although Christon didn’t show much in his rookie season, he does know Billy Donovan’s system and can step in immediately.
  • Christon’s youth helps him. Last year was only his first year in the league after being drafted in 2013 – there’s a case to be made that he improved drastically over the offseason.
  • Russell Westbrook seems to like Semaj. Locker room chemistry is one of the most underrated parts about the NBA and keeping Westbrook happy is Sam Presti’s biggest job. Makes sense to me.

Cons

  • Semaj Christon was not very good last season. We’ve seen the +/- numbers with Westbrook on/off the court. Does Coach Donovan want to deal with that for another season?
  • There are better point guards playing in the G-League/overseas. The Thunder could use their last hybrid roster spot on a point guard, bringing them up to give Felton a day off here and there.
  • Christon’s $200,000 guarantee becomes $1,312,611 if they keep him. Ultimately they have to decide if Christon is worth the extra $1+ million to keep on the roster.
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