Thunder in the news: Wade perfect for OKC Iguodala role, 2017 Hall of Fame speeches
Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Saturday September 9, featuring topical news on your favorite team.
Today OKC Thunder in the news offers highlights from the Class of 2017 Hall of Fame ceremony. Elsewhere the heat (no pun intended) is growing over Dwyane Wade’s presumed Bulls buy-out. TI’s own scribe joined other pundits as the consensus was a particularly specialized role for the star.
With that here is OKC Thunder in the news for September 9:
Hall of Fame Inductions:
For the 11 member class of 2017 their induction into the Hall of Fame occurred last night. Inside Springfield Symphony Hall inductee speeches offered comical quips, career reflection, gratitude and the typical heart warming moments.
Arguably the headliner of the night was Tracy McGrady, who didn’t fail to live up to his billing. McGrady spoke of the personal doubts he faced regarding deserving the hallowed nod. TMac spoke of how his wife encouraged him to address his inner demons confidently. These were fueled by pundits questioning his achievements sans titles. His summation finally allowed for his humble, grateful acceptance.
Related: McGrady headlines 2017 NBA Hall of Fame induction
Prior to those closing words McGrady gave his 4 children in attendance advice: “remember your character is always more important than your reputation” and what you do out of the public’s eye is equally to what you do in it”. Both, great pieces of advice from a loving father who grew up in the NBA.
As for Tracy McGrady’s reputed toughness, he arrrived in Springfield having removed his own cast due to traffic which prevented him reaching a scheduled Doctor’s appointment. But, adding to McGrady’s legendary toughness was Dikembe Motumbo who spoke of breaking TMac’s nose (one of 22 he administered to teammates over his career). As per the video below:
For a complete review of the night’s events, speeches and best of moments, visit NBA.com.
Oklahoma makes Bill Self’s speech:
Bill Self HTs former KU Illinois Tulsa Oral Roberts & Oklahoma St players via NBA HOF induction speech https://t.co/TN8eDQCbeb via @NBA
— Thunderous Intentions (@thunderousint) September 9, 2017
Dwyane Wade’s location in discussion:
Also in Springfield this weekend, Wade acknowledged there is no news on his status in Chicago other than status quo. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports the most obvious landing spot Wade would be presumed to land:
"ESPN reported recently that LeBron James’ associates believe Wade will sign with Cleveland if he reaches a buyout with the Bulls. A Wade associate told me last week that Miami and Los Angeles also would hold appeal to him.The Heat would be interested in Wade under certain circumstances, including if he agrees to a bench role and if he would be willing to play for Miami’s $4.3 million exception."
TI suggested the ‘Iggy, Manu bench role’ as perfect fit:
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Earlier in the day, I offered the same bench role suggestion for Wade. The case presented here however outlined why Wade’s game is tailor made for the OKC Thunder. Specifically, the article outlined why Wade’s assets would be most beneficial in OKC. Moreover, the Thunder offer Wade with the ideal scenario where he could maximize his output and minimize having to carry the same load he would be required to elsewhere. Or in the case of Cleveland be expected to compensate to make up for short comings.
Ultimately the OKC Thunder personnel would afford the best of both world’s for Wade.
"Therefore, this fact can’t be under valued. Presti, should be selling Wade on how hungry Paul George and Russell Westbrook are to win. He should drive home how important Wade’s role would be within the franchise and point to why OKC more than any other squad are best suited to offer him an ideal role where his contributions will be vital, but beneficial to both star and franchise.And, if all else fails, Presti should ask Wade how satisfying it would be for him to join the squad with the best shot of usurping the Golden State Warriors bid to repeat. Above all, Wade is a competitor – and in this scribe’s opinion is one of the very few NBA stars with the same competitive ilk of Westbrook."
Chicago and Wade have yet to address the elephant in the room of shedding his contract. Despite this, keeping a player of Wade’s caliber and competitiveness is in direct contrast to the Bulls objectives. Please check out the article and respond in the comments section on whether you agree Wade could be OKC’s Iggy or Manu.
That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for September 9. Check back each day as TI offers you the hottest news on your favorite squad and the NBA.