Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder open season vs. friends and foes

New York Knicks:

This evenings 2017-18 season and home opener features an opponent positioned at the opposite end of the spectrum of the OKC Thunder. While the Knicks also had a busy summer it’s fair to say it was punctuated with drama and angst.

Gone is the mystical zen master who seemingly did more damage in the Mecca than magic. The dilemma and constant attention paid over Anthony’s status caused further unrest. Even decisions made in the post Jackson era were dubious. Barely a week after Jackson’s departure the Knicks paid  a hefty, head scratching 4-year $71 million to Hardaway Jr.  What made this deal so puzzling was Jr. had been traded to the Hawks just two seasons ago by the Knicks.

Still, the Knicks have a super star to build around in Kristaps Porzingis, some young quality pieces and own their draft pick.  It may not be the ideal scenario for playoff hungry Knicks fans, but the rebuild is seemingly underway.

Outgoing:

• Carmelo Anthony
• Phil Jackson (not a player, but none-the-less a big change)
• Derrick Rose
• Justin Holiday
• Chasson Randle
• Marshall

“It’s an opportunity for me to go out there and close that chapter,” Anthony said. “I’m not out to prove anything. I’m out to win.” – Anthony

Incoming:

• Tim Hardaway Jr.
• Enes Kanter
• Doug McDermott
• Michael Beasley
• Jarrett Jack
• Ramon Sessions
• Frank Ntilikina (rookie)

Closing a chapter and mixed emotions:

Tonight’s opponent offers a mixture of emotions for players and fans. For Carmelo Anthony it’s an  opportunity to close the chapter. No doubt, his new teammates will go above and beyond to make this a special night for him. Therefore expect Westbrook to feed Anthony the ball early and often.

For the OKC Thunder returnees and fans in the building there will be mixed emotions. Two players were sent to the Knicks in order to pull off one of the two larcenous acts Presti committed this summer. Doug McDermott left having never fully recognized his potential or fit in OKC, but has reportedly looked to have found a home where he fits his role in the Mecca.

Kanter comes ‘Okla-Home’:

However the hard part will be witnessing Enes Kanter in something other than a Thunder jersey. In Kanter’s case his return will be bitter sweet. He was the major asset which allowed the OK3 to be formed. Yet, his departure came quite literally a week after he called out Kevin Durant for belittling his former teammates.  The 6’11” center quickly became a fan favorite in OKC.  Kanter felt like Oklahoma City was home and wasn’t shy about stating how much his adopted city came to mean to him.

Typically Westbrook avoids pregame handshakes, or does so almost in disgust. But, don’t be surprised if the Brodie makes an exception for the Swiss born, Turkish Kanter who was arguably Westbrook’s biggest fan.

Related: To Enes Kanter, with love – You’re always welcome in Okla-home

Moreover, the prospect of seeing the Stache Brothers facing each other is surreal. In fact, if the Thunder do a video tribute, assume plenty of humorous clips from the pair to be included. One thing you can count on is the OKC Thunder crowd will initially receive Kanter as if he were still donning the home town jersey.  I imagine it will be an emotional night for the man with the quirky sense of humor and big heart, but at the end of the day this is sports and he is now the opponent.