Thunder in the News: How to improve Oklahoma City’s offense
By Tony Heim
Even though the OKC Thunder is hosting the LA Lakers tonight, we’re not going to mention a certain somebody today. That’s because we have a whole half-season and Playoffs to worry about.
All is well in Oklahoma City. Well, kinda. The Thunder have won their last two games, both against sub-.500 teams. The key to the victories was a much improved defensive energy in the second half after lackluster performances in the first. Now hosting a young but offensively-talented Lakers team, they’ll have to play 48 minutes of tough-nosed D to secure a third straight win.
Show us how to acquire Lou Williams
As much as I want to dive deep into tonight’s matchup, the idea of discussing Lou Will trade propositions is too much to pass up. It’s reported that the Clippers want at least a first round pick in return – the Thunder simply don’t have one to offer. If they’re willing to give up a certain 19-year old, however, a deal could be reached.
Check out Bleacher Report’s assortment of packages from non-Warriors contenders. DO you think OKC has a shot at bringing him in?
"To be fair, Terrance Ferguson might as well be a first-round pick."
Looking at every component of the Thunder offense
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. That’s how Kelly Scaletta described Oklahoma City’s offense through 44 games. Finding extended periods of consistency has been a severe struggle all season, and Scaletta does a great job of laying out why that has happened. The biggest reason for that is also the most important reason why Sam Presti should consider going all-in on acquiring Lou WIlliams – the bench needs a consistent scorer.
"In essence, while the Thunder’s stars and Adams are getting it together, the rest of the roster still has major deficiencies when it comes to scoring."
An incredibly fun exercise
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a roster capable of filling all four spots in this year’s Dunk Contest. While it would never happen, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Jerami Grant and Terrance Ferguson could easily go head-to-head at All-Star Weekend. Thanks to Thunderous Intentions’ writer Wil Harrington, that dream is now a reality. Wil gave his hypothetical storyline for all of Thunder Nation – some of it is serious while others…not so much. It’s a ton of fun to read, something I highly suggest reading if you have ten minutes to spare.
"Westbrook, now visibly more in the zone, brings out Kyle SIngler. He goes for another basic hammer, which Singler jumps and attempts to block."
Next: Previewing tonight's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! You know what’s good – our home page is filled with a plethora of great OKC content. Post-game analysis, trade speculation, crazy hypotheticals. We have it all here at Thunderous Intentions.