Golden State who? Just kidding. After a quick discussion about tonight’s game, we’re onto items of more importance for the OKC Thunder.
For the first time this season, I will not say happy Gameday Thunder Nation. It’s not because the Thunder are playing poorly without Andre Roberson. And it’s not because they are traveling to Oracle to play the Golden State Warriors tonight. It’s because we’re focused on greater things, i.e. who Sam Presti is going to acquire before the Trade Deadline.
Rumors have started to swirl around Oklahoma City – we’re going to dive into the most recent ones. But first..the obligatory mention of tonight’s showdown in California.
Perimeter defense struggling at the most inopportune time
Okay I lied: this game would be much more exciting with Roberson in the fold. His defense is vital for this heavy-motion Golden State offense. Without him it’s hard to believe the Thunder can keep the Warriors in check. One of OKC’s most prevalent problems is their inability to keep teams off the three-point line. Fred Katz detailed how this has been an issue even before Roberson’s injury, and how tonight could be a step forward or another step back.
"But this streak extends further back than Roberson’s injury and includes games against the Brooklyn Nets, who hunt 3s, the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons, all wins."
Rodney Hood and the Thunder linked in rumors
While the rest of Thunder Nation seems extremely excited about this proposition, I’m sitting here hoping this doesn’t happen. Hood is a good player, but not what the Thunder need. As we just detailed the defense is sputtering without Roberson – it’s Presti’s job to find as close to a replacement as possible. With Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony an offensive-minded started shouldn’t be the focus, and I’m almost positive OKC agrees with me.
"Detroit and Chicago are in a similar place as Oklahoma City personnel-wise. Hood would fit with the Pistons or the Bulls, who both need another guy who can shoot the basketball."
Now for the rumor I’m actually intrigued by
The proposition of playing Steven Adams and Dewayne Dedmon for 48 minutes a night should scare other NBA teams. That ability to play true centers (one with an okay three-point shot) would be a severe disadvantage for most Playoff teams, especially small-ball centered teams like Houston and Golden State. Dedmon shouldn’t be the Thunder’s biggest target, but acquiring him would do a great deal to help a struggling second-unit.
If you want more info on the seven-footer, check out my quick analysis here.
"The 28-year old would fit in perfectly with the Thunder’s athletic bench while also providing more spacing for Raymond Felton to work with."
Next: Previewing tonight's battle in Oakland
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Remember – tonight is irrelevant in terms of judging this team for the Playoffs. It won’t be the same team roster-wise, nor will it be a similar defensive scheme. Just sit back and enjoy the game until you a) fall asleep or b) it turns into a blowout.