Continued Growth:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Presti was clear in stating although the team needs more time to assess Terrance Ferguson more, he expects growth from certain players. The three he pinpointed were Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson, and Jerami Grant. The latter is a free agent this offseason, so this again may be posturing on the GM’s part with the hopes of re-signing Grant. And, again, getting rid of Carmelo Anthony will be imperative for this signing to even be a possibility.
One reporter tried to open the Westbrook conversation with a view to examining his amount of shots, failure from deep and defensively. Presti quickly and adeptly spun the narrative to what an outstanding talent Westbrook is, how he’ll work tirelessly to improve.
I can’t say I blame him, Russ is his crowning glory as a GM. It’s his job to protect Westbrook and it’s understandable why he wouldn’t bite on any negativity tossed in that direction.
The one area Presti was willing to discuss with free throws which he cited the entire team for failing to deliver on. The expectation was clear this area must be fixed by each and every player in the offseason.
Closing:
Moving forward the if we take three points from Presti it’s OKC will go above and beyond to retain Paul George and Jerami Grant, will lay down the law with Anthony and gladly shed his salary and expectations for 2018-19 is for a team with some continuity will return to achieving the success they garnered prior to Andre Roberson’s injury.