OKC Thunder in the news looks for May 16 focuses on the draft lottery, playoffs and a dive into player nicknames.
Tuesday May 16 was eventful for the NBA with the NBA Draft Lottery occurring and Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals going the way of the Celtics. While the OKC Thunder don’t have a directly vested interest in either event no doubt they were paying attention like the rest of the NBA loving world.
2018 NBA Draft Lottery:
The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery took place last night without the OKC Thunder among the 13 teams fixated on ping pong balls. In spite of this fact there is always reason for every team to pay attention to the Draft Lottery. This because teams who do gain valuable picks may become factors to be more concerned with moving forward.
As expected the Phoenix Suns landed the top pick. This is the first time in the Suns history they get the distinction of picking first. Although the Suns ranked last in the NBA they have a generational talent in Devin Booker, a two way player in Josh Jackson and quality role player in TJ Warren.
The Suns have a big decision to make on whether to select what some are calling the best European player ever in Luka Doncic. It does make you wonder if it’s a foregone conclusion given the Suns newly hired head coach Igor Kokoskov was selected with this vision in mind. The 19 year old who could play several positions was on the gold medal Euro team Kokoskov coached.
For more on the lottery draft check out TI’s article on how the ping pong balls fell.
Conference Finals Update:
Celtics pull ahead 2-0:
While most pundits opined the Cavaliers would easily dispense of the Celtics it seems many underestimated one major fact —these Celtics are arguably the deepest roster with the overall best talent in the NBA.
An exercise I suggested prior is worth reiterating. Take any team and remove their top two players who would be the equivalent of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Next select the next three best players. Now select the top three defenders (who must be different than the first three players).
Compare these six players to Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Aron Baynes and Marcus Morris. Are they close in talent to the Celtics?
If we do this exercise with the OKC Thunder we remove Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Our next three best are Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams and since we’ll insert Jerami Grant into the defensive section I guess Alex Abrines. The three defenders are then Grant, Andre Roberson and who? Patrick Patterson? You see my point, and that’s without even mentioning Terry Rozier.
Cleveland is discovering just how special this Celtics squad is as they took a 2-0 series lead and force LeBron James and his squad into needing to win four of five games to move on. Tall task, even for the King.
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
Yet, the more interesting story is noted Celtics fan and media savant Bill Simmons recent claims he doubts Danny Ainge and the brain trust will be willing to pay Kyrie Irving the max next summer.
Simmons spoke on Zach Lowe’s “Lowe Post” podcast. The hour, twenty minute podcast is definitely worth your time. Full disclosure – Lowe and Simmons top my list of must read/listens, so I’m slightly biased. However, trust me on this one and have a listen.
Dubs look to steal two in Houston:
Tonight the two former OKC Thunder players take to the court again with James Harden and his Rockets in a must win situation. It’s that simple. Would it be the end of the world if Houston lost? No, but heading back to Oracle down 2-0 needing to win four of five games seems highly impossible.
Again, I’ll revisit the argument for OKC Thunder fans to hope for a Rockets sweep as it could reopen the Morey-Melo trade conversation.
OKC Thunder Nicknames:
Can you believe Jerami Grant doesn’t have a nickname? Seriously, one of the most athletic players in the NBA is without a moniker. The same Jerami Grant who did this to Kevin Durant:
And THIS to the Pelicans:
And THIS to the Wolves and former teammate Taj Gibson:
The point is Jerami Grant needs a nickname. Send us your suggestions, because this situation has to be addressed. Kyle Singler cannot have three nicknames and Jerami Grant not have any. Every OKC Thunder player has at least one nickname except Grant and Alex Abrines. Catch all the players nicknames here including some pretty humorous Chinese monikers.
That’s it for in the news today. Make sure to check out our ongoing player reviews and daily articles as the Thunderous Intentions writing team keeps you in the loop regarding your favorite team.