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OKC Thunder 30 for 30: Examining viability of guard DeAndre’ Bembry

By Lawrence George

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder target DeAndre' Bembry
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 3: DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Miami Heat on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Entering August, the OKC Thunder have a full roster of 15 players. With Kyle Singler set to be traded or waived, OKC enter the season with a 14 man roster barring a trade.

It been a busy off-season for Sam Presti and OKC Thunder, reshaping its roster to appease new goals and modern day play style. With Kyle Singler set to be moved in one way, shape or form, Oklahoma City remains flexible on the trade market.

Despite unloading Carmelo Anthony, OKC is in line to pay a league leading $91.6 million in luxury tax. This is a far cry from the $160 million projected in early July but it’s still a hefty price to pay for a small market franchise trying to play ball with the big boys. With ownership intent on paying the tax for a championship caliber squad, its imperative Presti continues to assemble a legitimate squad to challenge the Golden State Warriors.

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After solidifying its core for the foreseeable future, the Thunder have intelligently acquired young players with upside. Oklahoma City have sneakily become younger and more athletic without breaking the bank.

Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics were in excess of young talent with little playing time available, allowing OKC to sweep in to take fliers on young prospects. Presti acquired Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Abdel Nader at the expense of Josh Huestis and Corey Brewer, clear upgrades in most basketball minds in preparation for the future. Some argue Brewer should’ve been re-signed but he’s 32 years old, an average defender and a mediocre shooter at best.

Presti is never done building a team. The OKC Thunder must continue its march toward a championship run and strengthen its team by adding depth or a proven commodity via trade. Each NBA squad possesses at least one player that compliments OKC’s roster.

To that end. over the next month this TI 30 for 30 examines which player from each team best suits the Thunder’s situation while remaining realistic in how Presti can acquire them.

First up in the series, I look at the Atlanta Hawks wing DeAndre’ Bembry.

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