OKC Thunder: 3 ‘what if’ moments that changed the franchise’s trajectory
Missing out on Al Horford
The 2016 Free Agency will go down as one of the most painful periods in OKC Thunder history. After blowing a 3-1 lead in the 2016 Western Conference Finals (sorry Thunder fans), Durant infamously joined the Golden State Warriors. As a basketball fan, Stephen A. Smith hit it right on the head, calling it “the weakest move by a superstar he has ever seen“.
Lets relive his rant.
Depending on what generation of basketball fans are from, many will agree or disagree. As competitors, most are leaning toward Stephen A’s view point. However, this article focuses on the ripple effect of KD failing to re-sign.
On the night of the 2016 NBA draft, Oklahoma City traded forward Serge Ibaka to the Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the 11th pick (Domantas Sabonis). This move was universally lauded around the league as a complete heist by OKC. Oladipo was selected number two overall in 2013 draft and possessed a tonne of potential untapped during his years in Orlando. Ilyasova was a veteran shooter and Sabonis was largely seen as a polished passing big man with a high IQ.
Another under the radar Unrestricted Free Agent searching for a new home was big man Al Horford. The five-time All Star was looking to leave Atlanta in search of greener pastures and strongly considered Oklahoma City. However. for OKC to secure Horford, Durant needed to assure Horford he would be at the club long-term but KD declined. With Durant then jumping ship to Golden State, Horford signed a four-year, $113 million dollar deal with the Celtics.
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
If Horford signed with OKC and KD re-upped long-term or on a short-term deal, the Thunder looked something like this:
Starters:
PG – Russell Westbrook
SG – Andre Roberson
SF – Kevin Durant
PF – Al Horford
C – Steven Adams
Bench:
PG – Semaj Christon
SG – Victor Oladipo
SF – Josh Huestis
PF – Domantas Sabonis
C – Enes Kanter
One assumes Oklahoma City trade for Jerami Grant since the Thunder were light on small forward cover and Christon is unlikely to have been signed for the season. This is a rough idea of how the bulk of the squad would look. However with KD’s departure, Westbrook carried OKC to a first round exit on the back of his historic triple double season.
This 10-man rotation is a beautiful thing to think about but never became a reality.
Final Thought
NBA fans know what happened since. Booker just re-upped with Phoenix for five-years, $158 million, Horford is leading a young Celtics team to Eastern Conference Finals appearances while KD has become a two-time NBA champion with two finals MVP’s. Oklahoma City on the other hand, has continued to make the playoffs but have floundered in the first round since KD’s departure.
Next. Offseason report card – Grading every Sam Presti move. dark
Despite these three scenario’s, Oklahoma City has continued its path of excellence and competed in the eight of its 10 season’s in the league. It’s always fun to consider these potential paths and what could have been. As Thunder fans, we have to be grateful for OKC’s success to date.