OKC Thunder In the news: Vegas rank, decade of excellence, the next decision
OKC Thunder In the news for August 19 dives into the topical weekend news including Vegas odds, the first decade and the next decision.
It’s been a quiet weekend basketball wise, but that doesn’t mean the team at Thunderous Intentions hasn’t been busy.
Vegas ranks OKC Thunder seventh:
To that end, TI dove into the seventh place ranking Vegas listed the OKC Thunder. Seventh isn’t low enough to be screaming about disrespect, yet given some of the squads which ranked higher there is reason to feel the oddsmakers might have missed the mark. Certain squads were given nods without having proven themselves. And, perhaps the Thunder were knocked down based on last season’s underachievement.
"In the Thunder’s case specific objectives were earmarked for the offseason. Two primary goals were the retention of Paul George and moving Carmelo Anthonyideally without having to eat his contract. Both goals were accomplished with an A plus given George signed immediately and Melo netted assets in return."
Thunder’s decade:
One local article worth your time is Brett Dawson’s News OK piece on the first 10 years of the OKC Thunder franchise and it’s effects on the city. Dawson notes this is the first of a series dedicated to the franchise’s first decade.
Obviously a franchise adds economic impact to a city, but the effect it’s had on the community’s character and identity.
"“The Thunder in some ways created Oklahoma City’s modern identity,” Mayor David Holt said last week. “Ten years in, it still feels like there’s that bond between the team and the city where we really define each other in a way that’s rather rare in professional sports.”"
The article focuses on the brain trust of the organization General Manager, Sam Presti and how his efforts have shaped the team’s journey. Dawson notes an April conversation between former coach and general manager of the Jazz (Frank Layden) and Presti as a typical example of Presti’s constant forward focus for the team.
The Jazz, coincidentally are another small market who already conquered the longevity process. While Utah had the generation of Stockton and Malone the Thunder’s first 10 seasons are highlighted by a core which produced three eventual MVP’s. Certainly not typical. Nor is the nine of ten winning seasons and eight playoff appearances.
The first decade has offered plenty of memories. TI’s top 10 moments series has you covered for the first two seasons which can be viewed by clicking the links below.
Related:
The inevitable is coming:
More from Thunder News
- 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
SB Nation writer Tom Ziller served up an interesting take on how teams should pitch Kevin Durant this coming summer and I looked at it from OKC’s perspective.
"Cutting to the heart of the matter, there is validity to Ziller’s argument. And where the James equation is similar for Durant is the one team which could check off most of the boxes KD would need to gain credibility would be the OKC Thunder. In particular a return to his former team and bringing OKC their first title would be substantial."
Specifically I dove into the differences between the LeBron James decision and Durant’s decision and how they vary. This led to why Ziller’s argument makes so much sense.
Enjoy the articles and join us back here in the morning as TI drops an article you won’t want to miss on 50 arbitrary, fun and surprising OKC Thunder trivia facts.