OKC Thunder in the news: George, Westbrook All-NBA, Mooney tryout, bolstering Burton

OKC Thunder in the news features All-NBA teams, draft prospect Matt Mooney’s scheduled workout and details why the franchise needs to invest time into Deonte Burton’s development but more importantly minutes on the hardwood.

As the NBA released their final All-NBA Team honors the OKC Thunder was one of two squads who landed two members on the teams.

OKC Thunder stars earn All-NBA:

With Paul George earning both a Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year nomination his inclusion on the first team wasn’t surprising. And, in truth, Russell Westbrook getting the tap for the third team was fairly certain given he averaged another triple-double for his third consecutive season.

Thunderous Intentions covered the news here. Also, of note, Cody Taylor of Thunder Wire points out this marks 10 years in a row at least one Thunder player has made an All-NBA team.

"With George and Westbrook named to the 2018-19 All-NBA Teams, the Thunder have now had a player named to an All-NBA Team for 10 straight years — the longest current streak in the NBA."

That’s an impressive feat for any franchise. Considering only 15 players make these teams and the spots are position specific the odds of nabbing a berth is extremely difficult.

Just ask Klay Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns or Anthony Davis who all have arguments they were snubbed. Yet, aside from the omission affecting their pride in this trio’s case it dramatically hurts their pocketbook as well. KAT will lose $31.6 million for not making the team as part of his performance bonus.

Matt Mooney fits the Presti mode and Thunder needs:

As per Nick Nagel of ESPN 99.1 the OKC Thunder have scheduled a workout for Texas Tech, guard Matt Mooney. The 6’3″, 200 pound guard earned praise for his performance in the Final Four of March Madness. For those who missed that game Mooney was a standout particularly from the perimeter where he shot 50 percent versus the Michigan State Spartans.

As per Nagel, Mooney has completed two workouts (Jazz, Hawks) and the Thunder are among seven additional squads he’ll visit in the coming weeks.

"So far, Mooney has worked out for two NBA teams: the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks.  He also has multiple workouts lined up for the future with teams that include: the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and the Miami Heat."

Prior to moving over to Texas Tech Mooney spent his two previous NCAA seasons with the University of South Dakota (USD). The guard made the move in order to play in a stronger conference and face faster, elite athletes. Between his steady season in Texas and that 22 point performance in the Final Four his buzz grew.

Although he’s likely to be a late second round pick his perimeter shooting has NBA teams sitting up to take notice. That 3-point ability alone makes it worthwhile for the Thunder to entertain him for a cup of coffee. And, he’s also a stellar defender; something Sam Presti is always keen to add.

We’ll dive into him more in our draft prospect series, but suffice to say Mooney is the type of player Sam Presti should be viewing whether to buy into the second round to nab or to add to the OKC Thunder Summer League squad.

Deonte Burton – Building from within:

In T.I.s end of season player reviews, a dive into Deonte Burton‘s campaign pointed to an underutilized asset who checks off numerous boxes. Oh to have been a fly in the wall for the Sam Presti – Billy Donovan download session. Particularly their discussion on the absolute need for Donovan to develop his young assets and more importantly use them next season.

"More from Thunderous IntentionsStealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC ThunderShould the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absenceAleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injuryDamian Lillard does not fit with the OKC ThunderMy main issue with Burton had nothing to do with the player and more to do with Billy Donovan. Invariably, Burton found a way to contribute whether it was in one minute or ten. As I said, Burton’s toolbox is full of goodies so sometimes it was scoring, others it was facilitating, grabbing a key rebound or getting a crucial timely steal."

Thunder Nation knows this corner of the universe has long been a fan of the Marquette product. My review reflects precisely that adage and points to how Burton could and should be utilized more. That review can be found here.

Later today our profile on Hamidou Diallo will be available so make sure to check it out.

That wraps up in the news for May 24. It’s T.G.I.F. mode here in the 6ix after a late night of celebration. Sadly the Western Conference team still playing isn’t the OKC Thunder, but I guess I shouldn’t get so greedy.

Enjoy your day and make sure to touch base with Thunderous Intentions as we continue to roll out season ending reviews, draft prospect profiles and timely, interesting news about your favorite team and players.