OKC Thunder in the news features a look at the supermax contract, how building internally is the key and the NBA Finals prepares to tip off outside the USA.
In the news for Thursday, May 30 examines a few top articles in the news such as the reflection on supermax contracts and players, building the OKC Thunder team up organically via their bench and the Finals make history tipping off North of the border.
Ranking supermax players:
Bleacher Report writer Andy Bailey examines the stars of the supermax and ranks them in order of successful deals. Only four players are currently signed on the dotted line including OKC Thunder Russell Westbrook along with James Harden, Stephen Curry, and John Wall. As an aside, it’s Interesting all the current supermax deals belong to guards.
Four more are eligible to sign this summer or next having checked off the appropriate boxes. I won’t re-iterate all the caveats as Bailey neatly lays them out in his article.
Of these, one will definitely happen this summer as Portland inks Damian Lillard. Kemba Walker and Anthony Davis can also sign depending on ownership in Walker’s case and on the star in Davis case. And, Giannis Antetokounmpo has qualified but can’t sign until next summer.
Bailey ranks and runs through the players based on how likely they are to live up to the actual contract. His thoughts on Westbrook are interesting and I’m not sure I agree with his ranking.
"The raw numbers Westbrook has put up since Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder are mind-boggling: 26.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game.As recently as three or four years ago, the idea of anyone averaging a triple-double for an entire season seemed ludicrous. In the ’90s, McDonald’s even made a burger with three patties and two slices of cheese (get it?) in honor of Jason Kidd, who finished his career 30 triple-doubles shy of where Westbrook is now.Fast forward to 2019, and Westbrook has averaged the feat in three consecutive seasons."
Internal Growth:
As Thunderous Intentions continues our draft prospect profiles we’re also figuring out how precisely Sam Presti is going to improve the team. It’s been highlighted repeatedly how cash strapped the team is and how vital it is for the youngsters to take a step.
It’s times like these which as a fan it can be frustrating just how quiet the Thunder keep their information. I mean would it hurt to let the fanbase know you’re working out certain prospects or that the young guys are working out together? The latter scenario isn’t fact – it’s me trying to wish it into existence as I touched on in the article Offseason emphasis on building bench mob is essential.
"The OKC Thunder have a dilemma. They rank among the highest priced teams in the NBA, a natural factor given they boast two superstars with huge contracts to go along with their talent. But, it’s not just Russell Westbrook ($38,506,482) and Paul George ($33,005,556) who are eating up the payroll. Nine other players are locked in including Steven Adams who will earn $25,842,697 and Dennis Schroder is slated to earn $15,500,000. Those four players alone will cost the OKC Thunder $112,854,734.00 which is already enough to put the team over the threshold."
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
Bottom line this is the best way to organically improve the OKC Thunder and they must commit to this happening. Otherwise, the brain trust can expect to shell out huge dollars while being in stuck in mediocrity season after season. And, with coaching exits occurring now is the time to bring in new voices who can help grow the assets.
NBA Finals begin:
Finally, the NBA Finals start this evening in Toronto, Canada – or the 6ix as many refer to it. On Wednesday players all convened for media day. Former OKC Thunder player Serge Ibaka is still talking about his last visit to nab the gold ball and feels extremely blessed to have another opportunity.
T.I. noted how he used the Thunder beating the Spurs as motivation to get past the Bucks. It’s clear how much that last trip meant to Serge and the fact he recognizes how difficult it is to return to the same place.
Russell Westbrook and James Harden are no doubt recognizing the same thing since now Serge and Kevin are the only two who’ve had a second (more in KD’s case) shot at winning the gold ball.
That’s it for in the news for Thursday, May 30. Have a wonderful day.