NBA power rankings week 13: Halfway mark, OKC Thunder hold steady
24-19. Previous: 9th. Oklahoma City Thunder. 11. team. 149.
OKC Thunder:
Offense: (109.3) 18th
Defense: (107.8) tied13th
Net: (plus +1.5) 13th
Games Week 13 (2-2): Won vs. Wolves: 117-104, Blazers: 119-106 Lost vs. Raptors: 130-121, Heat: 108-115
Games Week 14 (4 games): Mon at Rockets | Weds at Magic | Fri vs. Hawks | Sat at Wolves
For those wondering who won the Paul George trade the argument that the OKC Thunder may already have that edge came in a star turning performance in week 13 versus the Wolves. Certainly, if the Clippers win the Larry O’B that debate will garner merit for the other side.
Yet, in just that one game Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased precisely why the Clippers were hesitant to include him in the trade. It was bad enough they got talked into giving away so many draft picks but also losing a player of SGA’s ilk was a huge loss. His 20 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists gave a brief glimpse into what the future holds for OKC.
Draft picks are great but having a viable talent who can produce immediately is equally important. As T.I. discussed after the game there are talented bigs who play an entire career without pulling down 20 rebounds in a game let alone adding 20 points and 10 assists. This was the first triple-double of SGA’s career (notably he only had two double-doubles prior to this point in a season and a half of his NBA tenure).
On top of that, Danilo Gallinari was also spectacular, showcasing his myriad of talents and why he’ll be debatably the most coveted trade deadline target. In fact, with the Clippers struggling offensively imagine what Gallo could be doing there, had he not been included in the trade package.
The options he represents and how he could’ve changed their dynamic is palpable. Just imagine a starting unit of Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Gallo and Ivica Zubac!. Then factor in their closing lineup with either PatBev or LouWill at the point keeping PG/Leonard at the two/three and then inserting Gallo and Harrell. Of note, Gallo is actually three inches taller than Harrell.
Let’s take a moment to pay homage to Sam Presti for pilfering the Clippers’ existing roster and their future in one fell swoop.