Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently linked free-agent targets

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes the ball against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on April 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes the ball against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on April 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder target No. 3) Lonzoo Ball

Lastly, we find perhaps the most highly coveted restricted free agent heading into the 2021 offseason in fourth-year pro, Lonzo Ball.

Recently tabbed as having the highest basketball IQ in the game today by Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson, the point guard is finding himself in the midst of his best season in the NBA, boasting impressive all-around averages of 14 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and just over a half-block per game on 42 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

A sensational passer, sound defender, and a much-improved floor spacer, Swartz believes that a backcourt tandem of Ball and Gilgeous-Alexander would be a problem for opposing teams to square up against and should be strongly considered by the front office:

"Like the New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks before them on this list, the Thunder should have heavy interest in Ball. A backcourt of Ball and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would provide plenty of size, scoring, playmaking and defense, with either able to run the show or spot up as needed. OKC has the worst assist-to-turnover ratio in all of basketball this season (1.40) and could use another ball-hander with some experience."

For a while now, we at Thunderous Intentions have been big on the idea of the OKC Thunder pursuing the likes of Lonzo Ball, citing his two-way talents and the fact that SGA has already proven capable of thriving alongside a traditional floor-general, which was seen in 2019-20 during his time with Chris Paul.

We’re quite aware that in the last slide we hinted that the team’s backcourt already has some quality talents attached to it which partially paved the way to our “pass” conclusion for THT. However, unlike Horton-Tucker, Ball is already a proven commodity both in a substantial role as well as simply as a starter.

With the upside that he possesses, going after the 23-year-old this summer seems like a splendid idea.

Verdict: Purse

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