3 players the OKC Thunder signed past their prime
By Rylan Stiles
A former Champion could not help get the OKC Thunder over the hump
While trying their hand with another Derek Fisher season, the OKC Thunder also brought in the 2011 Champion with the Dallas Mavericks, Caron Butler.
Similarly to Fisher, Caron Butler signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks on February 27th, by March 1st, Butler was a member of the Thunder. His tenure in Bricktown was much shorter, spanning just 22 games to the tune of nine points, three rebounds, an assist, and 1.4 stocks per game. Butler also shot 40 percent from the floor, 37 percent from three, and 84 percent at the charity stripe.
GIF: Caron Butler drains a big 3 for the Thunder and “makes a call” … to Hasheem Thabeet? http://t.co/FerbVzBBFq pic.twitter.com/Q8WJhf2c0g
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 26, 2014
It can not be denied that Caron Butler had a positive impact on the OKC Thunder, especially in that historic 2014 series that went the distance against the Grizzlies, as Butler averaged eight points, three rebounds, and as many assists. Still, he was past his prime in Oklahoma City.
Caron Butler is easy for the younger generation to forget about. Still, the two-time all-star, all-rookie member, and NBA Champion deserves much more respect than being remembered as a quality veteran on an excellent OKC Thunder team.
Butler averaged over 20 points per game twice and around 15 points per game eight times. He could do a bit of everything on the wing, some playmaking rebounding, and complied 1.5 stocks per game as a career average.