Just as I pointed out, it wouldn't be a step back, the Rockets minus Howard plus Durant and a 2nd max FA is a better team than Durant could hope to be on in OKC where it's just him and Westbrook by themselves. I think if you look at it rationally you'll realize the obviousness of what I'm saying. On top of that, there are other teams that could offer him a better chance to win than the Thunder too. Staying in OKC only makes sense if his only priority is maximizing his NBA contract.
It could have happened, it's all about matchups and the Rockets were 2-2 against the Thunder in the regular season and beat them right before the playoffs started. Honestly the Thunder aren't a very good team, they just have 2 amazing superstar players that carry everyone else. Sometimes it's enough, sometimes it's not.
At this point, it's popular to associate the Houston Rockets with all that is bad in the world. Of course Mark wants to discuss our team's turmoil and hope and pray that we'll never recover from this season. All I've heard is how quiet KD has been about the subject. That, and a very confident confirmation that KD will not be in OKC next season. Haven't heard likely destinations (quiet), but I'd assume he'd at least listen to the Rockets and his boy, James. I can't say I blame him if he leaves OKC. He gave that organization his all and then some. After his injury, he could have come back as a mediocre version of his former self, blamed the slow recovery and no one would fault him. Instead, he dedicates himself to his rehab and comes back, arguably, as a more efficient player and facilitator. The best part is that he can literally choose when he wants to drop 40 points, or let a guy like WB take over and do the other "stuff" that gets his team a W. They had a GREAT run in OKC and even without Kev, that team has a bunch of young pieces that are ready to contribute. He's no WB, but Cam Payne is going to be a really good guard in this league and Enes Kanter has our favorite "P" word. And, as much as I despise him as a player, Steven Adams is going to get better and better. Before this season, and a little during a rough patch, I just saw him as another "hustler." He doesn't have footwork, his shot is shaky as all hell (free throws are decent though) and he is just starting to learn rim protection. But, after you get past how much of a pest and dirty player he is, you see how he will easily start having monster double-doubles with time. He's so young... Anyway, don't stress about losing out on KD just yet. Allegedly, OKC should start sending him good luck cards. ...and, thankfully, the whispers are returning that the Rox are again interested in another Thunder player. With Pring....err Mike D in control, the team will need all of the shooters and shot-creators they can get.
"Thunder" Dan or OKC Thunder? Anyway, just glad you're back, if just to give us a drive-by. Had me a little worried there, Cod.
Thanks Cod! A team with James Harden will always have a chance of getting KD. Our situation, even including Pringles into the equation, is not as bad as it seems. I mean, come on, our "disastrous" season was a 41-41 season with a playoffs appearance. James Harden had some incredible stats and our team role players are not as bad as they looked under clueless JBB. We are the only team with a players MVP in the league that also has space for TWO max players. If things turn out alright it could be hard for Pringles to screw things up like he has the last 10 years. Properly sold, if KD gives us a chance, we might sell him on it. It's not outrageous to think so. Sure, other teams like the Spurs make more sense but the Spurs make more sense for every other player out there. We'll see what the Beard does in recruiting.
I dunno. I know we have liked Ibaka for some time. And he'd be a great 5 in MDA's system. And he's expendable there in OKC. If Dwight opts in, he's our trade asset. The bidding will start. OKC may be one of the teams that will entertain getting pieces to build with signed on longer term deals to replace Durant with if Durant walks.
Anthony Morrow isn't a good defensive player, but he definitely is able to stretch the floor. He may be a free agent this off season so he would be a target and a viable option in Mike's offense. Kyle Singler has shown he can hit the three, but has had a down year this season. He's owed $15m these next three seasons. I'm not sure if he's worth a a look. Ibaka would be great though, but we don't have the assets unless Presti undervalues him..which would be weird. Or Presti is gearing up for a new team.
I think Codman is referring to Foye or Morrow, but it's also true that Codman said "the Rockets are again interested in another Thunder player"...Foye and Morrow are not there from that long so, i'm not sure he's reffering to one of them after all... ...and what about McGary? I don't know why he's didn't play this season (maybe his defense is just that bad?), but i think he's an interesting player even if he's not that young at this point...
Cod wasn't referencing Dion Waiters, was he? Cod mentioned often in the past we were looking at players in Phoenix. That's closer to Cod's stomping grounds. He's also referenced in his posts and his sig Dan "Thunder" Majerle, but then again, maybe I'm looking too much into this.
I hope you're wrong cause i just don't like Waiters...and he's going to get paid (probably) this summer.
