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Around SBN: SB Nation MMA Rankings for August 2010

Shaun Livingston Officially Joins Thunder, DJ White Also Recalled

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Early yesterday morning we broke the news that Shaun Livingston was getting the call up to join the Oklahoma City Thunder. 24 hours after WTLC broke the story, it still remained unconfirmed until earlier today when it was announced that Shaun signed a multi-year contract to officially join the Oklahoma City Thunder. Terms of the deal were not announced, but the phrase "multi-year" can be misleading. More than likely the remaining 9 games of the season are considered one year, and a team-option for next season is probably the "multi-year" part of the deal. Basically this gives the chance for the Thunder to evaluate him at the NBA level for the remainder of the season and keep him with the team through summer workouts.

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His signing almost certainly guarantees that we've seen the last of Earl Watson stepping on the court in a Thunder uniform, at least in my estimation. Over the last 9 games of the season, the Thunder will be able to evaluate Livingston against NBA competition. What they learn from these nine games will help determine what moves will be made during the offseason. If he plays well, I look for Earl Watson to be moved as soon as possible after the season concludes, for no other reason than to dump his oversized 6 million dollar salary. Shaun will almost certainly be evaluated against the performances of both Watson and Atkins this season, all while keeping in mind the ridiculous upside that Shaun has if he can stay healthy and improve during the summer.

I've seen Shaun in action quite a bit for the 66ers and I've been thoroughly impressed with his tremendous court vision, and ability to make crisp clean passes. At the same time, his shooting has been a little hit or miss, and at times, it seems like he's been reluctant to take shots, and instead preferring to pass the rock. One game in particular the 66ers had a chance to win the game and Shaun had an open shot at the free throw line but chose to pass down low in traffic which ended up in a Tulsa turnover. To me, it definitely looked like someone was in his ear telling him to focus on assists and not worry about trying to score points. One thing is for sure, he definitely had a focus on playing unselfish team-first style of basketball that will fit well with what the Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to do.

In other call-up news, The Oklahoma City Thunder have also recalled rookie DJ White who is now expected to finish out the season on the Thunder Roster. He's gotten mixed reviews in his short stint in Tulsa, but one thing is for sure, while he was there, the team was winning. He still has a ways to go to be in full game shape, and we won't likely see that before the end of the season. Perhaps the Thunder just want to go ahead and get him some live NBA experience while there are still a few games left this season.

Shaun Livingston was at the Shootaround earlier today, and it looks like both he and DJ White could play tonight for the Thunder. With only 9 games remaining, I doubt they'll waste much time before getting these guys on the court to evaluate their play. Livingston will wear #14 for the Thunder. You can see a few pics below of the boys in action for the 66ers earlier this season.

 

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Congratulations...

I assume you’re right about the contract – the rest of this season, and a team option for next.

The guy has spectacular potential. Of course, I haven’t seen him play since the injury, so I can’t speak to his health. But a backcourt of Westbrook and Livingston could be great defensively and creatively on offense – shooting? That’s a bit of a problem.

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Mar 31, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions  

The details of the contract haven’t been released, so that basically an assumption, but would make sense.

If he can make a full recovery, then in the future a backcourt of Westbrook and Livingston is a possibility, but right now, I’m just hoping he can come in and have a good showing off the bench. Continue to improve in the summer, and really contribute next season. Time will tell, I’m definitely rooting for him. Would be a great story if he can still have a productive NBA career after that horrific injury.

-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
Welcome to Loud City [BRING THE THUNDER] | WTLC on Twitter | WTLC on Facebook | SBNation

by Mr Pappagiorgio on Mar 31, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just looking at the backcourt...

I never liked Durant at the 2… don’t know how you feel about that. So I just don’t know who the second starting guard is in the long term, but I’d suggest Liv’s a possibility. His upside is better than Thabo’s (actually, they’re similar players in terms of size and length, neither is a good shooter, Liv’s a much better playmaker), and Weaver is a backup. So you’re probably in the market for a two guard in this draft, but I would not be shocked if a Livingston/Westbrook backcourt gets a lot of minutes next season.

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Mar 31, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Since Durant moved to the 3 earlier this season, he’s been a scoring machine. He’s much better cut out to play the small forward position than the 2 guard. I love Thabo and the defensive presence he brings to the starting lineup. For the foreseeable future, next season, I see Thabo getting the start and the bulk of the minutes for his defensive presence alone unless Liv really progresses in the off season. Its still hard to tell, and offseason moves as well as the draft can drastically change the overall look of this team and the rotation. So for now, I’m just going to root for him to play well, and hope he can progress this summer and be a productive member of the team next season.

-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
Welcome to Loud City [BRING THE THUNDER] | WTLC on Twitter | WTLC on Facebook | SBNation

by Mr Pappagiorgio on Mar 31, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just an update...

Livingston and White are not dressed tonight. Looks like they’ll make they won’t get on the court until Friday against the Blazers.

-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
Welcome to Loud City [BRING THE THUNDER] | WTLC on Twitter | WTLC on Facebook | SBNation

by Mr Pappagiorgio on Mar 31, 2009 8:20 PM CDT reply actions  

I’m with ya Pop, Thabo first and foremost, Love to see a Lanky PG in the mix too.

by blackvanilla on Apr 1, 2009 5:08 AM CDT reply actions  

His height at 6’7" is a nice thing to have if he stays healthy and can be productive. Gotta love that.

-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
Welcome to Loud City [BRING THE THUNDER] | WTLC on Twitter | WTLC on Facebook | SBNation

by Mr Pappagiorgio on Apr 1, 2009 5:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

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