OKC Waives Earl Watson
by ElectricPencils on Jul 17, 2009 5:02 PM CDT
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Doesn't anyone think we could've used him in a trade for someone? What do we gain by just waiving him?
The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Earl Watson it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.
The 8-year NBA veteran appeared in 68 games (18 starts) with Oklahoma City this past season and averaged 6.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per contest.
Watson, a 6-1 guard out of UCLA, holds career averages of 7.3 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds in 597 career games (156 starts) with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Seattle Supersonics
Can someone give me some insight into this move by Presti?
This post does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of Welcome to Loud City or SB Nation. However, it was made by one of the members of the Welcome to Loud City community, so there is a large chance the above post is extremely ballin'!
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Sam Presti
being him obviously looked around and looked to see what he could get for him and I guess no other teams wanted him. Simple as that.
by slamdunkhoops104 on Jul 17, 2009 6:15 PM CDT reply actions
wait
There was a buyout so OKC saved some money. This is from dailythunder.com:
“There were rumors this might happen today and now it’s official – Earl Watson has been bought out by Oklahoma City. From the official site:
The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Earl Watson it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. The 8-year NBA veteran appeared in 68 games (18 starts) with Oklahoma City this past season and averaged 6.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per contest.
Watson had said late last year that he didn’t expect to be back with team after he was benched for an extended period of time. He was owed $6.6 million for next season, making his expiring contract fairly valuable. But evidently Sam Presti decided the roster spot was more valuable and Watson’s trade value wasn’t worth holding on to him until the trade deadline. Terms of the buyout weren’t released, but obviously the Thunder’s saving some money, and I’d assume it’s a fairly good amount. You can also bet on Watson having something set up with another team shortly.
With young guys like Kyle Weaver, Byron Mullens, Robert Vaden, Serge Ibaka, D.J. White and Shaun Livingston all fighting for one last active roster spot, waiving Watson opens up some more room and more flexibility. Chucky Atkins’ contract is of the non-guaranteed variety and he could also be bought out (for around $970 thousand), clearing more room. Watson was likely to be stuck on the bench for most of the season playing behind Russell Westbrook and Livingston, so if OKC had ideas of trading him, his value could be dashed due to lack of playing time. A wise decision for Presti to open up a spot now so that the Thunder youth movement can press on."
by slamdunkhoops104 on Jul 17, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks
I guess that sheds some light on it.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 17, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions
So if we buy out Atkins, Weaver is the third PG?
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for life inside a killer, thriller tonight
I would think so.
As long as Livingston stays healthy.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 17, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions
u dont buyout atkins. his contract is only guaranteed for 760 or 780K i forget which so u decline the salary and pay that amount. if u want to call that a buyout, then i guess. also i think in what i have seen in summer league especially since im not sure how much they are going to push livingston in back to backs harden may see some significant time if not as the point, the primary ball handler.
by Michael Gleich on Jul 17, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I think
the playing time of Harden and Weaver will depend a lot on what Livingston can do. If he can’t go every night or for long minutes, I think they’ll eventually just push him out of the picture.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 17, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I just saw the title of this fanpost again and got so happy inside.
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for life inside a killer, thriller tonight
There are too many Earl haters, I agree. He did led the Thunder in assists per game last year.
Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D
Going back to Seattle, Earl was always a black hole with the ball in his hands. I have not studied statistics but it felt to me he would kill momentum with the dribble and huck up one ugly ill-advised shot after another. He also did not handle the split-starts with Ridinour very well.
Emerald City Funk Machine
by blackvanilla on Jul 21, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
And...
He’s already signed with the Pacers.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 18, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions
If he was gonna be a pacer....
why didnt we do a sign and trade for Jarret Jack…I think he would compliment Westbrook well….But I know we have Weaver and the hope of a healthy Livingston…I just like Jack….
Depends on
how much Jack wanted.
I think the motive behind the move was to dump his salary and open a roster spot. The trade wouldn’t accomplish either.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 20, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
true
I just like Weaver as a backup to Harden better and I’m super nervous about Livingston…I like him, but that was a NASTY injury.
I would prefer our roster depth look like this and I’m sure it already does, just Livingston is a step to step chance of that knee giving out again.
PG-Westbrook-Livingston
SG-Harden-Weaver
SF-Durant-Thabo
PF-Green-Collison
C-Krstic-Ibaka
Bench-White, Mullens, Atkins
Now I assume Atkins will be gone before the season tips off, so why not carry an extra PG like Jack. That’s all I meant. LOL. I just dont get why WE are worried about payroll. I mean I know it pays to be prepared but I just think we could have gotten something for Watson other than one less check to sign.
On another note: Is Damien Wilkins and Desmond Mason officially gone?…I never heard or have forgotten about these two. I hope they are gone.
Oh I agree
I think we should’ve got something for Watson, too.
I’m pretty sure Atkins is going. I’ve heard rumors that they want to sign Mason. No word on Wilkins.
by ElectricPencils on Jul 21, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
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