Why the 2010 Draft will be very important for the OKC Thunder.
by KidDelicious8 on Jan 1, 2010 5:35 PM CST
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PrintAs we all know, the Thunder have 2 first round picks next year since we have the Suns first round pick. We also have a second round pick. Currently, we're looking for a post presence that can rebound and defend since Kristic is incapable of doing so. Ibaka is an energy guy and I would like for him to come off the bench and provide a spark for the team.
The 2010 draft class has a plethora of big men. Just like how last year's draft class had a plethora of guards.I expect us to land a pick somewhere around 12-14. Since the Suns are doing so well this year, I expect our other first round pick to be around 22-24.I feel we can pick up a quality big man with our first pick. Preferably, Cole Aldrich. Aldrich is one of the top centers in the draft, and he might drop since some teams don't need a post presence due to having multiple solid players in their frontcourt. Aldrich is like Joel Prybyla with more athletisicm. IF Aldrich doesn't drop, we can take somebody like Greg Monroe or Larry Sanders.
The later is much better defensively, and can rebound much better. Both lack an offensive game but the Thunder already have enough fire power. Even though the draft is 175 days away, give or take a couple days, I think this draft will be our chance to get the quality big man we've wanted/needed. Presti is a genius and I trust him too pick up the right big man since this draft is full of solid big men. I'm also hoping we can get a solid backup for Durant so he can get some rest once in a while. Jan Vesely is like Yi Jianlin and can continue to develop overseas, since we have a lot of young players already.
We can also trade some of our picks to get higher in the draft or make a move.
We're already making a playoff push, and I think adding a quality center will realy, really help our team.
Line-up might end up looking like this:
C: Cole Aldrich/Nenad Kristic
SF: Kevin Durant/Jan Vesely(after he comes to the USA)
SG: Thabo Sefolasha/James Harden
PF: Russell Westbrook/Eric Maynor
All thoughts are appreciated.
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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I am not sure that Aldrich would be the best pick, but that all depends on where we end up slotted and what he does the rest of the year. I like Patrick Patterson, Larry Sanders would be good in terms of shot blocking and rebounding but he is slight if you are thinking about him as a 5, similar to Ibaka overall. Monroe is someone who intrigues me but it seems he doesnt play to his ability. If Evan Turner came out and fell because of his injury even though he is not a need i would snatch him up.
Late first pick i would look at guys Lawal from GT, Dex Pittman from UT, Stanley Robinson (backup 3, Outlaw type) from UConn, maybe Brackins from Iowa State or Manny Harris from Michigan who is a poor man’s Evan Turner type.
In the 2nd i believe we actually have a couple picks and while he doesnt fit the nba mold a guy like Harangody could very well be this year’s DeJuan Blair/Big Baby Davis/Carl Landry productive college player who gets slighted for sexier picks. Say whatever you want about athleticism and what not he is productive and a tough competitor.
Other 2nd’s: Artsiom Parakhouski from Radford, yes competition could be an issue but he did put up 21 pts, 13 rebs, 2 blks vs Aldrich and Kansas; Quincy Pondexter from Washington would also be a good backup 3, though if he keeps playing like he has he might have to be a late first instead. Players from Washington have also shown to be nba ready from the start (Roy, Nate, Brockman even Hawes)
Here is what I think will happen within the next year and a half...
I’m starting to think we will not keep both our #1 picks so trading up seems very possible. Let’s say Presti deals the 15th and 24th pick for the 10th and perhaps a 2nd rounder. Presti then drafts the best PF available, that would allow Green to be a 6th man marvel and a solid back up for Durant.
Presti seems big on Ibaka and Mullens and may have big long-term plans for them. Within a year, Mullen’s perimeter shooting and athleticism should eclipse what the Thunder have with Krstic. I see Krispy being dealt by trade deadline next season if he doesn’t opt out this summer.
Ibaka should pick up enough English to be more comfortable with playing in the NBA. Once he reaches a good level of understand and can rotate better defensively, I see him being our starting center.
Also, I don’t see Collison leaving anytime soon. The Thunder need his rebounds, flops, and hard nosed work ethic.
Here is what the line up may look like…
1 – Westbrook / Maynor
2 – Sefolosha / Harden
3 – Durant / Green
4 – Mid Lottery PF / Collison
5 – Ibaka / Mullens
Of course, I’d be happy if the Thunder drafted the two players you mentioned. I’m just starting to think Presti will try to utilize the guys he has already obtained in the draft.
BTW – I’m I the only person interested in Jarvis Varnado as a second round pick?
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
I just took a peek at the most recent mocks...
and I believe Presti might need to target a pick in the 6 to 8 range to draft a good quality PF.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
varnardo is a quality 2nd rounder just because of the sheer volume of blocks he gets. The only problem with picking him would be depending on who else we drafted before him and who of our bigs is still here. We are not satisfied with the production of our bigs but remember at this point we do have a lot of them (Kristic, Nick, Green, Ibaka, White, Mullens). Also isnt this the last year DJ is eligible for the d-league? Both Nenad and Nick after FA starts could be valuable chips as expiring deals for teams that dont get the FA’s they wanted or are trying to build some cap space for the following year.
by Michael Gleich on Jan 2, 2010 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
I don't see Collison leaving soon
But I’m sure Presti and company would love to jettison him in the right deal. His production versus cost isn’t that great of a deal … Not advocating that OKC just tosses him out for nothing, but were the right deal to come down the pipeline I’m sure they’d jump all over it.
As far as the draft goes … at the point where we’re likely to be picking it’s going to be a crapshot as to who’s available.
I'm impressed by Pattrick Patterson too...
but he’s only 6’8. He is everything you want in a post player, and I wouldn’t mind picking him up. If only he was a couple inches taller.
Brackins is a viable options as well.
If we trade and move up around the top 10 we have a big chance of landing Aldrich, or Ed Davis.
Vote KD 4 All-Star
Also dont forget FA as there are a few bigs out there that could real help with what we are lacking right now. Scola is an RFA who is tough as nails and can score on the box. Haywood has impressed me this year playing with the greedy players he plays with at going 10 10 and 2 blocks a game. David Lee has really improved both his offensive game and his defensive effort to be a legit player in this league. Camby i think wants to stay in LA but he would be real good for a year or 2. If Tyrus Thomas keeps playing like he has since he came back from the injury he could be a real option.
Thomas, Camby and Haywood would get bounds and blocks.
Scola and Lee can score and rebound.
I dont see a player out there who can do all of them because Bosh is overrated, gives zero defensive effort and most nights gives up as much as he scores.
Also as a young player with upside, Amir Johnson who is getting 5pts 5rebs and .8 blks in 15 min a night could be a nice gamble as a FA who will only be 23.
by Michael Gleich on Jan 2, 2010 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
I would love to see TT finally on a team that had a direction that wasn't sideways or negative.
I wonder if my Bulls would take a Thomas-for-Krstic trade?
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
I honestly would keep K if we had too
Not a big fan of his but he is tall and can shoot……..Maybe TT for white and Ollie whom I think is expiring contract this year and a second
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Jan 13, 2010 8:14 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
i got shot down quick for mentioning Aldrich last time
i like the guy and think he has potential in the NBA under the right coaching..although I prefer cousins,monroe or ed davis im not sure we can get one of them seeing as they all seem to be moving up the draft boards with strong seasons so far..Aldrich gets alot of criticism for being one of the best rebounding(10.1rpg) /shot blocking(3.8bpg and has had 4 or more blocks in 6 of 12 games) centers in the entire NCAA this year playing only 25 mpg..also averages 11ppg as well…i think he is WAY better than mullens and has alot more potential in the NBA , but definitely not a guarantee by any means
aldrich has put up numbers there is no doubt. but in every camp where he is with the other best prospects coming out he gets dominated. larry sanders owned him badly at the lebron camp.
Cole Aldrich- Similarly to the way he played at the Adidas Nations Camp in Dallas last August, Aldrich again did very little to justify his status as a potential top-5 draft pick. It’s likely that he’s just not the type of player that stands out in these settings, as he seems to look very uncomfortable for the most part outside of Kansas’ system. Aldrich’s skill-level offensively looked very limited in the drills and five on five action, as he has average footwork and touch around the rim and appears pretty mechanical when trying to create his own shot. Defensively his terrific frame and freakish length allows him to be quite a factor when he puts his mind to it, but he often looked tentative and lethargic trying to make his presence felt.
-draftexpress
maybe it is me but when i watch Cole i see Eric Montross visions.
by Michael Gleich on Jan 2, 2010 6:38 PM CST up reply actions
Aldrich
looks great in the KU system but outside the system in camps and events he looks lost and not all that impressive.
Davis would be nice...
but I doubt we’ll get him unless we move up in the draft.
I would much rather have Sanders than Monroe, because Sanders can defend and rebound better. Both have little offensive game. The problem with Sanders is that I’m pretty sure he’s only in his second year of basketball. I heard he’s still learning the basics such as boxing out, etc. I’m not completely sure abvout that though. I think we really need to provide KD with a solid backup so he can take a break.
If we can get Luis Scola, I would be the happiest boy on Earth. Getting a Carl Landry like player won’t be too shabby either.
I’m sure Presti will come up with something. The guy has worked out great deals, and has picked out some tremendous players out of the draft, I trust in Presti to get us our quality big man…….before the world ends in 2010!! haha
Vote KD 4 All-Star
Since I am an Alumni of VCU where Larry goes i can set some of your mis-information in the right direction. Also that information you are sort of paraphrasing from a draft website was written nearly two years ago so it is always dangerous to think that stuff still applies.
Larry started playing organized ball in the 10th grade and was a great athlete but not really a basketball player so he was under-recruited and came to VCU. His Freshman year he had trouble staying on the floor because of fouls, and was very limited offensively to dunks and put backs, but he was immediately a huge defensive presence blocking 3 shots a game in only 15 or so minutes. As a Sophomore, last year, along with Eric Maynor they led VCU back to the tourney and within 1 pt of beating UCLA. Sanders was better at staying out of foul trouble, but it was still a problem. He was the defensive player of the year last season and really made a name for himself nationally with his 18 pt 20 reb 7blk game in the CAA championship last year.
He took that another step further this summer as he was one of it not the best player at the Lebron according to most of the reports out of it. I, myself, was skeptical that with Eric gone Larry would be able to aid in picking up the scoring lost, but he has done just that. I am not going to sit here and say he has a great offensive game because he doesnt. He has developed 2 or 3 good post moves that he can use. The problem he is having right now is he thinks he is KD sometimes and wants to shoot some jumpers and 3’s. It is relatively amusing because he usually takes one to start the game and then goes back where he belongs which is on the block. He has improved his shot each year, and his FT% is proof of that improvement. It was 45% as a Freshman, 56% as a Soph and up to 61% this year. Still not great, but that he is consistently moving it up is a very good sign. He has bumped his scoring up to 15pts this year to go with 9 boards and 3 blks a game. At the very least he is a Sam Dalembert/Theo Ratliff type in the league due to his 7’ 7" wingspan. I think of him more along the lines of Camby as he developed his game at UConn or Jermaine O’Neal in Portland. He hasnt even begun to really get to the depths his potential can take him, but where he is right now a more recent draft comparison might be Jason Thompson of the Kings, less range on the shot, more D presence. Hope that helps.
by Michael Gleich on Jan 3, 2010 2:26 AM CST up reply actions
found this from nbadraft.net from the summer after lebron camp.
Larry Sanders: If you read our first two scrimmage recaps, it’s obvious that we were impressed by Larry Sanders. The VCU product has the size, length and quickness to defend multiple positions. It was well known that Sanders is a force on the defensive end, but he showed an ability to contribute offensively as well. The 6’10" power forward scored a bevy of baskets off of pick-and-rolls, weakside cuts and transition opportunities. He still has a limited offensive repertoire and needs to improve his post-up and mid-range capabilities. Sanders comparisons range between Sean Williams and Marcus Camby.
by Michael Gleich on Jan 3, 2010 2:29 AM CST up reply actions
Dexter Pittman
Get him. The end. He may not be a starting impact player out of the gate but he will become one very quickly.
Did everyone forget about Jerome Jordan out of Tulsa? He has averaged around 14pts, 8rbs, and 3blks a game the last two years and wasn’t far from that the year before. Granted he plays weaker competition, but a 7ft hometown guy would definitely be worth our second 1st rounder if we can’t get Pittman.
Right now NBADraft.net has us slotted to pick Larry Sanders at 19 and Damion James at 21. I personally would pass on James simply because we already have plenty of talent at SF. Better shooting SF’s too. So why not Jordan with that second pick. From the looks of it, we should be able to address both the PF and C positions in this years draft.
One other guy I wonder if anyone thinks would fit on this team. Kind of another homer guy. Willie Warren. This guy probably wouldn’t fit now that we got Maynor but he can play both guard positions and shoots the 3 pretty well. I think he is out of range for where we will be picking anyways, but I just wanted to throw his name out and see what kind of discussion it might drum up.
I wouldn’t mind Pittman, I would prefer Jordan though. But, I suspect come draft time his stock will rocket because of his size- can’t teach size. I don’t know much about Sanders and agree with you on James for sure, we don’t really need him.
On Warren, this guy is a primadonna, he has an awful attitude and could become somewhat of a locker room liability. He really doesn’t fit right now anyways.
daddydai is right
there is no way OKC will get a quality 4 lower than the 8th pick, and i truly believe the Thunder will not need anyone else anyways simply because they are fine just the way they are. they could use some veteran players to help with the playoffs but no one significant, just someone with some experience.
the Thunder is where the Hawks were when they first acquired their pieces a few years ago, they just have to stick with the core group and keep playing together and learning together, we all knew the Hawks were going to be a good, solid team, but they never really jumped out the gates, they kinda eased their way into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference and that is what OKC needs to do, there is no rush…patience is a virtue yo.
"minds sharpens minds, like steel sharpens steel"
I don't agree.
We don’t need to move in the draft to get what we need. Moving up to get rid of some of those picks might not hurt though. I don’t remember exactly how many we have but I don’t think we need to go any farther in the draft than our 2 first rounders. I also don’t think we need to move into the Top 10 to land a solid big either. In my opinion, Dexter Pittman and Jerome Jordan should be our targets this year.
Pittman is just a flat out beast on the post. He can only play for short stretches but that’s fine since we aren’t drafting him to be a starter anyways. Plus he has dont nothing but work since arriving at Texas and has made massive improvements in that time. I would hope that would continue with our team.
Jerome Jordan is the a legit 7 foot center. And he doesn’t play around on the perimeter like the 7 footers we have now. In my opinion he is dertainly in the discussion of being the best center in the draft. They are more skilled players but I just think a real center in the NBA starts at 7 feet. This draft is full of power forwards and power forwards that play center. Jordan is a bonafide big man in the middle. Jordan wouldn’t have to come in and be stellar either. With Ibaka proving to be pretty damn good, he would have plenty of time to adjust.
The days of the Thunder needing lottery picks are over. We have our core. Now we have the luxury of using moderately high draft picks on our bench. That’s a very good position to be in. Regardless of what happens this year, this offseason will be ours for the taking. We have picks, expiring verteran contracts, and cap space. This team will be very close to complete this time next year. Watch out NBA!!
ps
both those players should be available with our current picks. That’s to say we shouldn’t need to trade up to get them.
Dex is the man .... I have no doubt that our conditioning would help him
That would be a great combo green / dex ….. Perfect !!!!
We still do need a vet .. … Maybe just keep Nick and rotate the four forwards together …. Kd goes out green slides up Nick comes in… Green goes out dex moves in Nick slides up only for about 2 mins or so and we go big with maynor and harden shooting all over the place…. That is a smooth strong rotation.
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Jan 13, 2010 8:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Except for the part
Where it doesn’t entirely matter if a center is 7 feet tall. There are quite a number of terrible 7 foot centers, and a lot of more skilled/faster/better ~6’11" or smaller centers. Long arms, speed, skill … many of those are going to count for a lot more than just pure height.
there are also quite a number of finesse 7 fters
by Michael Gleich on Jan 14, 2010 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
agreed...
I don’t know though. For some reason in my mind, when I think Center I think 7 feet. Ha. In my mind each position has a bracket for height.
C-7ft and up
PF-6’8’’-6’11’’
SF-6’5’’-6’8’’
SG-6’3’’-6’5’’
PG-5’10’’-6’3’’
I know there are a great many guys that don’t fit into those brackets and are still phenomenal players(Blair last night). I also know there are probably just as many players that do fit those brackets and I would be so kind to merely call them a bust (Robert Swift anyone?) But if I was starting my own team that is where I would prefer my players to be size wise.
The other players don’t matter nearly as much as center to me either. I love all 6’9’’ of our SF Kevin Durant. Just for what the job entails, I think you have your best starting point to hope from at 7 foot. I know a traditional 7 footer is quickly becoming a thing of the past with more and more teams playing more and more small ball. I just like to think back to good ol’ days of Divac, Shaq, Sabonis, and Kareem roaming the paint. I have to draw the line at 6’10 though. And it has to be a solid 6’10’’ like Ibaka. Just my opinion.
I think a 6'10" center is sufficent.
Especially someone like Ibaka like you stated. Of course a 7 foot beast in the paint is the dream of every GM, but I cant think of many teams that have such a player.
I’m really intrigued with Ibaka’s potential (especially at the 5). Everyone knows Ibaka has an amazing vertical leap. So being just 6’10 is not a major concern because his athleticism will beat other big men.
Also… I feel that Ibaka compares favorably to Dwight Howard. I’m dreaming, I know. Now this isn’t the best data available, but a comparison between Ibaka’s and Howard’s rookie season per 36 minutes is pretty interesting.
Howard: .520 FG% 3.7 ORB 11.1 TRB 1.8 BLK 13.2 PTS
Ibaka: .518 FG% 4.1 ORB 10.8 TRB 2.0 BLK 11.9 PTS
Of course Ibaka has a much better range than Howard, but Ibaka has also had much more foul trouble than Howard. I can’t wait until Ibaka gets acclimated to playing in the NBA.
Oh yeah… I would never start a PG under 6’ and I prefer SG’s to be over 6’4".
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
OKC won't be a lottery team
in which case projecting their draft pick is pretty much a pointless exercise. Drafting for need may be a good strategy when you’re talking about a top 10 pick, but when you’re in the 17-25 range it’s usually a disastrous way to go, so I think assuming they will or should take a big man would be unwise.
There are two intelligent scenarios as I see it: either the Thunder take the best guy available and keep him(someone who drops for whatever reason, which is next to impossible to predict), or they package the pick for something else. Having two mid-late 1st rounders might also give them the chance to move into the lottery again, but that’s just as hard to make a guess at.
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| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City
|
21 | 6 | .777 | 0 | Won 1 |
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Denver
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16 | 12 | .571 | 5.5 | Won 1 |
|
Portland
|
15 | 13 | .535 | 6.5 | Lost 1 |
|
Minnesota
|
13 | 15 | .464 | 8.5 | Lost 3 |
|
Utah
|
13 | 12 | .520 | 7 | Lost 3 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 6:06 PM CST)
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Wed 02/15 | 7:00 PM CST |
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Fri 02/17 | 7:00 PM CST |
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Sun 02/19 | 7:00 PM CST |
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Mon 02/20 | 7:00 PM CST |
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Fri 02/10 | W 101 - 87 |
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Tue 02/07 | W 119 - 116 |
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Mon 02/06 | W 111 - 107 |
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Sat 02/04 | L 96 - 107 |
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