The NBA is migrating toward an environment where small-ball is prevalent and the Thunder must adapt to the changing times, Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman argues. The scribe notes that five of the Oklahoma City’s 10 best players are big men (Steven Adams, Taj Gibson, Enes Kanter, Jerami Grant and Domantas Sabonis). Playing two of those players at the same time is a risky proposition because of the league’s new landscape and Tramel believes that as a result, GM Sam Presti will be forced to shake up the roster this offseason.
Here’s more from Oklahoma City:
- Tramel can’t envision Gibson returning to OKC next season, as he writes in the same piece. The scribe believes the Thunder can only keep either Gibson or Kanter on the roster. Kanter has two years and approximately $36.5MM left on his deal after this season, so trading him could be problematic.
- The Thunder may have difficulties upgrading their talent because of their cap issues, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe explains. Extensions for Victor Oladipo and Adams kick in next season, which will give the team four players who are each making over $17MM per season. The team’s core isn’t championship worthy right now and the number of large salaries on the books could make it difficult to change that fact.
- Russell Westbrook is doing a tremendous job of being a leader on this team, Washburn opines in the same piece. The scribe is impressed with how the star handles himself in the media and he’s not overly concerned about a number of shots Westbrook takes, citing the lack of talent on the roster.
Gibson back to the Bulls ?
No
I think he’ll sign with the Spurs
Sure, every decent FA is going to SA.
If OKC is smart, they’ll re-sign him.
Chill he can’t shoot, better off developing Sabonis into the starting 4. Gibson is probably looking to start, the Heat would be a good look.
Didnt Oladipo get a 4 year 84 million dollar extension? How is he due for free agency?
The extension kicks in next season, he’s not a FA.
SO why are they saying he is due for an extension?
They aren’t…
Dam just read it better
I think it is ridiculous to remake the roster to be more like everyone else. You would just spend all your time playing catch up and never be better than them because they set the precedent. The way to win in the NBA is to exploit your differences with everyone else. It might be risky to play 2 or 3 of the big men against a small lineup, but it is just as risky for the other team to play a small lineup against your big lineup if it is done correctly.
The Pelicans will crush everyone next season with Cousins and Davis inside. All they need to really do is pick up Holiday,Redick, and Solomon Hill is just fine at the 3, load up the bench with a shooter like Mirotic and Snell
This is what the NBA is becoming… maxed out players that aren’t worth their contracts… more teams will be ‘stuck’ and mediocre and the same teams will make the finals.