OKC: Part III - Tough ending in Milwaukee

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Re: OKC: Part III - 2020 NBA Draft: Who do the Hornets take at #1?

Postby Phil89 on Mon Dec 30, 2019 3:52 pm

19/7/20

CP3 finally gets his Lakers move as Thunder trade veteran to 2019 champions

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The Los Angeles Lakers have announced today the acquisition of veteran point guard Chris Paul in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In a fairly simple swap of players, the 2019 champions sent the Thunder the expiring contracts of Danny Green and Avery Bradley to secure the nine-time all-star. Paul is said to have pushed for the move and is thrilled to finally be able to wear the Lakers uniform.

Back in December 2011 he was actually traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Lakers in a three-team deal with Houston, but former commissioner David Stern voided the trade, citing "basketball reasons". Basically the NBA had an ownership stake in the Hornets at the time and Stern felt that the team wasn't getting fair value in the trade.

Their cross-town rivals the Clippers eventually acquired Paul six days later, swooping in under the Lakers' noses to get a deal done. He would spend six seasons with the Clippers and formed a formidable core of that team alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. They qualified for the playoffs every season under Paul's leadership.

In June 2017 Paul joined the Houston Rockets in a sign-and-trade deal. He and superstar James Harden led the Rockets to the conference finals against the Golden State Warriors that season. Houston took a 3-2 lead in the series, but Paul suffered a hamstring injury late in game 5 and missed the remaining games, which Houston lost. Many felt that the injury cost the Rockets the championship that year.

Paul then re-signed with the Rockets on a massive four-year, $160 million contract. Things didn't go so well though and tensions started to flair between Paul and Harden. After the Rockets were again eliminated from the playoffs by the Warriors, rumours began to spread that Paul was about to be traded.

But that was easier said then done, given his age and contract size. Houston were gifted an out when Paul George requested a trade to the Clippers and Oklahoma City were then forced to also trade Russell Westbrook. The Rockets agreed a deal to trade Paul for Westbrook that cost them some future first round picks.

The Thunder reportedly tried to move Paul on immediately, but garnered little interest in him and eventually he joined the team and played out the season with them. The emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really made it obvious that Paul would be leaving at some point though and it finally happened today.


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Fresh off a thrilling 4-3 NBA Finals win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers jumped at the chance to acquire one of the best playmakers in the league. No doubt LeBron James had a big say in this trade to acquire his close friend. Paul and James are part of the supposed "Banana Boat Crew" that also includes Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. The four NBA stars have been friends since childhood and often vacation together with their families.

James and Wade played together in Miami and won two championships with the Heat. Paul has yet to taste championship success, but joining the reigning champions to play alongside a guy who is still arguably the best player in the league should give him a pretty good shot at it.

It will be interesting to see what Carmelo Anthony does now in free agency. He has been very grateful to Oklahoma City for handing him an NBA lifeline when his career seemed over, but surely a call from LeBron would get him on the next plane to Los Angeles immediately.

The Lakers have an interesting off-season to navigate and this trade just adds to the intrigue. Superstar Anthony Davis has declined his player option for next season, as he plans to secure a long-term contract. Rob Pelinka won't be worried though because he can offer Davis the most money and also the best shot at winning more titles.

Both Paul and LeBron have a year to run on their contracts, plus a player option for the 2021-22 season. If both players decline those options then the Lakers would only have Davis under contract beyond this season and a bunch of cap room to build a team around him. If Pelinka could convince both LeBron and Paul to play for greatly reduced contracts, he could potentially build an amazing team.


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Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti looks to have played this one nicely. He could have traded Paul a year ago, but decided not to because he didn't want to include the future draft picks needed to get teams to take on Paul's monster contract.

Now he dumps him for the expiring contracts of Danny Green and Avery Bradley, which saves his team over $20 million in salary this season. It now allows him to strengthen through the free agent market, if he wants. It also gets rid of the $44 million player option that Paul would almost certainly have opted into next season.

The rebuild that the Thunder are currently undertaking is coming along nicely. Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout season that included a 50-point game against Golden State. Presti also just added highly-rated Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards with the second pick in the draft. The pair look set to be at the core of this new era in Oklahoma City.

It will be interesting to see how Presti approaches the rest of the off-season. Free agents haven't generally been attracted to joining the Thunder, but perhaps the lure of joining an exciting young team with a newly appointed coach will be attractive to some players. The chance to earn big money would probably be enticing as well.




LA Lakers receive
Chris Paul - 35 - PG - $85.6m - 2 years (P/O) (84)

Projected line-up:
DeMarcus Cousins - Anthony Davis - LeBron James - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Chris Paul
Reserves:
Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, Troy Daniels, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Zach Norvell Jr



Oklahoma City receive
Avery Bradley - 29 - SG - $5m - 1 year (77)
Danny Green - 33 - SG - $15.3m - 1 year (71)

Projected line-up:
Steven Adams - Deyonta Davis - Terrance Ferguson - Anthony Edwards - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Reserves:
Jeff Teague, Mike Muscala, Justin Patton, Andre Roberson, Carmelo Anthony, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Hamidou Diallo, Alex Len, Evan Turner, Isaiah Mobley, Charles Bassey, Luguentz Dort


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Re: OKC: Part III - Thunder and Lakers agree to a trade

Postby Andrew on Mon Dec 30, 2019 8:00 pm

Too bad for him that the Thunder will be the 2020 champions!
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Re: OKC: Part III - Thunder and Lakers agree to a trade

Postby Phil89 on Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:29 pm

Maybe 2022 or 2023 is more realistic :wink:

It wasn't 100% vital to get rid of the CP3 salary, but I'm glad to have cap flexibility to work with now. Hopefully we can strengthen the PF and SF positions in free agency.

Unfortunately I've probably just guaranteed another Lakers championship though. CP3 is old, but his output will be a lot better than the two bench players they gave up to get him.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Thunder and Lakers agree to a trade

Postby Phil89 on Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:43 pm

1/9/20

Off-Season Summary: Eastern Conference

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Atlanta


Contract Options: Trae Young ($6.7m/Team), John Collins ($4.1m/Team), Kevin Huerter ($2.8m/Team)

Re-Signings: Damian Jones ($3.5m/1 year)

Arrivals: Andre Drummond ($139m/4 years), Josh Jackson ($8m/2 years), Ivan Rabb ($1.6m/1 year), Andre Roberson ($1.6m/1 year), Shabazz Napier ($1.6m/1 year), Marco Belinelli ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Nerlens Noel (Detroit), Jabari Parker (Oklahoma City), Danilo Gallinari (Cleveland), Chandler Parsons (Free Agent), Allen Crabbe (Free Agent), DeAndre Bembry (Free Agent), Trevon Duval (Free Agent), Charlie Brown Jr (Free Agent), Vince Carter (Retired)

Draft Picks: Jalen Smith (pick 11)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Andre Drummond - John Collins - De'Andre Hunter - Kevin Huerter - Trae Young

Reserves
Shabazz Napier, Josh Jackson, Damian Jones, Cam Reddish, Bruno Fernando, Brandon Goodwin, Ivan Rabb, Andre Roberson, Jalen Smith, Marco Belinelli

Head Coach: Lloyd Pierce


The Hawks entered the free agency period as the team with the most cap space, and they used a fair chunk of it to land the most sought-after free agent available, Detroit center Andre Drummond. The four-time all-star decided to join the Hawks because he feels they have a big future and that he can help them get to where they want to go.

Opposition teams are going to find grabbing rebounds against the Hawks difficult now, with Drummond pairing up with rising star John Collins in their frontcourt. The duo were both in the top 8 rebounders last season after averaging over 13 per game each.

Drummond's arrival spelled the end of Nerlens Noel's short time in Atlanta. He ironically headed in the opposite direction and replaced Drummond in Detroit. Jabari Parker opted out of a player option and signed a three-year deal with Oklahoma City. The only other significant departure was veteran Danilo Gallinari, who signed with Cleveland.

Look for the Hawks to be leading the pack of chasers behind the big guns of Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Boston in the eastern conference this season.



Boston


Contract Options: Gordon Hayward ($34.2m/Player), Jayson Tatum ($9.9m/Team), Robert Williams ($2m/Team), Semi Ojeleye ($1.8m/Team)

Re-Signings: -

Arrivals: -

Departures: Brad Wanamaker (Free Agent), Javonte Green (Free Agent), Tremont Waters (Free Agent), Max Strus (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Killian Hayes (pick 19), Filip Petrusev (pick 27), Malcolm Cazalon* (pick 44)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Enes Kanter - Robert Williams - Jayson Tatum - Jaylen Brown - Kemba Walker

Reserves
Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward, Romeo Langford, Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye, Vincent Poirier, Killian Hayes, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, Filip Petrusev, Jordan Nwora*

Head Coach: Brad Stevens


Boston were perhaps the quietest team of all in free agency. They signed no players and only lost a few role players. It was probably always on the cards after they signed all-star Kemba Walker last year and also recently gave Jaylen Brown a large contract extension.

There simply wasn't any cap room to do anything significant, so Danny Ainge decided to stick with the team which has won 111 regular seasons games over the past two seasons.

First round picks Killian Hayes and Filip Petrusev could inject some fresh energy into the team as they look to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Second round pick Malcolm Cazalon will spend another season playing in Europe.



Brooklyn


Contract Options: Jarrett Allen ($3.9m/Team), Dzanan Musa ($2m/Team)

Re-Signings: Joe Harris ($15m/2 years)

Arrivals: Kyle O'Quinn ($1.6m/1 year), Markus Howard (Two-way)

Departures: Garrett Temple (Free Agent), Wilson Chandler (Free Agent), David Nwaba (Free Agent), Theo Pinson (Free Agent), Jaylen Hands (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Johnny Juzang (pick 25), Onyeka Okongwu (pick 29)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
DeAndre Jordan - Kevin Durant - Taurean Prince - Caris LaVert - Kyrie Irving

Reserves
Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, Dzanan Musa, Rodions Kurucs, Nicolas Claxton, Kyle O'Quinn, Henry Ellenson, Johnny Juzang, Onyeka Okongwu, Markus Howard*

Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson


After a massive 2019 free agency period, the Nets were a lot more subdued this year. Reliable shooter Joe Harris signed a two-year extension and veteran big man Kyle O'Quinn joined from the 76ers as backup for DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen.

All eyes will be on the Nets this season with a finally healthy Kevin Durant set to return to action. Kyrie Irving did a brilliant job last season leading them to the third seed, but he could only carry them to the conference semifinals by himself. With one of the best players in the league back in their team, they will no doubt be aiming for a trip to the NBA Finals this time.

Picking up Juzang and Okongwu late in the first round is a nice injection of youth for a team that is in "win-now" mode.



Charlotte


Contract Options: Nicolas Batum ($27.1m/Player), Malik Monk ($5.4m/Team), Miles Bridges ($3.9m/Team), Devonte' Graham ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ($60m/4 years), Dwayne Bacon ($2m/1 year)

Arrivals: Emmanuel Mudiay ($32m/3 years), Bryn Forbes ($18m/3 years), Marquese Chriss ($1.6m/1 year), Rayshaun Hammonds (Two-way), AJ Lawson (Two-way)

Departures: Willy Hernangomez (Detroit), Bismack Biyombo (Milwaukee), Marvin Williams (Orlando), Jonathon Simmons (Utah), Thomas Welsh (Free Agent), Robert Franks (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: James Wiseman (pick 1)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
James Wiseman - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Miles Bridges - Malik Monk - Terry Rozier

Reserves
Emmanuel Mudiay, Cody Zeller, Nicolas Batum, Bryn Forbes, Dwayne Bacon, Marquese Chriss, Devonte' Graham, PJ Washington, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Rayshaun Hammonds*, AJ Lawson*

Head Coach: James Borrego


The Hornets came into free agency fresh off taking James Wiseman with the first pick of the draft. It really added a sense of new beginnings to the franchise.

Whilst they did lose a few depth players, the additions of Emmanuel Mudiay and Bryn Forbes really strengthens their guard rotation and should add more scoring power to the team. Former number two pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist opted to stay loyal to the team who drafted him and signed a long-term extension.

Charlotte probably won't get near the playoffs this season, but they look to have two genuine future stars in Malik Monk and James Wiseman.



Chicago


Contract Options: Otto Porter Jr ($28.5m/Player), Lauri Markkanen ($6.7m/Team), Wendell Carter Jr ($5.5m/Team), Chandler Hutchinson ($2.4m/Team)

Re-Signings: Kris Dunn ($26m/2 years)

Arrivals: -

Departures: Denzel Valentine (Phoenix), Antonio Blakeney (Free Agent), Luke Kornet (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Samuell Williamson (pick 9), Ochai Agbaji (pick 32)


Trades

  • Chicago receive: Pick #9, 2021 Magic first round pick (Top 3 protected), Cash considerations ($2m)
  • Orlando receive: Pick #5


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Wendell Carter Jr - Lauri Markkanen - Otto Porter - Zach LaVine - Kris Dunn

Reserves
Thaddeus Young, Coby White, Tomas Satoransky, Samuell Williamson, Chandler Hutchison, Cristiano Felicio, Ryan Arcidiacono, Daniel Gafford, Adam Mokoka, Ochai Agbaji

Head Coach: Tyronn Lue


A lot of Bulls fans would probably be slightly disappointed with their team's off-season moves. To be fair though, they didn't have the ability to do much after Otto Porter Jr opted into his $28 million player option.

So they re-signed point guard Kris Dunn on a relatively team-friendly two-year extension. It could be seen as a temporary solution whilst Coby White develops further, but Dunn was one of the better players in the second half of the season on a struggling team and deserved a new contract.

Interestingly, the Bulls have no guaranteed salary beyond the 2021-22 season. So they will have maximum cap space for when the likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, John Wall, Nikola Jokic, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Joel Embiid all come out of contract.

With new head coach Tyronn Lue in charge it's hard to see the Bulls having another season as awful as the one they just had.



Cleveland


Contract Options: Collin Sexton ($6m/Team), Ante Zizic ($3.9m/Team)

Re-Signings: Jordan Clarkson ($40m/3 years)

Arrivals: Hassan Whiteside ($60m/3 years), Danilo Gallinari ($20m/2 years), Wesley Matthews ($1.6m/1 year), Tyler Johnson ($1.6m/1 year), Kenneth Faried ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Tristan Thompson (Houston), Matthew Dellavedova (Denver), Dean Wade (Oklahoma City), John Henson (Free Agent), Brandon Knight (Free Agent), Jarell Martin (Free Agent), Sindarius Thornwell (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Neemias Queta (pick 33)


Trades

  • Cleveland receive: Pick #33
  • Oklahoma City receive: 2021 Cavs 2nd, Cash considerations ($600k)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Hassan Whiteside - Kevin Love - Danilo Gallinari - Jordan Clarkson - Darius Garland

Reserves
Larry Nance Jr, Cedi Osman, Collin Sexton, Ante Zizic, Tyler Johnson, Kevin Porter Jr, Kenneth Faried, Wesley Matthews, Dylan Windler, Neemias Queta

Head Coach: John Beilein


Cleveland secured the sixth seed last season and they headed into free agency determined to strengthen and build on that success. They let former number four pick Tristan Thompson walk to Houston and brought in quality veterans Hassan Whiteside and Danilo Gallinari. The signings of Tyler Johnson, Kenneth Faried and Wesley Matthews will also add much-needed depth.

The re-signing of 2019 Most Improved Player winner Jordan Clarkson was their top priority after adding two starters. He averaged 17 points per game last season and was key to their offense, alongside Kevin Love and Darius Garland.

Whiteside and Love will be a formidable frontcourt pairing to go up against if they stay healthy. The Cavs should comfortably make the playoffs again with this group of players.



Detroit


Contract Options: Tony Snell ($12.2m/Player), Luke Kennard ($5.3m/Team), Khyri Thomas ($1.7m/Team), Svi Mykhailiuk ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Christian Wood ($2m/1 year)

Arrivals: Nerlens Noel ($70m/4 years), Willy Hernangomez ($12m/2 years), Yante Maten ($1.6m/1 year), Devidas Sirvydis* ($900k/1 year), Emmitt Matthews Jr (Two-way)

Departures: Andre Drummond (Atlanta), Thon Maker (Portland), Reggie Jackson (Milwaukee), Markieff Morris (Houston), Michael Beasley (Free Agent), Langston Galloway (Free Agent), Tim Frazier (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: RJ Hampton (pick 8)


Trades

  • Detroit receive: Pick #49
  • Memphis receive: 2023 Pistons 2nd, Cash considerations ($200k)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Nerlens Noel - Blake Griffin - Sekou Doumbouya - Luke Kennard - Derrick Rose

Reserves
Willy Hernangomez, RJ Hampton, Khyri Thomas, Tony Snell, Svi Mykhailiuk, Christian Wood, Louis King, Jordan Bone, Devidas Sirvydis, Yante Maten, Emmitt Matthews Jr*

Head Coach: Dwayne Casey


Detroit were rocked when star Andre Drummond announced that he would be leaving and exploring his free agency options. They quickly rebounded and signed defensive-minded center Nerlens Noel on a four-year deal. He isn't as effective on offense as Drummond, but head coach Dwayne Casey will love having better rim protection now with Noel in his team.

Former top-ten pick Thon Maker left to join the Trail Blazers and Detroit signed Spanish center Willy Hernangomez to replace him. He had been pushed out of Charlotte after the Hornets drafted James Wiseman with pick one in the draft.

Devidas Sirvydis, pick 37 in the 2019 draft, is finally coming over after spending an extra year playing for his Lithuanian team.

It's hard to gauge what this team is capable of doing. But if Blake Griffin and Derrick rose stay healthy and play most of the season, then they are a decent chance of making the playoffs.

Rookie Sekou Doumbouya showed glimpses last season of why some scouts had compared him to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fans will be hoping that he and RJ Hampton form a good understanding on the court over the next decade.



Indiana


Contract Options: TJ Leaf ($4.3m/Team), Aaron Holiday ($2.4m/Team)

Re-Signings: -

Arrivals: Miles Plumlee ($1.6m/1 year), Patrick Patterson ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Justin Holiday (Free Agent), JaKarr Sampson (Free Agent), Alize Johnson (Free Agent), Naz Mitrou-Long (Free Agent), Brian Bowen II (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Mac McClung (pick 48)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Myles Turner - Domantas Sabonis - TJ Warren - Victor Oladipo - Malcolm Brogdon

Reserves
Jeremy Lamb, TJ McConnell, Doug McDermott, Aaron Holiday, TJ Leaf, Goga Bitadze, Patrick Patterson, Edmond Sumner, Miles Plumlee, Mac McClung

Head Coach: Nate McMillan



Indiana were another team that largely sat out the free agency period. Adding Malcolm Brogdon, TJ Warren and Jeremy Lamb last year and also giving extensions to Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis really left them with no cap room to work with this year.

They did add veterans Miles Plumlee and Patrick Patterson to add some depth and experience to their bench, but that was about it for signings.

After finishing with the fifth seed last season, the Pacers disappointingly exited the playoffs in the first round against Milwaukee. But things should be better this time around because star scorer Victor Oladipo is back from a knee injury which cost him all of last season. They could be a dark horse in the east.



Miami


Contract Options: James Johnson ($16.1m/Player), Kelly Olynyk ($13.6m/Player), Bam Adebayo ($5.1m/Team)

Re-Signings: Derrick Jones Jr ($20m/3 years), Goran Dragic ($6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Skal Labissiere ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Meyers Leonard (Utah), Jaylen Adams (Free Agent), Joe Chealey (Free Agent), Udonis Haslem (Retired)

Draft Picks: Theo Maledon (pick 12)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Bam Adebayo - James Johnson - Justise Winslow - Jimmy Butler - Theo Maledon

Reserves
Kelly Olynyk, Dion Waiters, Derrick Jones Jr, Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic, KZ Okpala, Skal Labissiere, Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, Tacko Fall

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra


After pulling off the coup of signing Jimmy Butler last year, the Heat weren't able to work any similar magic this year. Player options for Kelly Olynyk and James Johnson killed their cap space and then re-signing Derrick Jones Jr finished the job.

Miami were reportedly thrilled when French point guard Theo Maledon slipped down the draft order to their number twelve pick. They very much needed a long-term replacement for Goran Dragic and Maledon looks like he has a lot of potential.

They missed the playoffs narrowly last season and that may be the case again with a lot of eastern conference teams strengthening.



Milwaukee


Contract Options: Robin Lopez ($5m/Player), DJ Wilson ($4.6m/Team), Donte DiVincenzo ($3m/Team)

Re-Signings: Pat Connaughton ($9m/2 years)

Arrivals: Bismack Biyombo ($12m/2 years), Kent Bazemore ($3m/1 year), Reggie Jackson ($2m/1 years)

Departures: Ersan Ilyasova (Dallas), Wesley Matthews (Cleveland), Sterling Brown (Free Agent), Cameron Reynolds (Free Agent), Frank Mason III (Free Agent), Kyle Korver (Retired)

Draft Picks: Josh Green (pick 18)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Brook Lopez - Giannis Antetokounmpo - Khris Middleton - Pat Connaughton - Eric Bledsoe

Reserves
Bismack Biyombo, Kent Bazemore, George Hill, Donte DiVincenzo, Reggie Jackson, DJ Wilson, Dragan Bender, Robin Lopez, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Josh Green

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer


Despite making the conference semifinals last season, Milwaukee were probably the most disappointing team in the league. Outside of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo they really didn't play well and only won 42 games.

They have moved to rectify the problem though with three solid depth signings. Bismack Biyombo, Kent Bazemore and Reggie Jackson will all add to their rotation and hopefully take some of the burden away from Giannis. Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton are both firmly in the spotlight after having poor seasons by their standards.

Any team that has a player with talent like Giannis should always be a title contender. It's really up to his teammates as to how far they go, because you know that he will dominate on the court once again this season.



New York


Contract Options: Frank Ntilikina ($6.2m/Team), Dennis Smith Jr ($5.7m/Team), Kevin Knox ($4.6m/Team), Mitchell Robinson ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Allonzo Trier ($30m/3 years)

Arrivals: DeMarcus Cousins ($30m/2 years)

Departures: Marcus Morris (Utah), Wayne Ellington (Free Agent), Damyean Dotson (Free Agent), Reggie Bullock (Free Agent), Kadeem Allen (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Kahlil Whitney (pick 15), Reggie Perry (pick 34)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
DeMarcus Cousins - Julius Randle - Kevin Knox - RJ Barrett - Dennis Smith Jr

Reserves
Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina, Allonzo Trier, Ignas Brazdeikis, Kris Wilkes, Kahlil Whitney, Reggie Perry

Head Coach: David Fizdale


The Knicks have been trying to sign a star player for the past few years and they finally landed one. It just so happens that it is DeMarcus Cousins, who missed all of last season with a serious ACL injury.

If he can stay healthy and rediscover his best form, then he can definitely be one of the most dominant big men in the league. He played all 82 games with Golden State in the 2018-19 season and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. That is what the Knicks will be hoping to see from him this season. The second year of his contract contains a player option.

With one eye on next year's free agency period the Knicks didn't do much else. They could have as much as $95 million in cap space available to spend and are apparently preparing to convince superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to join them.

The addition of Cousins should lead to an improvement on the eighth seed and first round sweep loss that they managed last season. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett were both brilliant last season, whilst Dennis Smith Jr and Kevin Knox showed improvement. They could be a dangerous first round opponent.



Orlando


Contract Options: Evan Fournier ($17m/Player), Markelle Fultz ($12.3m/Team), Jonathan Isaac ($7.4m/Team)

Re-Signings: DJ Augustin ($1.6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Maurice Harkless ($6m/2 years), Marvin Williams ($1.6m/1 year), Lamont West (Two-way)

Departures: Michael Carter-Williams (Free Agent), Troy Williams (Free Agent), Wesley Iwundu (Free Agent), Melvin Frazier (Free Agent), Josh Magette (Free Agent), Amile Jefferson (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Cole Anthony (pick 5), Isaiah Joe (pick 39)


Trades

  • Chicago receive: Pick #9, 2021 Magic first round pick (Top 3 protected), Cash considerations ($2m)
  • Orlando receive: Pick #5


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Nikola Vucevic - Aaron Gordon - Jonathan Isaac - Evan Fournier - Markelle Fultz

Reserves
Mohamed Bamba, Terrance Ross, Al-Farouq Aminu, Cole Anthony, Khem Birch, Maurice Harkless, Chuma Okeke, Marvin Williams, DJ Augustin, Isaiah Joe, Lamont West*

Head Coach: Steve Clifford


Orlando didn't do much in terms of free agency moves, but they did make a draft day trade in order to secure North Carolina point guard Cole Anthony. Maurice Harkless returns to the team who originally drafted him at pick 15 in 2012.

They missed the playoffs last season, but will be hoping that they can improve on that performance. Nikola Vucevic earned an all-star selection and was the clear stand-out player for the Magic. Aaron Gordon took a big step up in production last season and will be expected to make another leap up to all-star level if Orlando to make the playoffs.

Former lottery picks like Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz will hopefully also take another step forward. Sixteenth overall pick from last year Chuma Okeke will finally join the team after missing a full season because of an ACL injury.



Philadelphia


Contract Options: James Ennis ($2m/Player), Zhaire Smith ($3.2m/Team), Jonah Bolden ($1.8m/Team)

Re-Signings: -

Arrivals: Isaiah Thomas ($4m/1 year), Ty-Shon Alexander (Two-way)

Departures: Kyle O'Quinn (Brooklyn), Trey Burke (Free Agent), Raul Neto (Free Agent), Marial Shayok (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Armando Bacot (pick 36), Sergi Martinez* (pick 50)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Joel Embiid - Al Horford - Tobias Harris - Josh Richardson - Ben Simmons

Reserves
Isaiah Thomas, Mike Scott, James Ennis, Furkan Korkmaz, Zhaire Smith, Jonah Bolden, Shake Milton, Matisse Thybulle, Norvel Pelle, Armando Bacot, Ty-Shon Alexander*

Head Coach: Brett Brown


The beaten finalists only made one signing during free agency, but it was a significant one. Two-time all-star Isaiah Thomas joined on a one-year deal to inject some much needed bench scoring into this team.

It's hard to say that the 76ers won't be the team representing the eastern conference in the NBA Finals once again this season. In the past two seasons they have beaten the dynastical Warriors and pushed the powerhouse Lakers to 7 games in the Finals.

If this is the year that all-star Ben Simmons finally adds a reliable jump shot to his arsenal, then god help the rest of the league.



Toronto


Contract Options: OG Anunoby ($3.9m/Team)

Re-Signings: Serge Ibaka ($38m/2 years), Fred VanVleet ($32m/3 years), Marc Gasol ($15m/1 year), Chris Boucher ($2m/1 year)

Arrivals: Mario Hezonja ($2m/1 year)

Departures: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Houston), Stanley Johnson (Golden State), Terence Davis (Free Agent), Oshae Brissett (Free Agent), Simisola Shittu (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Nico Mannion (pick 16), Mamadi Diakite (pick 43)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Marc Gasol - Pascal Siakam - OG Anunoby - Norman Powell - Kyle Lowry

Reserves
Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, Matt Thomas, Patrick McCaw, Cameron Payne, Mario Hezonja, Chris Boucher, Dewan Hernandez, Nico Mannion, Mamadi Diakite

Head Coach: Nick Nurse


Toronto suffered a first round exit at the hands of Boston and entered free agency with lots of question marks hanging over the team. Mainly surrounding the futures of key players Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet.

Coach Nick Nurse reportedly convinced the two veterans to sign on once again and help the team try to compete for a title. 36-year-old Gasol reportedly wanted to give the NBA one more shot before either retiring or heading back to his native Spain to finish his career.

Ibaka has a team option for the second year of his contract in order to keep cap space flexibility for the 2021 off-season. The Raptors are apparently another team hoping to lure Giannis out of Milwaukee.

There are a lot of good teams at the top of the eastern conference right now and it's hard to see the Raptors beating all of them. If they do fail then it's likely that they will let veteran trio Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka go and rebuild the team around rising stars Pascal Siakam and VanVleet.



Washington


Contract Options: Troy Brown Jr ($3.4m/Team), Mo Wagner ($2.2m/Team), Isaac Bonga ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Davis Bertans ($32m/3 years)

Arrivals: Evan Turner ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Isaiah Thomas (Philadelphia), CJ Miles (Portland), Ian Mahinmi (Free Agent), Jordan McRae (Free Agent), Jemerrio Jones (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Isaiah Stewart (pick 4), Tyrese Maxey (pick 31)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Thomas Bryant - Davis Bertans - Rui Hachimura - Bradley Beal - John Wall

Reserves
Isaiah Stewart, Moritz Wagner, Troy Brown Jr, Isaac Bonga, Ish Smith, Tyrese Maxey, Admiral Schofield, Justin Robinson, Garrison Mathews, Ray Spalding

Head Coach: Scott Brooks


The loss of Isaiah Thomas is a bit of a blow for the Wizards, but the return of all-star John Wall after a season out through injury more than makes up for it. To say that Washington really missed Wall would be an understatement. His backcourt partner Bradley Beal did his best to carry the team by himself, but even he couldn't stop them from finishing with the second-worst record in the league.

Things are looking more positive now. Wall and Beal are one of the best backcourt pairings in the league when healthy and should both be pushing for all-star selection this season. 2019 top-ten pick Rui Hachimura has a full NBA season under his belt and looks to have settled in nicely. If he can expand his game further it will really be a big boost for the team.

Number four pick Isaiah Stewart will probably have to come off the bench to begin with, but he could definitely grab that starting power forward role away from Davis Bertans if he works hard.
Last edited by Phil89 on Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Thunder and Lakers agree to a trade

Postby Phil89 on Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:07 pm

1/9/20

Off-Season Summary: Western Conference

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Dallas


Contract Options: Tim Hardaway Jr ($19m/Player), Luka Doncic ($8.1m/Team), Justin Jackson ($5m/Team)

Re-Signings: Courtney Lee ($1.6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Ersan Ilyasova ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: JJ Barea (Free Agent), Ryan Broekhoff (Free Agent), Antonius Cleveland (Free Agent), Josh Reaves (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: LaMelo Ball (pick 3)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Kristaps Porzingis - Dwight Powell - Luka Doncic - Tim Hardaway Jr - LaMelo Ball

Reserves
Delon Wright, Boban Marjanovic, Maxi Kleber, Justin Jackson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Seth Curry, Ersan Ilyasova, Courtney Lee, Jalen Brunson, Isaiah Roby

Head Coach: Rick Carlisle


Dallas didn't really do much in free agency, but did add highly-rated point guard prospect LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the draft. He will join up with the Mavericks' Euro stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

Doncic has emerged as a genuine superstar during his first two seasons in the NBA. He has taken the reins of the franchise from Dirk Nowitzki and is so far looking like a natural in the role. Despite his age, he is a strong leader on the court and often sets the example for his teammates to follow.

Big things are expected from this newly formed trio, but making the playoffs in the western conference is incredibly difficult. If Porzingis stays healthy and Ball hits the ground running, then maybe Dallas can make it.



Denver


Contract Options: Jerami Grant ($9.4m/Player), Michael Porter Jr ($3.6m/Team), Jarred Vanderbilt ($1.7m/Team), Monte Morris ($1.6m/Team)

Re-Signings: Malik Beasley ($32m/3 years), Juan Hernangomez ($29m/3 years), Paul Millsap ($14m/1 year), Mason Plumlee ($10m/2 years)

Arrivals: Matthew Dellavedova ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Torrey Craig (Houston), Tyler Cook (Memphis), Jamal Crawford (Retired)

Draft Picks: -


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Nikola Jokic - Paul Millsap - Will Barton - Gary Harris - Jamal Murray

Reserves
Jerami Grant, Michael Porter Jr, Monte Morris, Juan Hernangomez, Malik Beasley, Mason Plumlee, Jarred Vanderbilt, Vlatko Cancar, Bol Bol, Matthew Dellavedova

Head Coach: Mike Malone


Denver had a fair amount of business to get done with Paul Millsap, Malik Beasley, Juan Hernangomez and Mason Plumlee all out of contract. There were rumours that 35-year-old Millsap may join the Lakers or Warriors in order to ring chase, but he and the other three eventually all re-signed with the Nuggets.

It's not like Denver can't be a title threat themselves if star Nikola Jokic gets himself into the MVP discussion again like last season. The Serbian is a triple-double threat in every game and most general managers would probably only take Anthony Davis over him in terms of big men.

Unfortunately, the Nuggets fell victim to the eventual champion Lakers in the conference semifinals. If they want to win the title this season they will either need to avoid them or find someone to slow LeBron down, because right now they don't have a player who can.



Golden State


Contract Options: Omari Spellman ($2m/Team), Jacob Evans III ($2m/Team)

Re-Signings: Willie Cauley-Stein ($3m/1 year) Alec Burks ($1.6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Stanley Johnson ($1.6m/1 year), Jae Crowder ($1.6m/1 year), EJ Montgomery (Two-way)

Departures: Glenn Robinson III (Free Agent), Alfonzo McKinnie (Free Agent), Joakim Noah (Free Agent), Damion Lee (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: -


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Willie Cauley-Stein - Kevon Looney - Draymond Green - Klay Thompson - Steph Curry

Reserves
D'Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman, Alec Burks, Jae Crowder, Stanley Johnson, Jacob Evans III, Alen Smailagic, Eric Paschall, Jordan Poole, Ky Bowman, EJ Montgomery*

Head Coach: Steve Kerr


It appears as though rumours of the Warriors' demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Despite losing superstar Kevin Durant in free agency and all-star Klay Thompson for the entire season because of an ACL injury, they still earned the fourth seed and put up a decent fight against a strong Clippers team in the first round of the playoffs.

But now with Thompson back from injury and Steph Curry still as dangerous as ever, the Warriors must be considered one of the contenders in the western conference. Many people expected them to trade D'Angelo Russell for a player who fits in with their team better, but they decided to keep him for now. Perhaps the plan is to have him take over once Curry retires in a few years.



Houston


Contract Options: Isaiah Hartenstein ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: -

Arrivals: Tristan Thompson ($10m/2 years), Markieff Morris ($6m/2 years), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ($5m/2 years), Torrey Craig ($1.6m/1 year), Mike Muscala ($1.6m/1 year), Quentin Grimes (Two-way)

Departures: PJ Tucker (Phoenix), Tyson Chandler (New Orleans), Austin Rivers (Free Agent), Gerald Green (Free Agent), Anthony Bennett (Free Agent), Michael Frazier (Free Agent), Gary Clark (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Tre Jones (pick 37), Killian Tillie (pick 41)


Trades

  • Houston receive: Pick #37, Pick #41, Cash considerations ($1m)
  • Sacramento receive: Pick #28


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Clint Capela - Tristan Thompson - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - James Harden - Russell Westbrook

Reserves
Markieff Morris, Eric Gordon, Danuel House, Ben McLemore, Isaiah Hartenstein, Torrey Craig, Mike Muscala, Jawun Evans, Tre Jones, Killian Tillie, Quentin Grimes*

Head Coach: Mike D'Antoni


Big things were expected of the Rockets last season when they acquired dual-MVP winner Russell Westbrook to pair with their own MVP James Harden. It almost paid off immediately, with the team reaching the western conference finals before narrowly losing in game seven against the Lakers.

Harden was crowned MVP for the second time in his career last season after averaging 33 points and 10 assists per game. If he can reproduce that amazing form again, then it will be tough to stop the Rockets from reaching their ultimate goal, winning the title.

The battle for supremacy in the western conference this season looks set to be an epic four-way battle between the Rockets, Lakers, Warriors and Clippers. Each team has multiple stars and solid supporting casts, so it really is impossible to predict who will come out on top at this stage.



LA Clippers


Contract Options: Jerome Robinson ($3.7m/Team), Landry Shamet ($2.1m/Team)

Re-Signings: Montrezl Harrell ($70m/4 years), JaMychal Green ($15m/2 years)

Arrivals: Aron Baynes ($1.6m/1 year), Javin DeLaurier (Two-way)

Departures: Maurice Harkless (Orlando), Patrick Patterson (Indiana), Shaun Livingston (Free Agent), Amir Coffey (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Tyrese Haliburton (pick 23)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Montrezl Harrell - JaMychal Green - Kawhi Leonard - Paul George - Patrick Beverley

Reserves
Louis Williams, Rodney McGruder, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, Jerome Robinson, Aron Baynes, Tyrese Haliburton, Mfiondu Kabengele, Terance Mann, Johnathan Motley, Javin DeLaurier*

Head Coach: Doc Rivers


The Clippers stole the headlines this time last year with the acquisitions of all-stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Things were a bit quieter for them this time around. Energetic big man Montrezl Harrell got a well-earned extension and hard-working forward JaMychal Green also got a new contract.

Suns fan favourite Aron Baynes left Phoenix to bolster the Clippers' frontcourt depth. He joins probably the best supporting cast in the league. Lou Williams is the best bench scorer around.

After overcoming some early teething problems, the new-look Clippers secured the fifth seed and went on to upset the Warriors in the first round. They then pushed the top-seeded Rockets to a game seven, but fell just short in the end. This season they will be aiming for nothing short of the NBA Finals.




LA Lakers


Contract Options: Avery Bradley ($5m/Player), JaVale McGee ($4.2m/Player), Rajon Rondo ($2.7m/Player), Kyle Kuzma ($3.6m/Team)

Re-Signings: Anthony Davis ($187m/5 years), Dwight Howard ($3m/1 year), Troy Daniels ($1.6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Andre Iguodala ($1.6m/1 year) Carmelo Anthony ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: DeMarcus Cousins (New York), Zach Norvell Jr (Free Agent), Jared Dudley (Retired)

Draft Picks: Amar Sylla* (pick 30)


Trades

  • LA Lakers receive: Chris Paul
  • Oklahoma City receive: Danny Green, Avery Bradley


Predicted Starting Line-Up
JaVale McGee - Anthony Davis - LeBron James - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Chris Paul

Reserves
Kyle Kuzma, Quinn Cook, Dwight Howard, Andre Iguodala, Carmelo Anthony, Alex Caruso, Troy Daniels, Rajon Rondo, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kostas Antetokounmpo

Head Coach: Frank Vogel


The champions may have actually had the most impressive off-season. They secured star Anthony Davis on a five-year extension and also acquired future Hall of Famer Chris Paul from Oklahoma City to add some more offensive craft to their team.

LeBron James proved to everyone this year that he still has plenty left in the tank. The 35-year-old won his fourth NBA title and was also named Finals MVP for the fourth time. The addition of his close friend Paul will allow James to focus more on scoring and worry less about running the offense for his teammates. He has only ever won the scoring title once, in 2008, so perhaps next season will be a great opportunity for him to add to that.

It's hard to argue that the Lakers aren't the favourite to go back-to-back with their big three of LeBron, Davis and Paul. Especially with such a good support cast around them. NBA purists are secretly hoping to see Paul and Carmelo Anthony finally get their hands on the Larry O'Brien trophy.



Memphis


Contract Options: Jaren Jackson Jr ($7.3m/Team), Grayson Allen ($2.6m/Team)

Re-Signings: Dillon Brooks ($27m/3 years), De'Anthony Melton ($2m/1 year), Solomon Hill ($1.6m/1 year)

Arrivals: Jahlil Okafor ($8m/2 years), Tyler Cook ($1.6m/1 year), Tyler Bey (Two-way)

Departures: Andre Iguodala (LA Lakers), Josh Jackson (Atlanta), Jae Crowder (Golden State), Miles Plumlee (Indiana), Ivan Rabb (Atlanta), Yuta Watanabe (Free Agent), John Konchar (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Jaden McDaniels (pick 6), N'Faly Dante (pick 14), Arturs Zagars* (pick 53)


Trades

  • Detroit receive: Pick #49
  • Memphis receive: 2023 Pistons 2nd, Cash considerations ($200k)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Jonas Valanciunas - Jaren Jackson Jr - Kyle Anderson - Dillon Brooks - Ja Morant

Reserves
Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, Brandon Clarke, Jaden McDaniels, N'Faly Dante, Grayson Allen, Solomon Hill, Bruno Caboclo, Tyler Cook, Marko Guduric, Tyler Bey*

Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins


Despite another tough season on the court, things are looking up for the Grizzlies. Promising shooting guard Dillon Brooks has committed for three more seasons, whilst young duo Jaren Jackson Jr and Ja Morant had outstanding seasons. Scoring wing Jaden McDaniels was added on draft night and looks to be a perfect fit to compliment those two young stars.

It will be interesting to see what effect losing veterans like Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder will have on this young group. Solomon Hill and Jonas Valanciunas are now the only players over the age of twenty-six on the roster.

It will still probably be a couple of years before they make the playoffs, but Grizzlies fans at least have some exciting young talent to watch.



Minnesota


Contract Options: Josh Okogie ($2.7m/Team), Keita Bates-Diop ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Jordan Bell ($12m/2 years), Noah Vonleh ($6m/2 years)

Arrivals: Luguentz Dort ($1.6m/1 year), Steven Enoch (Two-way)

Departures: Shabazz Napier (Atlanta), Tyrone Wallace (Free Agent), Jordan McLaughlin (Free Agent), Kelan Martin (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Ayo Dosunmu (pick 22)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Karl-Anthony Towns - Jordan Bell - Andrew Wiggins - Jarrett Culver - Dennis Schroder

Reserves
Robert Covington, Gorgui Dieng, Jake Layman, Josh Okogie, Ayo Dosunmu, Keita Bates-Diop, Jaylen Nowell, Naz Reid, Luguentz Dort, Treveon Graham, Steven Enoch*

Head Coach: Ryan Saunders


Minnesota will probably be disappointed with their season, despite winning a game against the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Andrew Wiggins in particular had a poor season. The former number one pick averaged just 10 points per game, the lowest in his six NBA seasons. He's been on an alarming downward slide since 2016-17, when he averaged 23 per points game.

On the positive side of things, rookie Jarrett Culver averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. The sixth overall pick from last year was one of the best performed rookies and would have been a good chance to win the Rookie of the Year ward, if Zion Williamson hadn't had an incredible season himself.

The Timberwolves may look to trade Wiggins if he doesn't start the season well. They can't afford to waste another season of Karl-Anthony Towns' prime.



New Orleans


Contract Options: Lonzo Ball ($11m/Team), Josh Hart ($3.5m/Team)

Re-Signings: Brandon Ingram ($158m/5 years), Derrick Favors ($45m/3 years)

Arrivals: Tyson Chandler ($1.6m/1 year), Marcos Louzada Silva* ($900k/1 year), Aaron Wiggins (Two-way), Javonte Smart (Two-way)

Departures: Jahlil Okafor (Memphis), Frank Jackson (Oklahoma City), E'Twaun Moore (Free Agent), Kenrich Williams (Free Agent), Josh Gray (Free Agent), Zylan Cheatham (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Trendon Watford (pick 17), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (pick 21)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Derrick Favors - Zion Williamson - Brandon Ingram - Jrue Holiday - Lonzo Ball

Reserves
Josh Hart, JJ Redick, Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Darius Miller, Nicolo Melli, Trendon Watford, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Marcos Louzada Silva, Tyson Chandler

Head Coach: Alvin Gentry


The Pelicans were the surprise package of last season. Led by star rookie Zion Williamson, they not only qualified for the playoffs, but they pushed the top-seeded Rockets to six games in their first round series.

In a brilliant sign that their post-Anthony Davis rebuild is going well, they convinced Brandon Ingram to re-sign for the long term. The 22-year-old apparently had interest from Atlanta, Memphis and Oklahoma City, but chose to remain with the Pelicans. Another key player to recommit to the team was big man Derrick Favors. He is a key part of their team, especially whilst young prospects Jaxson Hayes and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl develop.

Marcos Louzada Silva, the thirty-fifth pick from last year, finally joined up with the team after spending a season playing for the Sydney Kings in Australia.

New Orleans have a nice mix of youth and experience in their team, so it seems likely that they can repeat their efforts of last season and reach the playoffs again. Particularly if Zion can somehow take his game to another level.



Oklahoma City


Contract Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($4.1m/Team), Terrance Ferguson ($3.9m/Team)

Re-Signings: Deyonta Davis ($10m/2 years), Jeff Teague ($5m/1 year)

Arrivals: Jabari Parker ($40m/3 years), Frank Jackson ($1.6m/1 year), Dean Wade ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Carmelo Anthony (LA Lakers), Andre Roberson (Atlanta), Evan Turner (Washington), Mike Muscala (Houston), Luguentz Dort (Minnesota), Alex Len (Free Agent), Hamidou Diallo (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Anthony Edwards (pick 2), Isaiah Mobley (pick 20), Charles Bassey (pick 26)


Trades

  • Cleveland receive: Pick #33
  • Oklahoma City receive: 2021 Cavs 2nd, Cash considerations ($600k)

  • LA Lakers receive: Chris Paul
  • Oklahoma City receive: Danny Green, Avery Bradley


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Steven Adams - Deyonta Davis - Jabari Parker - Anthony Edwards - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Reserves
Terrance Ferguson, Jeff Teague, Justin Patton, Darius Bazley, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Isaiah Mobley, Charles Bassey, Frank Jackson, Dean Wade

Head Coach: Jordi Fernandez


Oklahoma City underwent a lot of change over this off-season. They decided not to renew Billy Donovan's contract and instead replaced him with highly-rated Denver assistant Jordi Fernandez. It's a bold move considering that Donovan was named Coach of the Year two seasons ago after leading the Thunder to 65 wins, but given Fernandez's background in player development, he could be the perfect guy to oversee their rebuild.

That rebuild gathered pace on draft night as the Thunder picked up three first round talents, including number two pick Anthony Edwards from Georgia. Edwards is tipped to develop into a legitimate star in the NBA and could finally be the guy to fill that James Harden-shaped hole in many Thunder fans hearts.

Elsewhere, veteran Chris Paul was traded to the reigning champion Lakers in what basically amounted to a salary dump for the Thunder. They acquired the expiring contracts of Danny Green and Avery Bradley in the deal, but both may be traded back out to a contender once the 60 day waiting period ends.

There were rumours that the Thunder were planning to use their $30+ million cap space to try and sign Brandon Ingram or Dario Saric, but they eventually chose former number two pick Jabari Parker. His three-year deal is very team friendly. It is front-loaded and the final year is a team option. This gives Sam Presti plenty of flexibility in the future to re-sign his key players or sign some new ones.

Next season will probably be another tough watch for Thunder fans, but the new backcourt partnership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards will be exciting to watch. They will once again have three first round picks next year in what is said to be a strong draft.



Phoenix


Contract Options: DeAndre Ayton ($10m/Team), Mikal Bridges ($4.4m/Team), Cheick Diallo ($1.8m/Team), Elie Okobo ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Dario Saric ($58m/4 years)

Arrivals: Denzel Valentine ($12m/2 years), PJ Tucker ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Aron Baynes (LA Clippers), Tyler Johnson (Cleveland), Justin Anderson (Free Agent), Jevon Carter (Free Agent), Jared Harper (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Vernon Carey Jr (pick 24)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
DeAndre Ayton - Dario Saric - Kelly Oubre Jr - Devin Booker - Ricky Rubio

Reserves
Frank Kaminsky, Mikal Bridges, Cheick Diallo, Denzel Valentine, Elie Okobo, Cameron Johnson, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, Vernon Carey Jr, PJ Tucker

Head Coach: Monty Williams


The Suns surprised everyone last season by qualifying for the playoffs in the sixth seed. Star duo Devin Booker (29p/5a) and DeAndre Ayton (20p/13r) led them as one of the most lethal partnerships in the league. A lot of credit should go to head coach Monty Williams as well in his first season with the team.

Spanish playmaker Ricky Rubio made a big difference to their offense after signing as a free agent last year. Versatile forward Dario Saric also played a key role in their success, so Suns fans were delighted when he re-signed on a four-year deal this Summer.

Playoffs should be the goal for this team despite how young a lot of their players are. If Booker and Ayton continue their development, then they could reach early 2000's Kobe and Shaq levels of unstoppable.



Portland


Contract Options: Rodney Hood ($6m/Player), Zach Collins ($5.4m/Team), Anfernee Simons ($2.3m/Team)

Re-Signings: -

Arrivals: Thon Maker ($3m/1 year), Nemanja Bjelica ($2m/1 year), CJ Miles ($1.6m/1 year), Jeff Green ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Hassan Whiteside (Cleveland), Kent Bazemore (Milwaukee), Mario Hezonja (Toronto), Skal Labissiere (Miami), Anthony Tolliver (Free Agent), Pau Gasol (Retired), Raymond Felton (Retired)

Draft Picks: Scottie Lewis (pick 13), Devon Dotson (pick 38)


Trades

  • Portland receive: Pick #38
  • Sacramento receive: 2022 Blazers 2nd, Cash considerations ($400k)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Jusuf Nurkic - Zach Collins - Nassir Little - CJ McCollum - Damian Lillard

Reserves
Rodney Hood, Thon Maker, Jeff Green, Nemanja Bjelica, Gary Trent Jr, Anfernee Simons, Jaylen Hoard, Scottie Lewis, Devon Dotson, CJ Miles

Head Coach: Terry Stotts


Last season was seen as a failure by the Blazers after they finished with a 41-41 record and missed the playoffs. Star duo Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum both had their worst scoring outputs since 2015 and Jusuf Nurkic missed most of the season with a broken leg.

Their expectations will be higher this season though after adding some solid depth players like Nemanja Bjelica, Jeff Green and Thon Maker. Hassan Whiteside joined the Cavaliers after the Blazers couldn't offer him a long-term extension due to salary cap reasons.

Playoff basketball should be within reach if Nurkic can rediscover the form he showed just before his injury occurred. Hopefully recent first round picks Zach Collins, Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little and Scottie Lewis can all step up and provide some crucial support to Lillard and McCollum.



Sacramento


Contract Options: Marvin Bagley III ($9m/Team), De'Aaron Fox ($8.1m/Team), Harry Giles ($4m/Team)

Re-Signings: Bogdan Bogdanovic ($44m/4 years)

Arrivals: -

Departures: Nemanja Bjelica (Portland), Yogi Ferrell (Free Agent), Caleb Swanigan (Free Agent), Kyle Guy (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Deni Avdija (pick 7), Cassius Stanley (pick 28)


Trades

  • Houston receive: Pick #37, Pick #41, Cash considerations ($1m)
  • Sacramento receive: Pick #28

  • Portland receive: Pick #38
  • Sacramento receive: 2022 Blazers 2nd, Cash considerations ($400k)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Richaun Holmes - Marvin Bagley III - Harrison Barnes - Buddy Hield - De'Aaron Fox

Reserves
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dewayne Dedmon, Harry Giles, Cory Joseph, Tyler Lydon, Trevor Ariza, Justin James, Wenyen Gabriel, Deni Avdija, Cassius Stanley, Ashton Hagans*

Head Coach: Luke Walton


2019-20 was another season of struggle for the Kings. For the second season in a row they only managed 31 wins, but at least they received another top ten pick in the draft. Harrison Barnes also won the Most Improved Player award, which was nice for him.

Key trio De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III all performed well, despite the overall poorness of the team. Bogdan Bogdanovic proved to be a key bench piece and was rewarded with a long-term extension.

Unless seventh overall pick Deni Avdija enters the league with a similar impact as Luka Doncic, it's hard to see this team doing anything particularly noteworthy next season.



San Antonio


Contract Options: LaMarcus Aldridge ($24m/Team), Derrick White ($3.5m/Team), Lonnie Walker IV ($2.9m/Team), Chimezie Metu ($1.7m/Team)

Re-Signings: Jakob Poeltl ($48m/4 years)

Arrivals: -

Departures: Bryn Forbes (Charlotte), Marco Belinelli (Atlanta), Quinndary Weatherspoon (Free Agent), Drew Eubanks (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: Precious Achiuwa (pick 11), Omer Yurtseven (pick 40)


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Jakob Poeltl - LaMarcus Aldridge - Rudy Gay - DeMar DeRozan - Dejounte Murray

Reserves
Lonnie Walker IV, DeMarre Carroll, Derrick White, Trey Lyles, Patty Mills, Keldon Johnson, Chimeze Metu, Luka Samanic, Precious Achiuwa, Omer Yurtseven

Head Coach: Gregg Popovich


San Antonio missed the playoffs last season for only the second time since 1997. Gregg Popovich's team is in a weird spot right now. Their veterans aren't quite finished and their youngsters aren't quite ready to step up and replace them. So they are stuck in mediocrity for now.

Bryn Forbes was the only significant departure over the off-season. Seemingly the Spurs couldn't justify his salary demands given that they are already paying DeMar DeRozan a large amount. The development of Lonnie Walker IV and Keldon Johnson would have also been stunted in Forbes had stayed.

You should never write off the Spurs' chances of making the playoffs, but things looked stacked against them at the moment.



Utah


Contract Options: Mike Conley ($34.5m/Team), Donovan Mitchell ($5.2m/Team), Tony Bradley ($3.5m/Team)

Re-Signings: Royce O'Neal ($2m/1 year)

Arrivals: Marcus Morris ($19m/2 years), Meyers Leonard ($1.6m/1 year), Jonathon Simmons ($1.6m/1 year), Ryan Anderson ($1.6m/1 year)

Departures: Jeff Green (Portland), Emmanuel Mudiay (Charlotte), Iman Shumpert (Free Agent), Georges Niang (Free Agent), Justin Wright-Foreman (Free Agent), Jarrell Brantley (Free Agent)

Draft Picks: -


Predicted Starting Line-Up
Rudy Gobert - Marcus Morris - Bojan Bogdanovic - Donovan Mitchell - Mike Conley

Reserves
Joe Ingles, Ed Davis, Dante Exum, Meyers Leonard, Jonathon Simmons, Royce O'Neal, Ryan Anderson, Nigel Williams-Goss, Miye Oni, Tony Bradley

Head Coach: Quin Snyder


Utah were another team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season, despite being tipped by some as an outside chance at winning the title. They started the season poorly and just never really recovered.

Things should be different this season though with Mike Conley settled in now after a full season with the team. He couldn't find his shooting touch in the first couple of months, but eventually got it back. Donovan Mitchell continued his development into a legitimate star by averaging a career-high 24 points per game.

As always the success of the Jazz may rest on how well Rudy Gobert plays. If he ends up being in contention for Defensive Player of the Year again then they will probably find themselves qualifying for the playoffs.
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Phil89
 
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Re: OKC: Part III - Free agency full coverage

Postby Phil89 on Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:02 pm

3/8/20

Summer League 2020 preview

Image


The NBA Summer League tournament is held every year before the regular season gets under way. It is mainly used by teams to get a look at the younger players on their roster, but for fans it's their first chance to see their newest draftees play for the first time.

Last year Zion Williamson wowed everyone with his form and this year most eyes will be on James Wiseman (pick 1), Anthony Edwards (pick 2), LaMelo Ball (pick 3), Cole Anthony (pick 5) and RJ Hampton (pick 8).


Oklahoma City are a team of particular interest this year. They have gotten rid of several veterans during the off-season, so their line-up in Summer League won't be too different to what they could run with this season. All three of their first round picks, Anthony Edwards, Isaiah Mobley and Charles Bassey, will be playing. As will pick 23 from last year Darius Bazley.

Perhaps the most surprisingly inclusion in their SL roster is point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He shone last season after being traded to the Thunder in the Paul George deal, even producing 50 point and 12 assist game against the Warriors.

New Thunder head coach Jordi Fernandez reportedly wanted to see him playing alongside Anthony Edwards and Shai was happy to oblige. "One thing I learned from Chris [Paul] last season was how much work you have to put in to be great." he told ESPN. "I love playing this game and this could be a good opportunity to get to know Anthony better, on and off the court."


Other teams to look out for in Summer League include:
Denver (Michael Porter Jr & Bol Bol)
Detroit (Sekou Doumbouya & RJ Hampton)
New York (Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson & Allonzo Trier)
Chicago (Wendell Carter Jr, Coby White & Samuell Williamson)
Memphis (Jaren Jackson Jr, Ja Morant & Jaden McDaniels)
Orlando (Mo Bamba & Cole Anthony)
Atlanta (Trae Young, DeAndre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Kevin Huerter & Bruno Fernando)
Miami (Tyler Herro, Theo Maledon & Tacko Fall)
Charlotte (James Wiseman & Miles Bridges)
Sacramento (Marvin Bagley II & Deni Avdija)



Oklahoma City Summer League roster


_____From main roster

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

  • Anthony Edwards

  • Darius Bazley

  • Isaiah Mobley

  • Charles Bassey

  • Frank Jackson

  • Dean Wade


_____Added for Summer League

  • PJ Dozier (Formerly Celtics)

  • Jevon Carter (Formerly Suns)

  • Moses Brown (Formerly UCLA)

  • Deng Adel (Formerly Louisville)

  • Dedric Lawson (Formerly Kansas)

  • Isaac Humphries (Formerly Kentucky)





Oklahoma City Summer League schedule


  • August 4th - Oklahoma City @ Washington

  • August 6th - Oklahoma City @ Portland

  • August 9th - Oklahoma City @ LA Clippers


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Re: OKC: Part III - Edwards set to debut for Thunder in Summer League

Postby Phil89 on Mon Jan 06, 2020 3:21 pm

4/8/20

Washington Wizards [0-0] vs Oklahoma City Thunder [0-0]

Edwards and SGA link up well in blowout of Wizards

Image


WAS | 27 | 19 | 17 | 37 | 100 |
OKC | 34 | 27 | 34 | 29 | 124 |

Player of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(18pts, 2reb, 9ast)

(7-9 FG, 4-4 FT)



Image



______________________________Around the league

- Michael Porter Jr (33p/14r/2b) starred in Denver's 110-93 win over Phoenix.

- Josh Green (25p/6r/8a) couldn't prevent Milwaukee losing to Utah, 108-103.

- James Wiseman (32p/10r/2b) led the Hornets to a 108-97 win over the Knicks.

- Jaren Jackson Jr (29p/14r/4s/5b) and RJ Hampton (40p/6r/4s) battled as Detroit beat Memphis, 112-105.

- Nassir Little (24p/11r) lifted the Blazers to a 96-89 win over the Clippers.

- Kendrick Nunn (30p/6r/11a/3s) and Darius Garland (29p/6a) duelled as the Heat overcame the Cavs, 112-100.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby Phil89 on Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:46 pm

6/8/20

Portland Trail Blazers [1-0] vs Oklahoma City Thunder [1-0]

Thunder pull away late in end-to-end encounter against Blazers

Image


POR | 20 | 32 | 28 | 40 | 120 |
OKC | 30 | 23 | 29 | 51 | 133 |

Player of the Game: Anthony Edwards
(24pts, 1reb, 10ast, 1stl)

(9-15 FG, 6-6 FT)



Image



______________________________Around the league

- Nicolas Claxton (29p) and Mikal Bridges (29p/5r/4s) battled as the Nets took down the Suns, 110-100.

- Michael Porter Jr (29p/10r) and Jarred Vanderbilt (17p/16r/5a) starred as Denver destroyed Milwaukee, 124-51. Ouch.

- James Wiseman (27p/13r) continued his great form as the Hornets crushed Utah, 119-68. Oof.

- RJ Hampton (16p/8a) was solid in Detroit's 115-95 win over the Knicks.

- Omari Spellman (25p/12r/2b) led the Warriors to a 115-106 win over the Clippers.

- Rui Hachimura (25p/9r) shone as the Wizards narrowly overcame the Cavs, 103-99.

- Kendrick Nunn (20p/11r/4a) and Isaiah Roby (16p/20r) dominated as the Heat beat the Mavs, 94-88.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby Phil89 on Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:15 pm

9/8/20

Los Angeles Clippers [0-2] vs Oklahoma City Thunder [2-0]

Edwards leads the way again as Thunder remain unbeaten in Summer League

Image


LAC | 27 | 25 | 40 | 35 | 127 |
OKC | 35 | 31 | 38 | 35 | 139 |

Player of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(20pts, 5reb, 13ast)

(7-11 FG, 0-1 3PT, 6-6 FT)



Image



______________________________Around the league

- Elie Okobo (28p/6r/9a) helped Phoenix thrash Milwaukee, 102-63.

- PJ Washington (25p/11r/3s/2b) and Bol Bol (18p/17r/6b) battled as Charlotte upset Denver, 108-103.

- Louis King (27p/7r) led Detroit to an easy 93-69 win over the Jazz.

- Kevin Knox (16p/11r), Reggie Perry (16p/10r) and Mitchell Robinson (12p/14r) controlled the boards as New York beat Toronto, 113-87.

- Nassir Little (25p/12r) and Darius Garland (35p/5r) duelled as Portland beat the Cavs, 100-86.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby kibaxx7 on Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:28 am

This inspires me to do some sort of Summer League for my Bulls. Keep it up Phil :bowdown:
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby Andrew on Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:49 pm

SGA is definitely going to be a star this year.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby Phil89 on Sun Jan 12, 2020 5:46 pm

spiderxx7 wrote:This inspires me to do some sort of Summer League for my Bulls. Keep it up Phil :bowdown:

Usually I don't bother with the Summer League. But I had so many rookies this season that it made sense to check them out.

Andrew wrote:SGA is definitely going to be a star this year.

He is averaging 20 ppg in real life this season, so maybe that is a benchmark to aim for. And there will certainly be more opportunity for him to improve his assist numbers as well with CP3 gone.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League

Postby Phil89 on Mon Jan 13, 2020 3:12 pm

12/8/20

Oklahoma City Thunder [3-0] vs Toronto Raptors [0-3]

Thunder's backcourt looks strong as they cruise past Raptors

Image


OKC | 36 | 32 | 37 | 29 | 134 |
TOR | 29 | 25 | 29 | 18 | 101 |

Player of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(21pts, 6reb, 11ast, 4stl)

(10-13 FG, 1-1 FT)



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Summer League Bracket

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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Wed Jan 15, 2020 1:19 pm

15/8/20

Oklahoma City Thunder [4-0] vs Washington Wizards [2-2]

Thunder squeeze past Wizards in fourth quarter shoot-out

Image


OKC | 31 | 32 | 22 | 43 | 128 |
WAS | 29 | 27 | 29 | 39 | 124 |

Player of the Game: Isaiah Mobley
(21pts, 9reb, 3ast, 4blk)

(9-10 FG, 3-4 FT)



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Summer League Bracket

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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Fri Jan 17, 2020 1:45 pm

17/8/20

Oklahoma City Thunder [5-0] vs Sacramento Kings [4-1]

Edwards fills up the box score in win over Kings

Image


OKC | 38 | 31 | 29 | 20 | 118 |
SAC | 28 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 107 |

Player of the Game: Anthony Edwards
(21pts, 14reb, 15ast, 7stl)

(10-19 FG, 1-1 3PT)



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Summer League Bracket

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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Andrew on Fri Jan 17, 2020 2:06 pm

It may just be the Summer League, but I reckon this team is going to be fun to play with.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Fri Jan 17, 2020 5:12 pm

The rookies are looking good so far.

I'm also hoping that Jabari Parker can have a bit of a revival and put up some good numbers. At 25, he could be a solid part of this team if all goes well.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Andrew on Fri Jan 17, 2020 7:39 pm

Crazy to think he's still that young.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:40 pm

20/8/20

Oklahoma City Thunder [6-0] vs Detroit Pistons [6-0]

Thunder advance to Summer League Championship game after nail-biting win over Pistons

Image


OKC | 30 | 28 | 36 | 39 | 133 |
DET | 26 | 40 | 27 | 33 | 126 |

Player of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(25pts, 12ast, 5stl, 1blk)

(8-13 FG, 0-2 3PT, 9-10 FT)



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Summer League Bracket

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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Tue Jan 21, 2020 1:17 pm

22/8/20

Minnesota Timberwolves [6-0] vs Oklahoma City Thunder [7-0]

Thunder storm home in fourth quarter to claim Summer League championship game

Image


MIN | 34 | 32 | 23 | 21 | 110 |
OKC | 26 | 33 | 28 | 33 | 120 |

Player of the Game: Anthony Edwards
(32pts, 1reb, 1ast, 1stl, 1blk)

(14-22 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4-5 FT)



Image



We cut a 14 point margin down to 2 late in the third quarter. Then took charge in the fourth, mainly thanks to Edwards and Mobley.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Summer League: Knockout round

Postby Phil89 on Tue Jan 21, 2020 1:18 pm

23/8/20

2020 NBA Summer League Summary

Image


The Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2020 NBA Summer League champions after beating Minnesota 120-110 in the championship game. That win also means they remain undefeated in the tournament.

New recruit Anthony Edwards led the way for his new team, averaging 25 points and 7 assists per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also shone as he averaged 17 points, 10 assists and 2 steals per game. The backcourt is looking exciting for the Thunder for the next decade.

Oklahoma City had been the bookmakers' favourites before the tournament thanks to a starting line-up that consisted entirely of first round picks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (pick 11, 2018), Darius Bazley (pick 23, 2019), Anthony Edwards (pick 2, 2020), Isaiah Mobley (pick 20, 2020) and Charles Bassey (pick 26, 2020).



Standings

Image



-----



Summer League Leaders

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Re: OKC: Part III - 2020 Summer League champions!

Postby Andrew on Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:30 pm

Congrats! Here's hoping it translates to success once the real season begins.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Thunder and Lakers agree to a trade

Postby Phil89 on Tue Jan 21, 2020 10:12 pm

Andrew wrote:Congrats! Here's hoping it translates to success once the real season begins.

This off-season is probably the longest one I've ever had, with the Summer League and actually having to focus on the draft this year. I'm looking forward to starting the new season.
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Re: OKC: Part III - 2020 Summer League champions!

Postby Phil89 on Thu Jan 23, 2020 12:13 pm

1/10/20

A positive off-season has spirits high in Oklahoma City

Image



This time last year the Oklahoma City Thunder were licking their wounds after a 4-2 series loss in the western conference finals against Golden State. Then to add insult to injury, Paul George announced that he wanted to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in order to join up with Kawhi Leonard. Days later they traded reigning MVP Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets.

Many Thunder fans felt even worse than when Kevin Durant jumped ship to join the Warriors in 2016. Their team had gone from a legit title contenders to a lottery team almost overnight.

But things got better. Second-year guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, acquired in the Paul George trade, emerged as one of the best young players in the league. His 50 point and 12 assist night against the Warriors was probably the highlight of the season for Oklahoma City.


General manager Sam Presti got busy during this off-season, further reshaping the team as the rebuild moved forward. Veteran guard Chris Paul being traded to the Lakers in a salary dump was a good first step. Presti then signed former second overall pick Jabari Parker on a multi-year deal. There are high hopes that Parker can stay fit and fulfil at least some of his formerly high potential.

Presti entered the draft with a very strong hand. The number two selection, plus two picks later on in the first round. He grabbed Georgia star Anthony Edwards at pick 2, forward Isaiah Mobley at pick 20 and then center Charles Bassey at pick 26. It was a fine haul in the first of many drafts to come with multiple first round picks for the Thunder.

The new Oklahoma City youngsters got to work immediately in the Summer League. All three first round picks, plus Gilgeous-Alexander and 2019 first round pick Darius Bazley suited up. The tournament favourites lived up to their billing as they went undefeated, beating Minnesota to claim the championship game.

Edwards led the way averaging over 25 points and nearly 7 assists per game. Gilgeous-Alexander registered 18 points, 10 assists and 2 steals per game alongside his new backcourt partner, whilst rookie forward Isaiah Mobley led the tournament in blocks with 3 per game.


So now they enter the new NBA season with several potential storylines in front of them. An emerging all-star candidate, a rookie head coach still learning the ropes, a highly-rated rookie with a chip on his shoulder over being picked second in the draft and an injury-prone guy who is looking to reignite his career, just to name a few.

Whilst the overall mood around the team and fanbase is optimistic, this young team could very easily suffer another humbling season just like the last and end up at the wrong end of the standings once again. High-end draft picks are nice, but a winning culture is worth so much more.

Making the playoffs may prove to be a step too far for this young team, but they will surely be aiming to win at least 30 games this season. That would at least be an improvement over last season.


The team has also announced that new uniforms would be released for the new season.




Image



Thunder unveil new-look uniforms for 2020-21 season

Image
PHOTO: Thunder players wearing their new uniforms during a recent scrimmage game.


Image
LEAKED: These leaked designs on social media seem to have been accurate.
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Re: OKC: Part III - Ready for the new season

Postby Andrew on Thu Jan 23, 2020 1:15 pm

Cool touch with the new uniforms and them being "leaked". (Y)
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