Oklahoma City Thunder 2017-18

[dankrutka]

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

[king183]

Spoiler alert: Roberson will never be a good free throw or three point shooter. The sooner you accept that the more you can focus on how his elite defense results in him helping the team tremendously. Almost all advanced stats suggest that despite his shooting, Robes helps OKC win games. He's almost always in OKC's most effective lineups. And he fits especially well on this reconstructed team as a defensive stopper.

Hopefully, Donovan can figure out ways to use Roberson to slash to the basket more, not just stand still around the three point line. This may be more doable with so many competent three point shooters added to the roster in Melo, PG3, and Patterson. Even Felton and, if he makes the team, Isaiah Canaan, would be a big upgrade from three (D-Wade or Semaj would not).

And, I promise you all, Roberson works on his free throws non-stop. It's not a work ethic issue and hard work may not result in any improvements. Roberson is not the first player to have this problem.

Having said all that, he's one of the top 3 wing defenders on planet earth. His versatility, speed, and intelligence are off the charts. If you focus on Roberson's tremendous defensive talents instead of his weaknesses, you'll enjoy watching him more.

Everyone, please read the above. His FT shooting may be frustrating, but that's not why he's on the team. We have one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has repeatedly shut down top offensive threats and it's awesome to watch.

[Roger S]

Everyone, please read the above. His FT shooting may be frustrating, but that's not why he's on the team. We have one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has repeatedly shut down top offensive threats and it's awesome to watch.

Awesome if you love defense (raises hand)... Unfortunately most fans really only care to see flashy crossovers that break ankles and backboard shattering dunks.

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^
Agree wholeheartedly with the last three posts.

[shawnw]

Surprised there's no talk about the tweets last night talking about melo and george trying to get wade to come here... have those rumors been dispelled by now?

[Anonymous.]

Media day is filled with good information so far. Everyone looks so happy. And seeing these guys in their Thunder gear together is bizzare. I cannot believe that PG and Melo are actually in OKC now. What a rollercoaster the last 3 years have been for this front office and organization.

[Thomas Vu]

I think Woj reported that OKC could be in the mix for Wade.

I've always wondered what went into saying he was elite though. I looked at the stats, and tried breaking it down. After tuning out all of the center positions and taller PF players the best light I could put him in is that he's top 10 in defensive box plus minus.

[Anonymous.]

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

[PhiAlpha]

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

I get that sentiment, but would you rather have a better chance to win the finals or to just get there? I would argue that he would have a better opportunity to win a championship if he joined the Thunder. Either way, OKC or Cleveland will have to get passed GSW...whether that’s in the WCF or the FInals seems pretty irrelevant. The total salary each team can offer is pretty similar. Wade is good friends with both Melo and PG13 too and spent a bunch of time working out and traveling with both of them last summer. WOJ said that those guys are aggressively pursuing him so it would seem like we’ve got a pretty decent shot.

[chuck5815]

Are you talking about Wade? If he comes here he would instantly be the best player on our bench. Roberson would start over him, because we need Dre to guard other team's main options. But like what is being reported, Lebron and Wade are obviously good friends and being on Lebron's team is a guarantee trip to the finals whereas the West is a total bloodbath before getting there.

Not necessarily. Boston is going to be a serious challenger in the East this year.

[dankrutka]

If we can get Wade for 2.3 million you do it, but it's just important to remember that he's an injury prone 35-year old whose numbers and athleticism have dropped off. He's also a bad three point shooter who can hurt team spacing. The game has changed since Wade was elite. If Wade and his teammates still see him as a star then he could take minutes from Abrines and Roberson who might better complement other players on the court as a three point shooter and defensive specialist. Abrines is a mucher better three point shooter, he had a higher effective field goal percentage and offensive rating than Wade last season, but Wade is better at most everything else (see stats). If you can get Wade then I would definitely do it even if it is not a clean fit. I just hope Donovan doesn't feel pressured to play him in crunch time if he's not the best option. That pressure can be real. But it would be fun, wouldn't it?!?

[Laramie]

Melo, Paul George want Dwyane Wade to sign with Thunder: http://thunder.247sports.com/Bolt/ca...unde-107973141

A number of teams are interested in signing Wade but the Cavaliers and Thunder are reportedly the front-runners to land the future Hall of Famer. And while LeBron James' friendship with Wade may greatly benefit the Cavs, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George are hoping that he strongly considers the Thunder.

Small market Oklahoma City continues to be considered by free agents.

My concern: At what point would all of these new additions become problematic for Westbrook; especially the addition of Wade. Westbrook should welcome the new players; once he leaves the floor with a lead, he won't have to worry about losing his mind while he takes his bench rest.

[Jake]

Dwyane Wade apparently close to signing with Cleveland. Having Wade would've been nice, but I was worried he would potentially get minutes that Abrines deserved.

[Bellaboo]

Anthony is a big dude but Adams is such a giant.

[Urbanized]

Yes I think Abrines is poised for a breakout year. Not to drink the Kool-Aid - and I'm not predicting he is ever going to be an All-Star or anything - but I think he will be a household name among serious NBA hoop fans, sooner rather than later.

[Laramie]

OKC's BIG THREE

Home



Away



Starters

[chrisok]

Expect some good news around 9:30 - 10:00 today from the Thunder.

[soonermike81]

Singler released!?

[Laramie]

Good news? If it gets any better, just don't think I can stand it.

[Roger S]

Singler released!?

They said good news not INCREDIBLY AWESOME FANTASTIC news.

[soonermike81]

They said good news not INCREDIBLY AWESOME FANTASTIC news.

I can hope, right?

[tyeomans]

So what's the news? It's 10:30.

[Roger S]

Well this news came out at 9:50..... Suppose that could be considered good news instead of old news.

[tyeomans]

Well this news came out at 9:50..... Suppose that could be considered good news instead of old news.

This can't be it. I read about this yesterday.

[chrisok]

Should have known better than put a time frame on it.... Rookie mistake!
Hearing RW is supposed to sign his extension.