Just to let those of you who were in the league last year know, the league has been activated and you should have received your invites to return. As it stands now, there should be at least one open spot if someone new wants in this season. If you want an invite, it will be first come, first serve, so let me know. Four of us have already re-signed for the season, so come on back. If you didn't get your invitation, let me know. If you were in the league last year and don't want to play, let me know as well, so we can fill the spot.

I just heard on the Sports Animal that OKC and Miami have made this trade, which means the Thunder currently have THREE first round picks, 18, 21, and 26. There's no way we're keeping three picks in the first round, so I have to wonder what Sam Presti has up his sleeve.

The questions will be what picks are we keeping? Will Cook stay with us or get packaged in a deal? How far can we move up and who is Presti targeting?

I'm ready for draft day!

Just throwing this out for another round of discussions...

Before the season started, the consensus opinion here was that we have a great young core group of players, and while we definitely hoped for improvement, we were content to wait and let the team mature and make a run at the playoffs next season.

However, we're just over 25% done with the season OKC has 12 wins (a feat which I don't think they achieved until February last season) and as of today, sit in the 9th playoff spot in the West. (They would be the 5th seed in the East right now, a game ahead of Miami.) Wins against Orlando, San Antonio, Miami and Utah, the last 3 of those on the road, as well as the overtime game against the Lakers, proves the team can play with anyone on any given night.

So, the question I'm putting forth is this...is it time to trade for a legit center?

The Thunder have two 1st rounders and three 2nd rounders in the upcoming draft. Clearly, we don't need 5 more youngsters on the roster. We also have a plethora of power forwards to use as trade bait.

Three options:

1. Marcin Gortat: A big guy who plays behind Howard in Orlando. You have to think the only reason the Magic retained him is because they didn't want to lose him and get nothing in return.

2. Marcus Camby: A veteran leader who is having a great year. (Ric Bucher told me the trade is a possibility, but his conversations with OKC indicate it's not a strong one right now.)

3. Chris Bosh: Bosh is a free agent next year, and I've read in a few places his name mentioned with the Thunder, so why not give Toronto a package and bring him in now?

Thoughts? Other scenarios?

We've had some discussion on Hollinger's power rankings here before, and how they seem a bit...off? I mean, we all want to believe that the Thunder are improving (and they certainly have since last season), but even the most optimistic fans have to be scratching their heads at OKC being in the top 10 of his Power Rankings.

Now let's take a look at Mr. Hollinger's Playoff Odds:

2010 Playoff Odds

Right now, the numbers for the Thunder are as follows:

Projected W-L: 48-34

Best: 64-18

Worst: 28-54

Playoff Odds: 82.5%

Um, who?

From InsideHoops.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder will sign free agent guard Mike Wilks, InsideHoops.com has learned.

Wilks’ agent Bill Neff confirmed to InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner that the team will soon add the 30-year-old veteran, who has career averages of 2.5 points and 1.2 assists per game.

A 5-10, 180-pound point guard, Wilks played for three different teams in the 2007-08 season and was not in the NBA in 2008-09.

Wilks provides backup depth and can contribute behind starter Russell Westbrook, who plays 34.1 minutes per game.

So, we sign a guy who's played 15 games (total) for 3 teams. I'd hardly call him a "veteran." And he's 30.

Seriously?

This is the best we could find? What about Brevin Knight? Heck, I'd almost say signing Iverson would be a better move because I don't see this guy contributing anything.

I came across this on InsideHoops.com:

Thunder forward Shaun Livingston will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee it was announced today by the team.

“Recently, Shaun has experienced an increase in swelling following activity,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Although his knee is structurally sound, after consulting with the Thunder medical staff and Dr. James Andrews, it was determined that the best course of action was to perform a minor procedure to resolve the swelling and allow Shaun to continue full activity in the coming weeks.”

Dr. Andrews will perform the surgery today, in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Andrews will remove staples from Livingston’s knee that have recently caused some swelling in the knee. The staples were originally placed during Livingston’s knee reconstruction that was performed by Dr. Andrews on March 13, 2007.

A timetable for Livingston’s return will be determined after the procedure.

The Peoria, Illinois native has appeared in two games this season for the Thunder. Livingston has averaged 1.0 point and 1.5 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per contest.

I guess that would explain the lack of playing time. It's good news that the knee is "structurally sound" and, hopefully, this procedure will alleviate the swelling, so we can see what Mr. Livingston can contribute.

I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery.

I found this on RealGM.net:

The Oklahoma City Thunder exercised their fourth-year options on forwards Kevin Durant and Jeff Green and third-year options on guard Russell Westbrook and forward DJ White it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Durant and Green were both acquired during the 2007 NBA Draft. Durant was selected second overall while Green was acquired via a draft day trade with the Boston Celtics. Westbrook and White joined the Thunder during the 2008 NBA Draft. Westbrook was selected with the fourth overall pick and White was acquired via a draft day trade with the Detroit Pistons.

Not sure what this means in terms of keeping these guys for the long term, but I would hope it indicates keeping the core together.

Anyone know what's happening here at Welcome to Loud City?

There hasn't been a new post on the front page since the 16th, and it seems Mr. P's no longer listed at the bottom with the other writers.

I'd hate to lose this blog as a place for Thunder news. If it is in fact dying, can anyone recommend another place to read about the Thunder and converse with other OKC fans?

So this post has two purposes. The first is to say when I went to Yahoo Sports today, I couldn't help but notice my screen was bookended with pictures of Kevin Durant. At first, I checked the URL to make sure I wasn't insane and had just went to a Thunder-related site by mistake, but then I noticed the ad for Yahoo's Fantasy Basketball, and it also featured Kevin. I clicked on it and even the Fantasy Basketball Homepage featured him:

http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/signup

I'm not sure if he's the official face of Yahoo Fantasy Basketball this year or what, but it's cool to see some Thunder love and promotion.

The second purpose of this post is to see if anyone is interested in participating in a league. I've never done fantasy basketball (football and baseball, I have), but it seems like it could be fun, and of course, it's free.

So, if anyone is interested, or if there's already a league with an extra spot, let me know. You can also e-mail me: chrisfullerton1974@yahoo.com

Here's the League Info:

So, I went ahead and set up a league on Yahoo.

http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/loudcityleague

League ID: 227647

Password is Durant

Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman reports: Would Oklahoma City re-sign Desmond Mason? The long-awaited verdict finally came down Wednesday, 126 days after the season finale and 50 days into this summer’s free agency period. The Thunder will not bring back the former Oklahoma State standout and fan favorite. It’s a decision that brings an end to a relationship that spanned four years in Stillwater with the Cowboys and improbable stints with two different NBA franchises in Oklahoma City over the past four seasons.

More from the Oklahoman: “We value and appreciate Desmond’s contributions to the Thunder,” said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. “However, at this time it is important for us to retain flexibility with our roster as we move into training camp. This was a difficult decision, certainly not the last one we will be faced with. But at this point in time we wanted to make sure we communicated with Desmond on our thought process so he could focus on other opportunities.”

I know it's been slow, and quite frankly, I'm just as bummed as everyone else that my "Finishing the Puzzle" story is still hanging around the front page like a man in a van who skulks around a playground.

Today's big news...Rumble the Bison has been named NBA Mascot of the Year! This is amazing when you consider he's only been a mascot for like 6 months. This is the equivalent of winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.

Continue reading this post »

(I haven't been able to find a comprehensive list on undrafted free agents who have signed with teams, so if anyone has that information, I'd be grateful for it. This post may be a moot point if these guys have been signed and I'm not seeing it online.)

Looking at players that weren't picked, a couple of names kind of jumped out at me, one, Luke Nevill, and two, Josh Heytvelt. I can't find anywhere that says they've signed with a team.

I wonder why the Thunder hasn't thrown a cheap rookie deal at either of these guys.

At Utah, Luke Nevill (7'2", 265lbs) averaged 16.8ppg, 9 rebs. and 2.7blks his senior season.

At Gonzaga, Heytvelt (6'11", 250lbs) averaged 14.9ppg, 6.5 rebs. and .9 blks in his senior season.

Compare this to B.J. Mullens's freshman season numbers of 8.8ppg, 4.7 rebs. and 1.1blks.

I know the argument can be made that Mullens played far fewer minutes than either of these guys, but that brings up more of a question mark against Mullens than any knock against Nevill or Heytvelt.

Both players were seniors, (which almost seems to be a scarlet letter these days), who played on pretty good teams. That would give them a maturity edge over Mullens as well.

Any thoughts on why these guys weren't looked at by the Thunder?

NBA teams are allowed to carry fifteen players on their rosters.The Thunder currently have fourteen players, so who gets the final spot? A free agent? Someone we pick up in a trade? Or maybe a familiar face?

Of course, that's not to say that the fourteen players currently on the roster should even be there. Here's a look at who we have and what we need.

Continue reading this post »

You might move this to the front page.

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has traded center Etan Thomas and two future second-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for 6-6 guard Damien Wilkins and 5-11 guard Chucky Atkins.

“We’re committed towards rebuilding our roster with an eye towards flexibility and long-term success, and this move better positions us for the summer,” said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. “I want to thank Etan for his professionalism and understanding, and wish him all the best moving forward.”

“We are pleased to welcome Etan Thomas to the Thunder family,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Etan adds experience and depth to our front court as well as a defensive mentality and competitiveness that we value.”

Wilkins joins the Wolves after spending each of his five previous NBA seasons with the Thunder franchise, where he signed as a free agent after going undrafted in the 2004 NBA Draft. In 310 career games, Wilkins has averaged 7.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

A 10-year NBA veteran, Atkins went undrafted out of the University of South Florida before signing with Orlando in 1999. In 655 career games with Orlando, Detroit, Boston, L.A. Lakers, Washington, Memphis, Denver and Oklahoma City, Atkins has averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 assists per game. Atkins was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1999 and also played on the gold-medal-winning U.S. National Team at the 1995 World University Games.

Thomas, acquired by the Wolves on June 24, has appeared in 373 games over his seven-year career. The 6-9 center owns career averages if 6.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Thomas was originally selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 12th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft.

Continue reading this post »

Doesn't anyone think we could've used him in a trade for someone? What do we gain by just waiving him?

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Earl Watson it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

The 8-year NBA veteran appeared in 68 games (18 starts) with Oklahoma City this past season and averaged 6.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per contest.

Watson, a 6-1 guard out of UCLA, holds career averages of 7.3 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds in 597 career games (156 starts) with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Seattle Supersonics

Can someone give me some insight into this move by Presti?

I know I'm one of those people who preaches about keeping the "core group" of our players together, but I saw this on RealGM.net:

Chris Paul believes that the Hornets could trade him because of their financial situation.

New Orleans is set to be over the luxury tax, and might have to bite the bullet and deal away some big contracts.

"In this league, anything can happen," Paul told Pro Basketball News on Thursday. "I can be dealt."

Paul was then asked if he seriously thought he could be dealt.

"It's possible," he reiterated. "It's possible."

I am a huge fan of Chris Paul. I think he's the best PG in game. In fact, if I were starting a team and could pick one player to build it around, he's my guy.

I would give them Westbrook and First-rounder and expiring contracts or whatever else they wanted to land Chris Paul. Even without that Center we all covet, I think Paul makes us a playoff team instantly, and maybe a challenger to win a series in the first round.

As I said, this isn't even a rumor at this point, just speculation based on speculation.

Any thoughts?

(Other than I should stop speculating.)

I think these are pretty accurate. I'd have liked to see some love for Serge Ibaka, who looked a lot more polished than I anticipated he might. This was my first time watching Summer League games. I think Westbrook looked good, but still needs an outside shot. I was thoroughly impressed with James Harden, whom I supported as our pick in the draft. He's a complete player who can not only shoot, but pass.

The article is courtesy of InsideHoops.com:

All-Orlando Summer League Players

Orlando Magic forward Ryan Anderson was selected as a member of the 2009 Orlando Pro All-Summer League First Team at the conclusion of the six-team, five-day event Friday at the RDV Sportsplex in Orlando, Fla. Anderson, who averaged 21.4 points and a league-high 9.4 rebounds over the five-game stretch, was joined on the All-Summer League Team by teammate Kasib Powell, whose 14.8 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per contest earned him Second Team honors. Russell Westbrook and James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers’ Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert accompanied Anderson with First Team honors.

Joining Powell on the second team is Mareese Speights of the New Jersey Nets/Philadelphia 76ers, J.R. Giddens and Nick Fazekas of the Boston Celtics and D.J. White of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The First and Second Team selections were picked by the listeners of the live Dante & Galante summer league webcast on OrlandoMagic.com.

Orlando finished summer league play with a record of 2-3, while the Indiana Pacers went 5-0 over the course of the week, becoming only the second team in the seven-year history of the league to go undefeated (in addition to the Miami Heat in 2002).

Orlando Pro All-Summer League Teams

1st Team
G – Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
G – James Harden, Oklahoma City
F – Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana
F – Ryan Anderson, Orlando
C – Roy Hibbert, Indiana

2nd Team
G – J.R. Giddens, Boston
G/F – Kasib Powell, Orlando
F – Nick Fazekas, Boston
F – D.J. White, Oklahoma City
C – Marreese Speights, New Jersey/Philadelphia

I can't believe Robert Swift didn't make it. He seemed to be a favorite of the announcers.

It seems that the Boston Celtics are passing on resigning Stephon Marbury. he's considering Europe, but he's waiting because there are teams still shopping.

So what do you say, Thunder fans? Here's our chance at a veteran back-up PG. I bet we could get him cheaply. His reputation is pretty damaged.

"The Knicks put me in a really bad situation, a really bad spot, so I'm still waiting," Marbury said. "Teams are still shopping."

Any takers?

Magic Fall to Thunder on Day One
  By Dan Dugger

ORLANDO -- On the first day of the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League, the Magic were topped, 88-77, by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a squad featuring six players who were once first-round picks in their respective NBA Drafts.

Oklahoma City was led by second-year guard Russell Westbrook, who recorded 22 points, 16 of which came at the free throw line. James Harden, the third selection of June�s NBA Draft, chipped in 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Orlando, which trailed 15-2 early in the second quarter, responded to cut the Thunder�s lead to four, 36-32, at the half.

Guards Maurice Ager and Jeremy Richardson combined for 20 of Orlando�s first-half points. Richardson finished with 18 points and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Catalyzed by newcomer Ryan Anderson, the Magic bounced back early in the second half, tying the game at 42 courtesy of an Anderson 3-pointer at the 6:26 mark of the third quarter.

�I�m a guy that can step out and shoot the ball, spread the defense and rebound the ball pretty well,� said Anderson, who along with Ager, played last season with the New Jersey Nets. �There�s a lot I need to build on, there�s a lot I can improve on.�

Anderson, who came over with Vince Carter in last month's five-player deal, finished with a team-high 21 points (13 in the third) to go along with seven rebounds.

Continue reading this post »

According to RealGM.net:

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

Does the Thunder want to reconsider Tyson Chandler? What were the issues? His toe?

What would we have to give up to get him?

He's a big body at the 5 spot and he can block shots.

With Dallas signing Gortat, they're looking to move Erick Dampier who has one year left on his contract.

While he's clearly not a long term option, is it worth it to take him for a year to stick in the middle until we can draft a big man next year?

Of course, if we don't realistically think we can make the playoffs this year, there really isn't a point in taking on a "short term solution", right?

I like his game. I know he's not the defensive presence we need in the 5 spot, but he puts up good offensive numbers and he seems like a high character guy.

As a restricted free agent, David Lee’s future is uncertain and his career as a member of the New York Knicks is in jeopardy.

Mark Bartelstein, Lee’s agent, seemed less than optimistic about a return to New York for his client during an interview with RealGM’s Alex Kennedy on Thursday.

When asked about a return to the Knicks, the team that drafted Lee, Bartelstein hesitated before replying, “Let’s put it this way, anything is possible but we have interest from other teams as well.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported that Lee had narrowed down his potential suitors to Oklahoma City or Memphis.

The Grizzlies are out of the running for Lee following their trade for Zach Randolph.

When asked about this, Bartelstein denied the report and said that Lee is still in talks with many teams. “We have about a dozen teams still showing interest in either signing David or performing a sign-and-trade to acquire him.”

Last season, Lee averaged 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds for New York while only making $1,788,033.

Via Alex Kennedy/RealGM

So I was over at www.nbadraft.net  taking a look at the latest mock draft, and I saw something interesting. They already have a mock draft for 2010. Wow. Talk about looking into the future.

Anyway, the projected the Thunder taking University of Tulsa center Jerome Jordan in the second round next year. He's a legit 7-footer with shot blocking ability. That solves our "man in the middle" dilemma. Granted, we have to wait another year, hope that he doesn't get injured, and of course, that no one else drafts him, but still, it frees us up to take James Harden (or Curry) at #3 this year.

P.S.

Jordan's only listed at 237lbs., so if you live in the Tulsa area, could you send that kid some pizzas and bulk him up a little?