Looking that way according to his agent:

“‘We are happy because the injury doesn’t concerned the cruciate ligaments,’ N’Diaye said. ‘We are now monitoring the evolution of his injury, and we continue to talk with NBA teams. But it is never easy to draft an injured player. No decision has been taken yet but this is more and more likely Kevin will wait until next year.’”

http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2010/06/seraphin-will-likely-wait-until-next-year/

He's expected to be out 2-3 weeks so I don't think its surprising. I thought maybe Presti had scouted him enough that he'd be fine with taking him in the 2nd round but seems likely that he'll pull out and re-enter the draft next season.

At the very least it cuts down the list of prospective players that the Thunder may take and trims down the big-man class some.  

As the Thunder gear up for the final stretch of the season one thing that will be interesting to look at his how they react to the increased intensity down the stretch as playoff teams kick it up a not for the last month and a half getting ready for the playoffs and trying to get better playoff position. None of these guys have played in meaningful NBA games at the end of the season. Only Krstic really has any experience playing in these types of games and that was 5+ years ago. W

We saw Portland struggle with this a couple of years ago as they faded out of the playoffs 2 years ago. Last year they were much better and more prepared for the stretch run and understood that the pressure/intensity kicks up to another level. Obviously, these guys KNOW that things will get more intense, but knowing and actually experiencing it are 2 different things.

We've see a little bit of it so far this last week. San Antonio is starting to kick their game up. I think we saw some of it against Denver. The team seemed tight and Durant seemed especially tight yesterday. Missing 2 FTs, missing some easy shots around the rim, seemed like the intensity of the game may have gotten the best of the young Thunder team.

I don't think this team is going to miss the playoffs, but I think it will be interesting how they play against playoff teams down the stretch, and even against teams like Houston/New Orleans, teams that still have playoff hopes and have experience but are fighting to get into the playoffs.

Thoughts?

KD needs to improve his movement off the ball. Doesn't seem to be a lot of cutting action from him or anything like that where he can catch a pass on a backdoor cut or something and finish with ease. Seems as though the play is run for him, through him, or he just stands off to the side.

I'll admit to not watching every Thunder game this year but the few I've seen, this seems to be the constant thing I take away after watching KD.

Anyone else see or think this same thing?

Few questions when looking at the PF position. One question keeps popping into my head over and over: Where in the world is DJ White? All off-season we had articles saying how hard DJ was working on his game(same goes for Weaver) and how he's improved but he's yet to see significant playing time, is Collison just that much better still?

Most importantly though, whats going on with Jeff Green? Seems like he is struggling this season. He's had 2 solid games(against Portland and San Antonio) but he's been struggling the rest of the way. He's not rebounding well(averaging 5.4 rebs so far, with the Portland and SA games the only ones he's reached 10+ rebs), his shot seems to be off, just doesn't seem to be playing at a higher level than last year.

I've seen about half the games this season and this team has the talent to make the playoffs or make a run at the 8th or maybe even 7th seed. The talent is there, but for a real playoff push to happen we need Green to step up his game and get outta this funk he seems to be in.

Didn't see this posted anywhere and thought some might be interested. This is truehoop blogger Henry Abbot on KD and the Thunder...some interesting stuff here. Basic point is that the Thunder, for whatever reason, are a better team when KD is off the floor, according to the +/- system used. 

KD also had some responses for the article. 

Its hard to argue with the numbers but I think other factors could be at play as well. If KD doesn't play the entire game for a couple of weeks are the Thunder really a better team? Doubtful. 

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-45-35/The-Kevin-Durant-Conundrum.html

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-45-42/Memo-to-a-Young-Baller.html

So the off-season is finally over and training camp beings tomorrow meaning the start of the NBA season is just over a month away. Lot of excitement about the future of this franchise, and rightfully so with a young growing superstar in Kevin Durant, guys that look like potential All-stars in Westbrook and Green, a rookie who could be the 09-10 ROY, and a ton of young talented role players. 

The biggest question in my mind is has Westbrook taken the next step in his development as a PG?

Last year was obvious that this was the first time in a while that he had been asked to play a true PG role and while at times he excelled just as often he showed his youth in an up and down season for Russ. After starting out on the bench under PJ, the coaching change to Brooks saw Westbrook become the full time starter at PG and was asked to lead the team. Hopefully this year shows improved decision making, playing under more control, and improved shooting/shot selection. 

#2 in my mind is what will Jeff Green look like at PF with a full offseason to dedicate himself to the position?

The biggest thing I think people want to see is an improvement in rebounding. While Green has been a capable rebounder so far, and proved he could play the PF well, he had an up and down season as well and at times was not really a force on the boards. I think most people would like to see him average 8.5 rebs per game this season along with some improved defense and maybe some more low post game offensively. 

#3: Whats going on at Center? 

Krstic is a nice player, a good guy to pick and pop but he's more of a PF than a center and I don't think anyone in the league is intimidated by him. The Thunder picked up Etan Thomas in a salary dump move to bring in for spot minutes at center as well, if he can stay healthy he will probably give the team 10-12 minutes of solid play a game. Also likely to see playing time will be Serge Ibaka and BJ Mullens, although they will likely be seeing time in the D-League as well. Nick Collison will also see minutes here but that is not what this team wants happening if they want to win. He's a good backup PF but he's no center. 

#4: James Harden?

Whats going on with this guy. This is the guy I thought was not only the smart pick, but the right pick and may end up being one of the best players out of this draft. Thunder fans were undoubtedly glad not to have to deal with all the politics and drama that Rubio ended up coming with and Harden looks like a potential star at SG, offensively he can shoot, he's an adept passer, and he's creative enough to get into the lane, and did I mention he can shoot. He will be huge for this team stretching the court and opening up lanes for Russ, Green, and most importantly KD to operate. I'd say he's more likely to come off the bench Manu-style as the super sixth man. 

#5: backup PG?

Is Shaun Livingston going to be better in year 2 of his comeback. Too often he looked hesitant/tentative at times, and who could blame him. I cringe when even thinking about that injury. Coaches will need to continue to monitor his health as I don't think he will be able to go full throttle for at least another season. However, he will be very important to give Westbrook rest and give 10-12 minutes of good play. I think Kyle Weaver will also get a look at minutes at this position. Both of those guys will play SG as well. 

#6: rest of the team?

How much have guys like Weaver, Sefolosha, White, etc improved over the course of the off-season. Those 3 in particular should see a lot of minutes and will be counted on to give good production off the bench. With Collison have more or less plateaued as a player I see White as a guy that could take some of his minutes and lead to him being used in a trade to land this team a legit center. 

#7: Ibaka and Mullens, are these guys legit NBA players or huge draft mistakes? 

These guys are going to take time to develop and we as fans need to recognize that they are nowhere near a finished product and might not ever reach their potential. Most of that will fall on them but some will fall on the coaches. Both are extremely athletic and have the potential to be very good players if they develop. Both need to get stronger, become better rebounders/defenders, and develop some sort of inside game. I think we'll see them at times during the season but they will be back and forth between the NBA and the D-League.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm looking forward to the start of the season and am definitely excited about the possibilities for this team, obviously in the future, but for this year as well.

new commercial from foot locker with KD, Andre Igoudala, Mo Williams, and Rashard Lewis

maybe "Velvet Hoop" will be KD's new nickname...personally I like it

KD as Velvet Hoop

IMO, KD is about to blow up as far as endorsements and notoriety go. He's a very marketable guy and very likeable guy. There might be pressure for him to leave OKC to go get more money from endorsements but the companies will come to him as long as he wins and keeps improving. I think KD is definitely in for a big year next year and him exploding on the national stage is only gonna bring more coverage to the Thunder. 

Was reading Si.com fannation page and apparently Ben Wallace wants to play one more year. He would be a GREAT guy to have a C for a year and Mullens and Ibaka could learn a ton from him as far as becoming a dominant force on the boards and a defensive presence.

He isn't the same Ben Wallace from his days with the Pistons but he can still defend and rebound. Worth a shot at least. 

With Camby not available for some time what about trading for DeSagana Diop. He's a guy that can protect the rim and rebound. He's also got a reasonable contract and isn't a threat to bolt after one season. 

Maybe we trade Watson or Collison plus one of next years first round picks for Diop and future second rounder(s). 

I don't think Presti is going to keep both picks next year. Both picks could be lottery picks and having 5 lottery picks on one team would be a headache come contract time. Using one to get the shot blocking/rebounding presence we need and then using the other to trade back and pick up a solid role player + future second rounders is the way to go, IMO. 

Westbrook, Harden, Durant, Green, and Diop. I think thats a lineup that could get into the playoffs or at least contend for a playoff spot, and Diop would be a big help with Ibaka and Mullens and helping them defensively. 

I know a lot of Thunder fans wanted him and a lot of people thought they should have taken him but my question is with word trickling out that Rubio's camp is trying to get the Wolves to explore trade options to NYC what makes everyone sure they wouldn't be doing the same here? The Thunder might be ahead of the Wolves in the rebuilding process but they are nowhere near complete and best case this year is challenge for the 8th playoff spot, the tv exposure and market are gonna be similar to Minny's as well.

My opinion is that if Rubio got drafted anywhere other than Sacramento or Golden State he would try to see about a trade to NYC. the comments by his agent and father about seeing what happens with Minnesota and Rubio staying in Spain seem to suggest that Rubio will go back to Spain if the Wolves decide to keep him. 

How about this for a potential trade idea?

Kings get: Rubio(if he is there at 3), Green, and someone else

Thunder get: #4, Thompson, and Garcia. 

I like Garcia. He's a decent shooter(a hair under 40% from 3) and he's got the length and athleticism to defend on the perimeter. He had an up and down year last year b/c of injuries but I think he'd fit in well at the SG for this team. 

I know I've been against trading Green but only to move up in this draft. I think Thompson is a bigger, better version of Green, he's a better rebounder and a better scorer inside. In this draft Thompson is probably battling Griffin for #1 overall pick or is the consensus #2 pick. 

The Kings get Rubio, the guy they want the most, and they get Green to replace Thompson or they move him to SF, and trade Noccioni for a PF. 

On another OKC Thunder website there's obviously been a lot of talk about the draft and potential picks, potential trades up and down and all other trade options. It seems that a lot of people think Green and the #3 for Blake Griffin should be done if the Clippers are willing. I have my reservations about Griffin, but obviously you think long and hard about that deal, not just talent wise but chemistry wise as well. My decision would be thanks but no thanks because I think Green will be equal to if not better than Griffin. 

However, a lot of OKC fans feel that Green should be traded regardless of whether it lands Griffin or not, saying he cannot/will not ever be a good PF in the NBA, citing poor shooting %, turnovers, and poor rebounding. I am of the opinion that Green can play PF and can play at an all-star level. I think that shooting and turnover problems are mainly a product of being young and that as you get acclimated to the game, as does rebounding. He averaged 6.7 rebs per game putting him above a guy like Rashard Lewis. Also when you see that only 9 players averaged 9+ rebs per game, his rebounding is not so bad that he cannot play PF. 

So my question is, do you all think Jeff Green can play PF in the NBA? and should we trade him regardless of whether trading him lands us Blake Griffin?