How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contender?

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  • TheMatrix31
    RF
    • Jul 2002
    • 52928

    #16
    Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

    3 or so years until they're a strong playoff team. Remember, they own the Suns pick next year as well.

    Comment

    • Bornindamecca
      Books Nelson Simnation
      • Jul 2007
      • 10919

      #17
      Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

      Originally posted by TheMatrix31
      3 or so years until they're a strong playoff team. Remember, they own the Suns pick next year as well.
      Is it protected? Because the Suns are possibly in for a very rough year.
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      • TheMatrix31
        RF
        • Jul 2002
        • 52928

        #18
        Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

        Unprotected.

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        • HMcCoy
          All Star
          • Jan 2003
          • 8212

          #19
          Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

          Hard to tell. The Celtics was one of the worst teams in the league with one star, a mediocre coach and a barebones core, and had just gotten shelled in the lottery. A month later the C's were putting the finishing touches on a championship roster.

          In this market you can't overlook any team with big money to spend, but they still have a low-pay transitional coach and a very young centerpiece. I guess it all depends on the relationships Presti has built around the league.
          Hank's Custom Collectibles 3D printer/painter extraordinaire

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          • KG
            Welcome Back
            • Sep 2005
            • 17583

            #20
            Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

            It's really hard to predict anything in the NBA long-term these days except for the oncoming Blazers dynasty.
            Twitter Instagram - kgx2thez

            Comment

            • JBH3
              Marvel's Finest
              • Jan 2007
              • 13506

              #21
              Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

              Originally posted by tehova

              Just was hatin on the poll for no reason ..
              Originally posted by Cebby
              This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


              ================================================

              Durant is great and everything, but this team has no presence in the paint so Durant and Westbrook won't be enough. I voted for 3 yrs +, it's very easy in the NBA to make a trade or two and have the pieces needed to win; given that you already have a Durant and a Westbrook.

              Green probably presents one of their best trade pieces.

              I suggest they find a deal for him to bring in a big.

              -OR-

              Wouldn't Blake Griffin be the PERFECT fit?

              If they can get a center or PF with low-post scoring ability capable of 20/10 (Carlos Boozer?) then I can see them competing in the postseason.

              I wouldn't call them a contender for a chip, but an 8th seed wouldn't be out of the question.

              You get in and who knows what happens. With a player like Durant your possiblities are endless.
              Originally posted by Edmund Burke
              All that is needed for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.

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              • Dice
                Sitting by the door
                • Jul 2002
                • 6627

                #22
                Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                Originally posted by kgx2thez
                Like born said, their front office is going to have to make some tough choices. KD is a max player and Westbrook looks to be a very good pro leaving Green as the odd man out. He's a complimentary player in every way but because he's on a bad team and putting up good #s someone will overpay for him. If their GM can surround KD will pieces here & there they have the potential to be a lower tier playoff team in 3-4 yrs.

                That's best case scenario. Their nightmare is KD leaving. Then its back to square 1.
                I think your giving Durant too much credit. While he is an all-star and has improved his shooting percentage this season he is not a MAX player. When I think of MAX player I think of LeBron, Kobe, Howard, Paul, Wade or any players in that category. Which probably be nobody else. Durant is not on that level yet. He could possibly be in that category one day but right now he doesn't have a membership.

                It's strange that everybody has high hopes for Westbrook. Westbrook is a very gifted athlete. BUT as far as basketball smarts, he's as dumb as a rock. And that's even for a rookie. I cannot see him being no more than a Robert Pack-type player. If he is to move to that next level he's going to need a strong coach who will hone his skills and play more under control.

                If the Thunder is looking to contend Durant needs to thrust himself into the elite class of players that I just previously mentioned.
                I have more respect for a man who let's me know where he stands, even if he's wrong. Than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil. - Malcolm X

                Comment

                • Sedihawk2K5
                  Rookie
                  • Dec 2005
                  • 360

                  #23
                  Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                  I believe the team will always have a hard time in OKC. I know OKC people don't want to hear it, but honestly, how in the world will they ever attract top-level NBA free agents? Cap space is one thing, but OKC is just not a destination city. And while Durant's upside is amazing, does anything think he will stay there once his deal is up? He's saying all the right things right now about OKC, but let's see what he says after a few more years of losing.

                  Comment

                  • JBH3
                    Marvel's Finest
                    • Jan 2007
                    • 13506

                    #24
                    Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                    Originally posted by Dice
                    I think your giving Durant too much credit. While he is an all-star and has improved his shooting percentage this season he is not a MAX player. When I think of MAX player I think of LeBron, Kobe, Howard, Paul, Wade or any players in that category. Which probably be nobody else. Durant is not on that level yet. He could possibly be in that category one day but right now he doesn't have a membership.

                    It's strange that everybody has high hopes for Westbrook. Westbrook is a very gifted athlete. BUT as far as basketball smarts, he's as dumb as a rock. And that's even for a rookie. I cannot see him being no more than a Robert Pack-type player. If he is to move to that next level he's going to need a strong coach who will hone his skills and play more under control.

                    If the Thunder is looking to contend Durant needs to thrust himself into the elite class of players that I just previously mentioned.
                    LOL - Good thing you're not a GM. Your eye for potential is comparable to Kevin McHale.

                    What was Kobe when he came into the league? Lebron? Any of those guys...

                    You treat him as a MAX player. It's called potential. All the guys you listed had to get to MAX player status like Durant does, but they had that POTENTIAL - same as Durant.

                    Looking at Lebron and Durant's 1st two years in, Durant has been a far more efficient scorer through 2 years of service time in comparison to Lebron. He doesn't have the numbers to support the abilities of getting others involved - because he's the one who needs to score - but he's capable. He also posted 15 double double's - 3rd best among SFs; in his 2nd year.

                    Yea...he has MAX PLAYER written all over him.
                    Originally posted by Edmund Burke
                    All that is needed for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.

                    Comment

                    • youvalss
                      ******
                      • Feb 2007
                      • 16602

                      #25
                      Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                      Who would have thought the Magic could become a title cotender 5-10 years ago (even with T-Mac)? Everything can happen...
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                      • Dice
                        Sitting by the door
                        • Jul 2002
                        • 6627

                        #26
                        Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                        Originally posted by JBH3
                        LOL - Good thing you're not a GM. Your eye for potential is comparable to Kevin McHale.

                        What was Kobe when he came into the league? Lebron? Any of those guys...

                        You treat him as a MAX player. It's called potential. All the guys you listed had to get to MAX player status like Durant does, but they had that POTENTIAL - same as Durant.

                        Looking at Lebron and Durant's 1st two years in, Durant has been a far more efficient scorer through 2 years of service time in comparison to Lebron. He doesn't have the numbers to support the abilities of getting others involved - because he's the one who needs to score - but he's capable. He also posted 15 double double's - 3rd best among SFs; in his 2nd year.

                        Yea...he has MAX PLAYER written all over him.
                        Didn't I just say that HE COULD BE THERE ONE DAY? I could have swore I said that.

                        You make it seem like I said that he'll never get there. He has the potential to be there but right now HE'S NOT.

                        And speaking of LeBron and MAX players, LeBron still has yet to have a MAX contract. Will he get it after next year? If all goes well and he puts up LeBron-type numbers then it's a no doubter. BUT that'll be LeBron's 7th year. 7th YEAR! Kobe didn't get his until his 8th year.

                        So if you think Durant is getting his anytime soon, your just fooling yourself. Two seasons is not enough to evaluate what this guy is going to do for the long haul.

                        LOL - So you must be John Paxson? Because I swear, the only way he would get a MAX deal anytime soon if he was playing for the Bulls and Paxson was still running the team.
                        I have more respect for a man who let's me know where he stands, even if he's wrong. Than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil. - Malcolm X

                        Comment

                        • JBH3
                          Marvel's Finest
                          • Jan 2007
                          • 13506

                          #27
                          Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                          Originally posted by Dice
                          Didn't I just say that HE COULD BE THERE ONE DAY? I could have swore I said that.

                          You make it seem like I said that he'll never get there. He has the potential to be there but right now HE'S NOT.

                          And speaking of LeBron and MAX players, LeBron still has yet to have a MAX contract. Will he get it after next year? If all goes well and he puts up LeBron-type numbers then it's a no doubter. BUT that'll be LeBron's 7th year. 7th YEAR! Kobe didn't get his until his 8th year.

                          So if you think Durant is getting his anytime soon, your just fooling yourself. Two seasons is not enough to evaluate what this guy is going to do for the long haul.

                          LOL - So you must be John Paxson? Because I swear, the only way he would get a MAX deal anytime soon if he was playing for the Bulls and Paxson was still running the team.
                          I'd rather be Paxson than McHale - GM wise.

                          Yea you said "Some day" or whatever, but the thing that struck me is that Paul, Howard, Lebron, Kobe, were no different entering the league than Durant.

                          Durant's put up the same impressive number 2 yrs in, and since you consider all those guys mentioned (Lebron etc.)...where were you "on the fence" so-to speak when Lebron was done w/ his 2nd yr and someone on my side of the fence was saying he's a max player.

                          What...would you then say if we were in 2005, 2 yrs after Lebron, and I'm sitting here saying he's a MAX player...while you're saying NO...Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom -- all guys drafted 4-5 years before Lebron -- They're Max players.

                          You'd be shooting me down on lebron being a MAX guy, just like you are w/ Durant. I'm saying your whole notion of Howard, Paul, Kobe, Lebron, it's all relative to 2 yrs of Kevin Durant.

                          He's shown the same franchise player MAX ability IMO, and others too see it.
                          Originally posted by Edmund Burke
                          All that is needed for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.

                          Comment

                          • KG
                            Welcome Back
                            • Sep 2005
                            • 17583

                            #28
                            Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                            Originally posted by Dice
                            I think your giving Durant too much credit. While he is an all-star and has improved his shooting percentage this season he is not a MAX player. When I think of MAX player I think of LeBron, Kobe, Howard, Paul, Wade or any players in that category. Which probably be nobody else. Durant is not on that level yet. He could possibly be in that category one day but right now he doesn't have a membership.

                            It's strange that everybody has high hopes for Westbrook. Westbrook is a very gifted athlete. BUT as far as basketball smarts, he's as dumb as a rock. And that's even for a rookie. I cannot see him being no more than a Robert Pack-type player. If he is to move to that next level he's going to need a strong coach who will hone his skills and play more under control.

                            If the Thunder is looking to contend Durant needs to thrust himself into the elite class of players that I just previously mentioned.
                            It's not about right now. Right now he is not on the level of those players you mentioned but based on his progression from Yr1 to Yr2 and the #'s that he's putting up right now he will be a MAX player when his rookie deal expires.

                            Westbrook had a better year statistically in his rookie year than Pack ever did. Also take into account that he was playing a new position combined with his physical attributes and your comparison to Robert Pack is way off.

                            Lebron did have a Max contract for 3 yrs with a player option for the 4th year. The same deal that Melo, Dwade, and even Bosh have. It makes the most business sense because as salaries go up from year to year he can make more if he opts out after 3yrs.
                            Twitter Instagram - kgx2thez

                            Comment

                            • Dice
                              Sitting by the door
                              • Jul 2002
                              • 6627

                              #29
                              Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                              Originally posted by JBH3
                              I'd rather be Paxson than McHale - GM wise.

                              Yea you said "Some day" or whatever, but the thing that struck me is that Paul, Howard, Lebron, Kobe, were no different entering the league than Durant.

                              Durant's put up the same impressive number 2 yrs in, and since you consider all those guys mentioned (Lebron etc.)...where were you "on the fence" so-to speak when Lebron was done w/ his 2nd yr and someone on my side of the fence was saying he's a max player.

                              What...would you then say if we were in 2005, 2 yrs after Lebron, and I'm sitting here saying he's a MAX player...while you're saying NO...Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom -- all guys drafted 4-5 years before Lebron -- They're Max players.

                              You'd be shooting me down on lebron being a MAX guy, just like you are w/ Durant. I'm saying your whole notion of Howard, Paul, Kobe, Lebron, it's all relative to 2 yrs of Kevin Durant.

                              He's shown the same franchise player MAX ability IMO, and others too see it.
                              LOL - Your trying to make sense on what I would have been thinking in 2005 is just really out of this world.

                              Paul and Howard are established players right now and well above the 2 year mark. Howard and Paul have been on the All-NBA team twice now. Paul's team has been in the playoffs 2 out of the 3 years he's been in the league. Howard's team is in the NBA Finals.

                              But just for kicks, I'm going to entertain you on the 2005 scenario.
                              So did I think LeBron was a MAX player in 2005? Of course not. Not just yet.
                              Did I think he was going to be a MAX player? Yes. Because by that time LeBron made an appearance on the All-NBA team(2nd Team) and his team jumped from 17 wins, the year before he played there, to 42 wins in 2005.

                              As for Durant? Has yet to make an All-NBA team appearance and his team has won less games from the year before he got there(31) to last year(23).

                              So do you get why I'm reluctant to make him a MAX player so quickly?
                              I have more respect for a man who let's me know where he stands, even if he's wrong. Than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil. - Malcolm X

                              Comment

                              • Dice
                                Sitting by the door
                                • Jul 2002
                                • 6627

                                #30
                                Re: How Many Years You Think It'll Take For The Thunder To Be A Championship Contende

                                Originally posted by kgx2thez

                                Lebron did have a Max contract for 3 yrs with a player option for the 4th year. The same deal that Melo, Dwade, and even Bosh have. It makes the most business sense because as salaries go up from year to year he can make more if he opts out after 3yrs.
                                Technically, YES, he did get a MAX contract on his extension back in 2006. But that was for players with less than 7 years. For his contract, it was the most he could make with the years he's played. But when I refer to the MAX contract I'm referring to the $14 million per year an NBA player can make under a contract. And I think that only applies after your 7th season.

                                I could be wrong but I'll double check.
                                I have more respect for a man who let's me know where he stands, even if he's wrong. Than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil. - Malcolm X

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