| OKC Announces Team Name, Thunder |
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| Written by Phil Partington | |
| Thursday, 04 September 2008 | |
 Post Players OKC will rely on a committee of big men next season with Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison getting the bulk of the minutes. At 6-9, Collison is out of position at center, but his defensive ability, high basketball IQ and toughness enable him to guard bigger centers. Wilcox relies mostly on athleticism, but many considered him a bit overpriced. His biggest Achilles heel is staying motivated. When he wants to be, he’s a very effective big, getting most of his points and rebounds off of put backs. He is a capable back-to-the-basket scorer, but has limited moves. Before getting injured, Robert Swift showed a lot of promise. In fact, in the 2004 NBA Draft, Danny Ainge desperately tried to deal for Swift. The Boston Celtics picked soon after the Sonics and Al Jefferson was considered their “consolation” prize. So, it’s clear what kind of talent Swift has. The problem is that his injury really slowed him down and he hasn’t fully recovered. If he could ever get back to full health and mobility, the Thunder could have a hidden gem. Conversely, Johan Petro is overrated. Petro moves very well for a 7-footer, but he’s extremely soft and doesn’t have great footwork. It’s not uncommon for guards to push him out of the lane. He is capable of hitting a 10-footer from around the foul line, but he can frustrate fans as quickly as he endears them. Mouhammed Sene is awkward on the court, but is aggressive, and unlike Petro, afraid of nothing. If he ever learns how to pivot or hit an eight foot shot, he could have an effective career as a defensive stopper. The Sonics also have rookies D.J. White, Serge Ibaka (who may not be available to play for a year or so), DeVon Hardin and veteran Joe Smith. Small Forwards/Shooting Guards OKC has a logjam of small forwards on its roster. Jeff Green showed star potential late last season, including two great games in the last month where he scored 35 and 27 points (he also nabbed 10 rebounds in both of those games). The Thunder will look for him to be a leader in the future. At 6-9 235lbs, Green has the size and versatility to have a long, effective career. Kevin Durant may be a better fit at small forward, but because he isn’t strong enough yet, he’ll continue playing at the two-guard, despite his 6-10 frame. Durant was the 2008 Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies in scoring last season (20.3), while adding 4.4 rbpg. He’s a star in the making, but needs to develop into more of a complete player rather than simply a scorer. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor, and is a very talented passer when he wants to be. Dominique Wilkins once said that his nephew, Damien, should be more aggressive offensively. I couldn’t disagree more. Damien is fun to watch, because he works so hard. When he’s hot, he’s a very gifted scorer because of his strength. However, he’s an inconsistent shooter and not the best decision-maker. That being said, Damien’s an outstanding defender, which may make him a good fit for GM Sam Presti’s push for a more defensive lineup. Mickael Gelebale is an extremely talented wing. In a four-game stretch last February when he finally got minutes, he averaged a respectable 15.3 ppg, 4.8 rbpg. That was just before getting injured. As gifted as Gelebale is, he may end up being the odd man out in OKC. OKC added Desmond Mason to the mix, whom the Sonics drafted in 2000. Mason was traded from Seattle to Milwaukee as part of the Ray Allen deal. Ironically, Luke Ridnour was also part of that deal. Mason returns to Seattle as part of a recent deal that sent Luke Ridnour to Milwaukee. Adding Mason is kind of overkill for OKC, but the deal was made for salary cap relief, as Mason and Joe Smith’s contracts expire after this season. Point Guards OKC traded Ridnour in favor of their defensive point guard in Earl Watson. He should compete with top draft pick, Russell Westbrook, for the starting spot. Westbrook isn’t a pure point guard, and isn’t a very good shooter, but he’s extremely athletic and a great lock-down defender. Projected Depth Chart: C. Johan Petro – Nick Collison – Robert Swift PF. Chris Wilcox – Nick Collison – Joe Smith – D.J. White SF. Jeff Green – Damien Wilkins - Mickael Gelebale SG. Kevin Durant – Desmond Mason PG. Earl Watson – Russell Westbrook         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
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