It's been an interesting 10 years for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Moving from Seattle was one thing. To be able to group together after a mediocre first year and have a strong core of players was another. The idea of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook working together should have been a dream come true. But it hasn't. Harden went to Houston in 2012 and has built a strong career. Durant has been great, but the last three years with Golden State could see him win a third straight Finals. With that, it only leaves Westbrook and a Thunder team that more than likely watches the championship at home.
I do question Westbrook's character a bit. It goes way before this, but the way he acts, I wonder how he lives with the various attitudes he has. Especially with the next question antics he has been doing. Now, I understand not every player wants to talk to the media. I think a lot of it has to do with criticism if someone's game is off or if the team put in a losing effort. And social media is looking at these press conferences, too. I believe all the responses and questions all around is getting into Westbrook's head and it is getting tiring for him.
That being said, the media has to do their job. And one of the defenders is Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He has dealt with it as a coach and as a GM for Phoenix. You got to give them something. Players get sick of questions, regardless of outcomes. However, they are not always to blame. The media may want to make a story. Some can be truthful about what they talked about. Others want to sell papers and subscriptions to get people attached to a narrative. For Westbrook, it's one reporter. It's not like it's the entire group of reporters from ESPN, local news stations, NBC.
Westbrook has immense talent. If things don't change, there is no chance he wins a Finals championship, and the media will bury him with even more questions each passing year. He better get his act together and not be sour all the time.
Showing posts with label oklahoma city thunder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oklahoma city thunder. Show all posts
Monday, April 22, 2019
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Oklahoma City Thunder: What Now?
You could have probably written off the Oklahoma City Thunder for this 2016-17 season. Losing guys like Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka would definitely be seen as a problem and the thoughts of a playoff run could be something that could come in a another season or two. Their big star is Russell Westbrook, who has carved his name into being one of the greats of this modern era of NBA Basketball for the past eight seasons prior to this one.
Despite the number of young players, the Thunder put up a respectable 47-35 record in the Western Conference. Westbrook was mostly their offense, despite several players near or above 1000 points themselves. Their defense was one of the better ones in terms of rebounding and stealing the ball. The numbers on both sides were on the side of being one of the better teams in the league and middle tiered material. Of course, we look at their future now after losing in the first round to the Houston Rockets in five games.
It all starts with what happened five years ago when the Thunder went on that magical run to the NBA Finals only to lose to the Miami Heat. They had Durant, Ibaka, Westbrook, and sixth man that year, James Harden. Their numbers on offense were in the top three and the defense was one of the better ones. We can talk what ifs forever on what could have been a dynasty in the making. You think about it, they could have won a ring together. They could have been one of the young teams others could imitate. With Harden going to Houston and his career really taking off, you have to wonder. That's not to say Oklahoma was horrible. They posted really good records in the regular season. There's always one team that's an obstacle to them and they are sent packing and watching the finals on television.
If I am the Thunder, I am doing whatever is necessary to keep Westbrook with them for the rest of his career as he will enter his tenth season in October/November. With Durant playing for Golden State and Ibake with Toronto, they need someone that can lead the charge and take a bit of punishment until they get people that can get used to their style of play. If they can gel together, they can still keep making playoff appearances. It's just a matter of how much longer fans have to wait and how much frustration will mount if they don't win a championship.
Right now, their biggest priorities are Westbrook and Steven Adams. Keeping them both will be important for years to come. Getting some better players, whether through the NBA Draft or free agency could give them players to compliment them and have bench guys that could carry the load while the stars take a breather. Either way, they are on the clock. Oklahoma can't afford to lose any more players. Otherwise, that first overall pick could be calling for them in the future.
Despite the number of young players, the Thunder put up a respectable 47-35 record in the Western Conference. Westbrook was mostly their offense, despite several players near or above 1000 points themselves. Their defense was one of the better ones in terms of rebounding and stealing the ball. The numbers on both sides were on the side of being one of the better teams in the league and middle tiered material. Of course, we look at their future now after losing in the first round to the Houston Rockets in five games.
It all starts with what happened five years ago when the Thunder went on that magical run to the NBA Finals only to lose to the Miami Heat. They had Durant, Ibaka, Westbrook, and sixth man that year, James Harden. Their numbers on offense were in the top three and the defense was one of the better ones. We can talk what ifs forever on what could have been a dynasty in the making. You think about it, they could have won a ring together. They could have been one of the young teams others could imitate. With Harden going to Houston and his career really taking off, you have to wonder. That's not to say Oklahoma was horrible. They posted really good records in the regular season. There's always one team that's an obstacle to them and they are sent packing and watching the finals on television.
If I am the Thunder, I am doing whatever is necessary to keep Westbrook with them for the rest of his career as he will enter his tenth season in October/November. With Durant playing for Golden State and Ibake with Toronto, they need someone that can lead the charge and take a bit of punishment until they get people that can get used to their style of play. If they can gel together, they can still keep making playoff appearances. It's just a matter of how much longer fans have to wait and how much frustration will mount if they don't win a championship.
Right now, their biggest priorities are Westbrook and Steven Adams. Keeping them both will be important for years to come. Getting some better players, whether through the NBA Draft or free agency could give them players to compliment them and have bench guys that could carry the load while the stars take a breather. Either way, they are on the clock. Oklahoma can't afford to lose any more players. Otherwise, that first overall pick could be calling for them in the future.
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