Props to Sam Presti

[Solid D]

Perkins, Mohammed, Ibaka defending the paint now.

[DesignatedT]

Well see how that offense works now with those guys clogging the paint preventing those young guys from running. Changing the gameplan from night to day isn't necessarily a good idea with 25 games left in the season. Panic move IMO.

[chazley]

Grats, now they have some of the worst scoring bigs in the league.

[chazley]

This team is not a title contender until they find a four who can score the basketball. Excellent move, but all it does is put them in the second tier with Dallas, aka second round fodder.

[Cane]

Well they still have go through the physicals IIRC but that is a major improvement in their frontline. Perkins is a legit anchor defensively and thats what OKC needs.

But to try to see some negatives, they might have potential weaknesses that they never had before: Nate Robinson and Perkins losing their cool and costing their team valuable possessions/points by playing hero-ball (Nate) or grabbing untimely technicals and getting hacked to the line (Perkins). And chemistry in general.

[Obstructed_View]

Scoring is not a problem for them. Their defense is going to get a lot better and they'll have guys who know the golden rule of OKC basketball: Pass to Durant or Westbrook.

[Solid D]

This makes the Thunder and major player in the West, now, provided Perkins can play.
The trades were perfect for what OKC needed. They are a donut when Ibaka isn't in there. That all changes now.

[ChumpDumper]

He's on his way to making up for all those horrible big man draft picks.

[mardigan]

provided Perkins can play.


And this is why I'm holding out judgment on this move. I just can't see how Boston would have made this deal if they thought Perk would come back full force. He was never athletic, so if he's lost any more he could be a shell.

[Solid D]

The Thunder just need to add a couple of seasoned vets with a steadying influence.

[DesignatedT]

Not a good move.

[Obstructed_View]

And this is why I'm holding out judgment on this move. I just can't see how Boston would have made this deal if they thought Perk would come back full force. He was never athletic, so if he's lost any more he could be a shell.

If that's the case, then he won't pass the physical.

[Mugen]

they still need a reliable post scorer and another shooter to be considered elite but Durant/Westbrook are gonna love the illegal screens that Perk will be setting.

Green is an okay player but i didnt really think his game meshed well with other two. Great move imho.

[EricB]

Presto better hope Perkins isnt Chandler 2.0

[alchemist]

Not a good move.
:lol the Spurs have enough trouble with Ibaka. Now with Perkins in there to muscle these guys around with Ibaka to clean it up......nasty inside presence for the Thunder.

[mardigan]

If that's the case, then he won't pass the physical.

Not saying that he has some hidden injury. I am saying that all these injuries he has had could be catching up with him and he won't be the same player.
I'm also sure that they didn't want to drastically over pay him in the off season which some team probably will. Trading for Jeff Green is puzzling though.

[alchemist]

Presto better hope Perkins isnt Chandler 2.0
if it doesn't work out with Perkins, the Thunder are still in great shape.

[DesignatedT]

:lol the Spurs have enough trouble with Ibaka. Now with Perkins in there to muscle these guys around with Ibaka to clean it up......nasty inside presence for the Thunder.

Terrible move for them from an offensive/chemistry standpoint. The Spurs will now beat them at there own game with running and pushing the ball up and down the court. Also makes them A LOT more easier to defend and a lot more predictable overall. They had a good thing going for them that worked, they weren't going to win the championship and now they panicked and are changing up there whole philosophy. It won't work.

[angelbelow]

Wow what a fantastic move. Dont like Mohammad as much but should be a capable backup. But Perkins is solid for Green. Green's contract extension was reported an issue. Theoritically Green was always an awkward fit. Hes more a 3 but forced to play the 4 because of Durant. Now they can roll out Perkins, Ilbka at his natural position.

Another possibility is Harden getting to see more action, which should only help in his own development and ultimately his contribution to the team.

[Obstructed_View]

they still need a reliable post scorer and another shooter to be considered elite but Durant/Westbrook are gonna love the illegal screens that Perk will be setting.

Green is an okay player but i didnt really think his game meshed well with other two. Great move imho.

You don't actually think he's going to be allowed to bulldoze anyone if he's not in a Celtic uni do you?

[Solid D]

The core of OKC was Durant/Westbrook/Green.

Easily replaced by Durant/Westbrook/Hardin

[Mugen]

You don't actually think he's going to be allowed to bulldoze anyone if he's not in a Celtic uni do you?

:lol maybe not as much. But its not like Kevin Durant doesnt get favorable calls as well. They'll prob call the hand check on KD's defender before they call the illegal pick.

[Bito Corleone]

Presti is a feel-good story. IIRC he started out on a $200/week internship with the Spurs, and now look where he is.

[Obstructed_View]

Not saying that he has some hidden injury. I am saying that all these injuries he has had could be catching up with him and he won't be the same player.
I'm also sure that they didn't want to drastically over pay him in the off season which some team probably will. Trading for Jeff Green is puzzling though.

I guess if you call it their Deron Williams moment, then I can sort of understand it. The fear of the Lakers' size is obviously diminishing. Either that or they think both of the O'Neils are going to be healthy for a playoff run. I guess they got Green to replace Marquis? :wtf

[rascal]

Well see how that offense works now with those guys clogging the paint preventing those young guys from running. Changing the gameplan from night to day isn't necessarily a good idea with 25 games left in the season. Panic move IMO.

They needed more size to be more competitive. They weren't winning a title this year anyways with what they had there.

[The Truth #6]

Clearly the Celtics saw they needed to get more mobile to match up better with the Spurs...

[DesignatedT]

They needed more size to be more competitive. They weren't winning a title this year anyways with what they had there.

Oh I agree. I just don't think they are any better off this season as some are claiming and I definitely don't think they are now some legitimate title contender.

[Spurs da champs]

The core of OKC was Durant/Westbrook/Green.

They were all young guys that turned that team around. This makes the Thunder better defensively, but I don't like the move chemistry wise.

Jeff Green disappeared against elite teams like Spurs and Lakers all the time. I love this move for them.

[DesignatedT]

Perkins was a good piece in the Boston Celtics system. Well see how he does now in a totally different system. Won't be the same.

[Obstructed_View]

Clearly the Celtics saw they needed to get more mobile to match up better with the Spurs...

That's not the most insane idea in the world. If Colin Cowherd were the coach of the Celtics he'd be gameplanning for the Lakers and nobody else.

[Spurs Brazil]

Props to Presti, great trade

[100%duncan]

I thought this was a bad move, the OKC was young and had a lot of potential. No need for veterans imho

[Mugen]

I thought this was a bad move, the OKC was young and had a lot of potential. No need for veterans imho

Perk is 27. Nate looks like hes about 12.

It's not like they traded for Rick Mahorn.

[EJFischer]

For my money, barring some weird early-season-MIA-style chemistry issues, this turns OKC into a legit contender. Presti drank Ainge's milkshake today.

[flox]

Where is Cole Aldrich going then...

[JonNOKC]

Good move long-term...this puts even more pressure on Westbrook/Durant offensively (and Harden will have to show he can be third wheel offensively night in and night out)
Spurs have the luxury of having 3 guys the offense can be ran through, and at times Hill also. Right now the Thunder will have some nights the offense is really going to stagnate when one of the big 2 go to the bench or struggle, but if they add a facilitator/scorer or a offensive post big in the off-season then they will be very strong next year

[Mal]

IMO this is a great move for Thunder, not so great for C`s

[DPG21920]

Offensively they will be fine, like someone said earlier, Green's offensive contributions are quite easily replaced by a better player in Harden.

[ShoogarBear]

I like the move for the Thunder.

But what the hell was Danny Ainge thinking?

[DPG21920]

I just don't get the angle from the C's either. I guess they are confident in their defense not taking a hit and they feel having Glen Davis on the court is more productive overall.

[SequSpur]

perkins sucks balls solid d.

[baseline bum]

Jeff Green sucks. Guys who are 6'9"-6'10" shouldn't be shooting 43%. OKC was a big away from being a really nasty team, and they just filled that hole. Nothing like having a nasty bigman who can set great screens for you in the halfcourt.

[024]

OKC didn't need jeff green since he plays the same position as kevin durant. they did need perkins toughness, rebounding, and defense. the spurs should be facing the thunder in the second round and this will make it much harder to beat them.

[DesignatedT]

OKC didn't need jeff green since he plays the same position as kevin durant. they did need perkins toughness, rebounding, and defense. the spurs should be facing the thunder in the second round and this will make it much harder to beat them.

that's a big if. I could easily see N.O or Portland now with Gerald Wallace being able to beat OKC in a 7 game series.

[024]

that's a big if. I could easily see N.O or Portland now with Gerald Wallace being able to beat OKC in a 7 game series.
the only weakness i saw in thunder was their interior presence. they don't get a low post player in perkins but they become very dangerous with his rebounding and defense, which is light years ahead of krstic's. they should be able to get past NO and portland since they are definitely more talented and have better chemistry.

i also worry about the fact that the thunder vastly out rebounded the spurs yesterday. now that they have perkins, this is going to make it even harder for the spurs. duncan was really the only advantage the spurs had over the thunder but now he could be neutralized by perkins. thunder have the same depth, athleticism, and jump shooting as the spurs, making them a real threat.

[DesignatedT]

the only weakness i saw in thunder was their interior presence. they don't get a low post player in perkins but they become very dangerous with his rebounding and defense, which is light years ahead of krstic's. they should be able to get past NO and portland since they are definitely more talented and have better chemistry.

i also worry about the fact that the thunder vastly out rebounded the spurs yesterday. now that they have perkins, this is going to make it even harder for the spurs. duncan was really the only advantage the spurs had over the thunder but now he could be neutralized by perkins. thunder have the same depth, athleticism, and jump shooting as the spurs, making them a real threat.

Dice playing 35 minutes instead of 15 minutes = different story on the boards
Duncan playing 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes = different story on the boards. Plus Pop was rotating super small ball lineups out there last night fucking around. OKC becomes a lot more predictable and slower on offense. The best thing they had going was how athletic, young and quick they were in the open court. That is pretty much over with big boys nazr and perkins turning them into a half court team.

[024]

Dice playing 35 minutes instead of 15 minutes = different story on the boards
Duncan playing 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes = different story on the boards. Plus Pop was rotating super small ball lineups out there last night fucking around. OKC becomes a lot more predictable and slower on offense. The best thing they had going was how athletic, young and quick they were in the open court. That is pretty much over with big boys nazr and perkins turning them into a half court team.
true but the game progresses at a slower pace in the playoffs anyways. and, in reality, the thunder still have plenty of athletic players in westbrook, durant, harden, ibaka and now nate robinson. now that i think about it even more, an ibaka and perkins pairing would shut down the paint.

[DPG21920]

:lol I don't get how someone can think this is bad for OKC.

Also, Spurs definitely have rebounding problems. They shouldn't in theory, but they do. Minutes aren't even the largest factor.

[Mel_13]

Good job by Presti. It's really tough to come up with low risk/high reward scenarios, but he did that with today's trades.

[K-State Spur]

:lol I don't get how someone can think this is bad for OKC.

Also, Spurs definitely have rebounding problems. They shouldn't in theory, but they do. Minutes aren't even the largest factor.

Rebounding has been poor the last 2 games, but - on the season - Spurs are still better on the boards than the Lakers, Mavs, Heat, or Celtics.

I'm not worried.

[L.I.T]

In no possible way is this a bad move for OKC.

They free up time for Harden. Get to play a bit more of Thabo. Offensively they likely remain just as potent; it's not like Green has been tearing it up this season anyway. Defensively, they can now physically match-up with almost any team.

[Obstructed_View]

:lol I don't get how someone can think this is bad for OKC.

Also, Spurs definitely have rebounding problems. They shouldn't in theory, but they do. Minutes aren't even the largest factor.

In theory is the only place they do have rebounding problems. In reality, they're eighth in the league.

[ChuckD]

For my money, barring some weird early-season-MIA-style chemistry issues, this turns OKC into a legit contender. Presti drank Ainge's milkshake today.

Early season? Are you assuming that Perk re-signs with OKC? One of the huge drivers for this trade was that both Perk and Green had turned down team extension offers. One or both of them could turn out to be late season rentals. Neither team had anything to lose by pulling the trigger since it seemed that neither player was going to re-sign. That may not have changed. If there is a new CBA and the salaries plummet, do you really want to play for peanuts in OKC? Wouldn't you rather play for peanuts in LA or NY?

[dastrey]

Jeff Green isn't a starter on a contender. Perkins is the best post defender in the league imo. It really is puzzling why the Celtics would trade him.

[Gagnrath]

I think that the thunder got taken here, Perkins will pass his physical but he's around 80% of where he was through most of last year and he just became a non-scoring immobile center.

[TD 21]

It's a good trade for them and they'll push the big three in the West. But they're still not capable of beating the Spurs or Lakers in a series. Their lack of outside shooting is even more pronounced now and they still don't have a post scorer, nor do they have anything resembling a third scorer for a team with championship aspirations.

[DPG21920]

In theory is the only place they do have rebounding problems. In reality, they're eighth in the league.

Ok. That is like saying they don't have defensive problems even though they are like 7th in the league :lol

[DPG21920]

Rebounding has been poor the last 2 games, but - on the season - Spurs are still better on the boards than the Lakers, Mavs, Heat, or Celtics.

I'm not worried.

When you look at Rebounding Rate, which is the percentage of missed shots that a team rebounds, the Spurs are 11th, behind CHI, LA, ORL, MIA. The only two contenders behind them are the Celts & Dallas.

Given, that factors in offensive rebounds and the Spurs don't really try and crash the boards on that end.

[MaNu4Tres]

Offensively they will be fine, like someone said earlier, Green's offensive contributions are quite easily replaced by a better player in Harden.

Same could be said about the never-ending- beat-the-horse-to- death Bonner/Splitter debate.

Spurs have the pieces and players to produce enough points without Bonner.

Therefore, why not play the personnel (Splitter) that gives the team the most potential (highest ceiling) on the defensive end.

Splitter has the size and length to alter shots in the paint both on and off the ball; he can also hold his own on the block against the Bynum/Gasol's of the league because of his ability to still contest their lengthy release-points effectively(again due to his length).

Bonner usually has good positioning in these situations, but can't have as much of an effect altering shots in the paint (on and off the ball) due to his physical liabilities.

Kind of a similar situation, as Presti and Brooks are obviously prioritizing length and interior defense over "spreading the floor" by swapping Green for Perkins. Sometimes I only wish Pop prioritized the same.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This makes the Thunder and major player in the West, now, provided Perkins can play.
The trades were perfect for what OKC needed. They are a donut when Ibaka isn't in there. That all changes now.

I agree, Perkins was exactly what they needed. Nazr is just insurance.

I don't understand the Perkins trade from the Celtics' perspective though - I guess they really wanted to make more time for Big Baby!? Relying on Snaq and Jermaine The Stain O'Neal is fools gold.

These moves do make overpaying Collison look a little stupid though.

[Mel_13]

I agree, Perkins was exactly what they needed. Nazr is just insurance.

I don't understand the Perkins trade from the Celtics' perspective though - I guess they really wanted to make more time for Big Baby!? Relying on Snaq and Jermaine The Stain O'Neal is fools gold.

These moves do make overpaying Collison look a little stupid though.

Definitely a strange move from the Celts. Can't see how this doesn't hurt their chances this year.

4yrs/17.5M seems reasonable for Collison, especially since he'll only count for 11M against the cap over the next 4 seasons. I thought that little bit of contract/cap manipulation by Presti was very clever.

[Obstructed_View]

Ok. That is like saying they don't have defensive problems even though they are like 7th in the league :lol

Which is also incorrect. A relative weak point for a team that's historically been incredibly good defensively and has championship aspirations is not "defensive problems".

[DieMrBond]

Apparently the Celtics vets are PISSED ...


As you'd expect, Celtics vets are livid over trade of Kendrick Perkins, sources say. He's the tough guy, enforcer. But BOS can't pay him.

Don't blame them!

[underdawg]

Same could be said about the never-ending- beat-the-horse-to- death Bonner/Splitter debate.

Spurs have the pieces and players to produce enough points without Bonner.

Therefore, why not play the personnel (Splitter) that gives the team the most potential (highest ceiling) on the defensive end.

Splitter has the size and length to alter shots in the paint both on and off the ball; he can also hold his own on the block against the Bynum/Gasol's of the league because of his ability to still contest their lengthy release-points effectively(again due to his length).

Bonner usually has good positioning in these situations, but can't have as much of an effect altering shots in the paint (on and off the ball) due to his physical liabilities.

Kind of a similar situation, as Presti and Brooks are obviously prioritizing length and interior defense over "spreading the floor" by swapping Green for Perkins. Sometimes I only wish Pop prioritized the same.

that is some ridiculous logic - Matt Bonner ranks #64 in 3 pointers made in the NBA and he's doing that in only 22 minutes per game.

[EricB]

I think Pop would play Splitter more if he wasn't constantly HURT!

[futureAE]

I think it is a very good move for the thunder.

Pros
Nate Robinson is a huge energy to a not so deep bench. He can provide a scoring threat not to mention they weren't too strong at point guard. Two weaknesses alleviated.

Kendrick Perkins is a tough gritty center that can provide the toughness to a defense that lacked it. They had Green, kRstic, and Ibaka; Insert Perkins. Enough said. They also upgraded their size to compete with the Lakers which is still the team to beat even with whatever the record says.

Experience.
Toughness.
Size.
Scoring.
Defense.

Cons
Chemistry. Duely noted.
Health. Same as every team.
Perimeter defense. Losing Green who was a solid combo four might make it a little more difficult to guard big 3's and small 4's.

Overall
Green and krstic? loss on the offensive end can be easily replaced as well as defensively. Kendrick might be an underrated low post threat as well. He put up very good numbers for a 5th option. Now he can get a shot on low post in some situations. When you gain an emotional leader like kendrick you can't really be too concerned with chemistry. Manu or Noah for example are glue guys that bring people together much like kendrick. Weighing in the pros and cons it is undeniable should they pass their physicals and return to health that this could make the Thunder a huge threat in the west. Combined with a solid super star, an all star, low post threat, defensive anchor, and bench scoring and depth the Thunder has potential to represent the West. Only experience is at their disadvantage as of now.

[jjktkk]

Same could be said about the never-ending- beat-the-horse-to- death Bonner/Splitter debate.

Spurs have the pieces and players to produce enough points without Bonner.

Therefore, why not play the personnel (Splitter) that gives the team the most potential (highest ceiling) on the defensive end.

Splitter has the size and length to alter shots in the paint both on and off the ball; he can also hold his own on the block against the Bynum/Gasol's of the league because of his ability to still contest their lengthy release-points effectively(again due to his length).

Bonner usually has good positioning in these situations, but can't have as much of an effect altering shots in the paint (on and off the ball) due to his physical liabilities.

Kind of a similar situation, as Presti and Brooks are obviously prioritizing length and interior defense over "spreading the floor" by swapping Green for Perkins. Sometimes I only wish Pop prioritized the same.

OKC's front court was in dire straits. They improved their interior with the trades, but while Perkins, Ibaka , and Mohammed are all solid defenders, all three are a liability on offense. Spurs still have the edge in the front court imo.

[Obstructed_View]

I think Pop would play Splitter more if he wasn't constantly HURT!

Yeah, he's showing to be really injury prone, exactly the same way Oberto was injury prone in 2006.

If he were constantly hurt, he'd constantly miss games. When a player gets 15 minutes for two games, then two minutes the next three games, then a DNP, then 20 minutes, he's not injured.

[Fireball]

Great move for OKC, but I have some doubts that a) Kendrick Perkins will be 100% healthy this season and b) that he fits with this team of young athletic slashers who don't move the ball that well ...

[GrandeDavid]

Eh. Not too impressed. They may have improved a little but they are not gonna contend. Still the Lakers and Spurs with the Mavs perhaps a close second come playoff time.

[dbestpro]

Scoring is not a problem for them. Their defense is going to get a lot better and they'll have guys who know the golden rule of OKC basketball: Pass to Durant or Westbrook.

I would say scoring was not a problem for them. It really makes a difference for a team to go from 3 primary scorers to 2. They got better on the inside but you can rest assure that Westbrook and Durrant will see plenty of double teams. Neither, seem like they would defer their game to an open big inside for double digit assists verses being a 20 ppg scorer.

[urunobili]

while OKC got better and they'll be a tough out for anybody, the Mavs are a far superior threat to the Spurs so are the Lakers.

They Playoffs will be a battle that is for sure :)

[SenorSpur]

I like the move for the Thunder.

But what the hell was Danny Ainge thinking?

^ This

Excellent upgrades for the Thunder. Vaults them from a team that hasn't yet won a playoff series to a potential conference championship contender.

As for the C's, I guess they figured they wouldn't be able to afford Perkins next year. The question is why did they choose to disturb their championship mix now, instead of waiting until the summer?

[anakha]

As for the C's, I guess they figured they wouldn't be able to afford Perkins next year. The question is why did they choose to disturb their championship mix now, instead of waiting until the summer?

From other reports I've been seeing, Boston's offer to Perkins was around 22M/4years while he was seeking 30M/4.

If this is true, I'm scratching my head even more why they preferred to trade rather than cough up an additional 2M a year. Extending Perkins wouldn't have required the use of the MLE, right?

[Mel_13]

From other reports I've been seeing, Boston's offer to Perkins was around 22M/4years while he was seeking 30M/4.

If this is true, I'm scratching my head even more why they preferred to trade rather than cough up an additional 2M a year. Extending Perkins wouldn't have required the use of the MLE, right?

4/22 was the max extension that Boston could offer. I don't where the reports of 4/30 are coming from from, but I imagine that Perkins thinks that he is worth considerably more. He has to go to free agency to get more than 4/22.

[K-State Spur]

When you look at Rebounding Rate, which is the percentage of missed shots that a team rebounds, the Spurs are 11th, behind CHI, LA, ORL, MIA. The only two contenders behind them are the Celts & Dallas.

Given, that factors in offensive rebounds and the Spurs don't really try and crash the boards on that end.

i really only worry about defensive rebounding rate - since teams differ on how they attack the offensive glass. but everybody wants defensive rebounds.

[K-State Spur]

I agree, Perkins was exactly what they needed. Nazr is just insurance.


These moves do make overpaying Collison look a little stupid though.

"exactly" what they needed was a low post scorer. perkins helps them, but he doesn't solve that problem.

no team in the league is more dependent on making contested jumpshots than OKC.

[Mel_13]

i really only worry about defensive rebounding rate - since teams differ on how they attack the offensive glass. but everybody wants defensive rebounds.

And the Spurs are tied for 9th in the NBA, second in the West, in that category. The Lakers are 20th in the NBA and 9th in the conference. Mavs are 14th and 4th.

[BillMc]

I think Pop would play Splitter more if he wasn't constantly HURT!

This.

Splitter missed a lot of training camp, then a lot of the RRT. Those are the two of the best times to be integrated into the system. Just bad luck/timing on those injuries.

Who knew with all the old guys we have that 2 of our 3 rookies would be injured half the season? And who knew our best rookie would be Gary Neal?!

As for OKC, Perkins will give them a lot. But its a gamble. A gamble that he can get integrated in time, a gamble that his knee is okay. OKC has improved their upside this year, which is Presti's job. But if Perkins was enough to carry the Thunder past the Spurs, then we weren't going to win the championship anyway. I'd still take us in six in a series with them.

[SenorSpur]

This.

Splitter missed a lot of training camp, then a lot of the RRT. Those are the two of the best times to be integrated into the system. Just bad luck/timing on those injuries.

Who knew with all the old guys we have that 2 of our 3 rookies would be injured half the season? And who knew our best rookie would be Gary Neal?!


For those that followed Splitter's pre-Spurs, European career, did he have a history of injury before?

[urunobili]

For those that followed Splitter's pre-Spurs, European career, did he have a history of injury before?

Yes.

and Bruno warned everybody about this several times...

[SenorSpur]

Yes.

and Bruno warned everybody about this several times...

Ah. Thanks man.

[Mel_13]

For those that followed Splitter's pre-Spurs, European career, did he have a history of injury before?


Yes.

and Bruno warned everybody about this several times...

Yep. Not any major injuries, but lots of small, nagging injuries.

Also, he never played more than about 1400 minutes in any given season including playoffs. Right now, he's on track for about 700 regular season minutes. Without the training camp and RRT injuries, he'd probably be on track for 900-1000 regular season minutes.

[BillMc]

Yep. Not any major injuries, but lots of small, nagging injuries.

Also, he never played more than about 1400 minutes in any given season including playoffs. Right now, he's on track for about 700 regular season minutes. Without the training camp and RRT injuries, he'd probably be on track for 900-1000 regular season minutes.

You know Bill Simmons did an interesting article a few weeks ago where he mentioned that Bigs who have injuries when they're young usually are injury prone their whole careers. He gave a list to prove his point. It's why, he felt, the Lakers should have traded Bynum - it just doesn't get better as they get older. This seems obvious, but its natural to hope that these injuries are 'freak' occurrences. Of course, it does depend on the injury, but Simmons's list was pretty persuasive.

Off subject but Anderson concerns me too. Wasn't he injured during pre-draft workouts? Then some in the summer? Then after 8 games or so in the season. It's been like a year since he's played regular basketball. No wonder he's out of shape.

Okay, sorry. Back to Sam Presti. Yes he's good. But RC ain't bad either.

[BoricuaCJA]

that is some ridiculous logic - Matt Bonner ranks #64 in 3 pointers made in the NBA and he's doing that in only 22 minutes per game.
Also you gotta look that he has missed 16 games of the season.

[SenorSpur]

You know Bill Simmons did an interesting article a few weeks ago where he mentioned that Bigs who have injuries when they're young usually are injury prone their whole careers. He gave a list to prove his point. It's why, he felt, the Lakers should have traded Bynum - it just doesn't get better as they get older. This seems obvious, but its natural to hope that these injuries are 'freak' occurrences. Of course, it does depend on the injury, but Simmons's list was pretty persuasive.

Off subject but Anderson concerns me too. Wasn't he injured during pre-draft workouts? Then some in the summer? Then after 8 games or so in the season. It's been like a year since he's played regular basketball. No wonder he's out of shape.

Okay, sorry. Back to Sam Presti. Yes he's good. But RC ain't bad either.

Greg Oden would be the poster child for this.

[Cane]

Yep. Not any major injuries, but lots of small, nagging injuries.

Also, he never played more than about 1400 minutes in any given season including playoffs. Right now, he's on track for about 700 regular season minutes. Without the training camp and RRT injuries, he'd probably be on track for 900-1000 regular season minutes.

Hopefully Tiago's injury concerns are more about his style of play than just not having a basketball-marathon body. We all know this but Splitter's style involves routinely sacrificing his body especially when it comes to taking charges. He has taken quite a few inadvertent hits and hard fouls as well especially compared to minutes played FWIW. He's going to have one hell of an offseason with the Spurs; Splitter would benefit a lot from getting stronger and learning how to pace a basketball season.

[underdawg]

Also you gotta look that he has missed 16 games of the season.

good point - so, a better gauge for him is #25 in the NBA for 3 pointers made per game

[Cant_Be_Faded]

No doubt, Tiago has been a big steaming disappointment, fragile like a Beno.

[baseline bum]

Green isn't an efficient scorer at all, his range sucks, and he doesn't get to the line. OKC didn't lose much in this trade while getting an above average big who Durant's going to absolutely love getting screens from. This trade is a big win for the Thunder.

[ChuckD]

Off subject but Anderson concerns me too. Wasn't he injured during pre-draft workouts? Then some in the summer? Then after 8 games or so in the season. It's been like a year since he's played regular basketball. No wonder he's out of shape.

Okay, sorry. Back to Sam Presti. Yes he's good. But RC ain't bad either.

That was one injury. It happened in the PD workouts and carried over into the summer, preventing him from playing on the SL team. I'm not too concerned by a hammy and a foot stress fracture. The knees are ultimately what kill your career.

[MajorMike]

Green was expendable because he played the same position as KD. He was still averaging 15 a game backing him up and/or playing the 4.

All OKC bitched about is not having a big man. The general story was they have their superstar, they have their PG, now the need a big (who isn't white and from KU).

I listened to 4 hours of OKC sports talk on Thursday driving thru. Over and over that's exactly what was said. It seems it was widely know Green would be offered smallmoney to stay but obviously someone was gonna throw bigger bucks at him. They are apeshit over Sam for doing this. Altho Perkins isn't an A-list big man, who really is? He may not be top shelf, but there is a lot of also-ran big men out there and he will do fine against them when healthy.

Also, if Green can move into the 3 with another team, he may very well explode. Unfortunately I don't see that happening behind PP, but who knows what they do with him. He only makes around 4.5.

[K-State Spur]

Greg Oden would be the poster child for this.

Yeah, but that might be a little mis-applied as Oden's Ohio State injury was kinda a freak thing to his wrist, which is about the only part of his body that has not been an issue in Portland.

I have seen that some scouts had some concerns with his knees prior to the draft (which has clearly been prophetic), but he never had any knee injuries prior to his NBA career.

[K-State Spur]

now they need a big (who isn't white and from KU).


:lol:lol:lol

[ChuckD]

Yeah, but that might be a little mis-applied as Oden's Ohio State injury was kinda a freak thing to his wrist, which is about the only part of his body that has not been an issue in Portland.

I have seen that some scouts had some concerns with his knees prior to the draft (which has clearly been prophetic), but he never had any publicized knee injuries prior to his NBA career.

It's not a coincidence that he had knee surgery almost immediately during that draft summer without playing a regular season NBA game.

Portland took a number of chances on talented draft picks with medical red flags: Oden, Roy, and Bayless all had red flags and were medical "reaches". I'm sure they thought that if they did it enough, one of them would be OK. They were apparently wrong.

[kaji157]

I think they are going to use on of the 3 to trade for a power forward during the offseason.
I was surprised they didn´t go after Scola/Perkins or Scola/Mohammed.

[SenorSpur]

It's not a coincidence that he had knee surgery almost immediately during that draft summer without playing a regular season NBA game.

Portland took a number of chances on talented draft picks with medical red flags: Oden, Roy, and Bayless all had red flags and were medical "reaches". I'm sure they thought that if they did it enough, one of them would be OK. They were apparently wrong.

It's amazing that the Blazers would be so willing to assume such risk, but I guess when you have Paul Allen's deep pockets, your team can do that.

They sure are paying the price for it now!

[EJFischer]

Early season? Are you assuming that Perk re-signs with OKC? One of the huge drivers for this trade was that both Perk and Green had turned down team extension offers. One or both of them could turn out to be late season rentals. Neither team had anything to lose by pulling the trigger since it seemed that neither player was going to re-sign. That may not have changed. If there is a new CBA and the salaries plummet, do you really want to play for peanuts in OKC? Wouldn't you rather play for peanuts in LA or NY?

No, I meant that, unless there are weird chemistry issues like MIA had early in this season. It was an analogy. I wasn't talking about next season at all.

[mingus]

Offensively they will be fine, like someone said earlier, Green's offensive contributions are quite easily replaced by a better player in Harden.

+1

Harden can clearly play. I'm not sure if he is a legit 3rd option, but I think Presti and the guys think he can fill that role. Otherwise I don't see them making that move. He'll be in a position where he has to score now, so I guess we'll get to see how good Harden is and if he is cemented in as the 3rd option on the team for the future.