© getty
OKC Thunder: 33 draft picks for the future
But critics will point out that this was a wasted opportunity, also because OKC made no move to improve the roster at the trade deadline with the exception of the Gordon Hayward deal (an absolute flop) and also helped an opponent in Dallas improve your own team. But: Who would have been the solution? OKC’s five-out system needs very special players, and they probably just weren’t available in February.
Nevertheless, it was significant that in the decisive phase, Daigneault suddenly let both Holmgren and his backup Jaylin Williams, who had been on the court together for exactly 97 minutes in the previous 91 games, play next to each other. It didn’t help much; even with the double-big lineup, the Mavs grabbed one offensive rebound after another, and over the series it was an incredible 33.2 percent, which would have been the best in the NBA together with New York. This is probably also why Daigneault held on to Giddey for so long, as he is one of the best rebounders on the team.
It’s important to keep your eyes open for summer. If desired, the Thunder can be a real player again, especially for teams deep in the luxury tax. OKC could help out as a cap space team if it means something for them. The Thunder don’t need picks, they hold an incredible 13 first-round picks and 20 seconds over the next year, plus four more exchange rights for first-rounders.
2024-05-21 05:46:00
#OKC #Thunder #question #star #trade
