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| Danny Moloshok via Associated Press |
What I’d Do:
Rodney Hood
6’8” (6’8” wingspan), 208 lbs, 10/20/1992 (21 years old)
The Thunder need to replenish those role players around Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, and even Reggie Jackson. They relied too much on Derek Fisher, Caron Butler, and Thabo and it came back to haunt them against the Spurs. Steven Adams will be a nice fit and will continue to contribute as a supporting cast member. The fact that they couldn’t rely on either Perry Jones or Jeremy Lamb was a problem.
I feel like they really botched the Jeremy Lamb thing. Before the All-Star break Lamb was averaging 10 points on 45 FG% and almost 37 3PT% in 22 minutes and it seemed he was coming around a bit defensively (Tangent: This would have been the biggest development. If he could play D for them and knock down 37% of his three’s he immediately replaces Thabo). After the All-Star game (coinciding nicely with the Caron Butler acquisition) he averaged 5 points in 14 minutes and shot a horrific 36% from the field (32 % from 3). He fell out of the rotation. No wonder he wasn’t able to answer the call when Scott Brooks got desperate in the playoffs after Thabo became completely ineffective.
The Thunder have two first round picks this year, which will help, but they are likely getting either limited role players or complete projects in the at 21 and 29. Either/or is fine really, but they need to get at least one contributor in this draft. Rodney Hood might not even last this long, but if he does, the Thunder should snatch him up. He will provide the consistent outside shooting this team desperately needed last season to help space the floor. He was 42% 3 point shooter who posted an impressive 1.13 PPP in catch and shoot situations and his size and high release point allow him to get that shot off consistently.
Although, that may be all OKC needs him for initially, his shooting numbers are very good off the bounce and in the pick and roll as well. Overall in the pick and roll he posted an efficient 1.25 PPP and he is an underrated passer. Again, he’s not just a stand still shooter. He can shoot off the dribble, can drive and kick, and has improved getting to the basket (he needs to add more strength to really be effective at the NBA level).
His real downside is defensively. His wingspan is limited, but he has great size for his position and is able to move pretty well laterally. Most of his defensive shortcomings come from lack of effort. It does make you wonder though. Coach K didn’t even bother trying to coach him up to an adequate college defender. Or maybe he was trying and wasn’t getting results. In either case, Rodney Hood was being hidden away defensively any chance Coach K could get.
Ultimately, his shooting and offensive upside can help the Thunder. It’s not like Caron Butler was playing lock down D anyway.
What I Think They’ll Do:
I’m intrigued by them packaging 21 and 29 to move up into the late teens to get a bit more stable prospect. I can’t pick out the partner though. I think Kyle Anderson is intriguing here as well. That’s who Chad Ford has in his latest mock. Anderson gives them a little depth up front and adds playmaking to a team that could use it. He doesn’t defend either though. The nature of the 21st pick I suppose. If Payne or Saric happen to fall to them I think they should jump on it. Payne would be ideal, could contribute right away, and may even make it easier to amnesty Perkins. Saric was out of their range until the news that he re-signed in Europe. He would be a steal this late and Presti could view him as an asset as they continue to build. It would put pressure on them to get a rotation player at 29, but I think it’s worth the risk.
Crazy Draft Day Trade:
I’m all in on trading Tyson Chandler and ever since he almost went to Oklahoma City I’ve been trying to conceive of ways to get him there. Here’s the deal:
OKC gets: Tyson Chandler
Shumpert
Prigioni
Aldrich
$$ Cash $$
Knicks get: Reggie Jackson
Either the # 21 or # 29 pick (not both)
Perkins (expiring contract next season)
Thabeet (expiring contract next season)
Andre Roberson
Knicks get into the first round, their PG for the future and some expiring contracts (wait, is the Perkins contract all of a sudden a bit of an asset?)
OKC? Well how does Westbrook/Shumpert/Durant/Ibaka/Chandler sound as the best defensive lineup of all time? Prigioni as backup point outside of New York sounds great and you can play him and Russ together. Also, Ibaka, Chandler, Adams, Collison as your big man rotation and you can play Durant at the four whenever you want to change the pace. I don’t really see why either team says no.
