Comments on: Maybe that Malik Rose deal wasn’t so lateral after all

By: Crow

Crow — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:44:08 +0000

Player to player education in practice has a lot of value. I was just trying to avoid overhype. Player to player education by being in real games and seeing what works and what doesn’t has a lot of value too.

Keith highlights the leadership issue. I think it is key. Not sure how far along Durant is at this point. Don’t think Green is a leader, more focused on doing his job. Westbrook might with time. But odds are it will be Durant and probably should be Durant alone rather than some collective leadership. I worry a bit that Westbrook-Weaver-Durant-Green-White is one group and Collison, Krstic and maybe Sefolosha along with the current others are outside the “family”. I think it would be bad to have a inner circle – outer circle. I’d hope Durant or Brooks try to make it one family.

By: Steve H

Steve H — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:27:38 +0000

If another year or two in Spain helps Ibaka's game, I'm certainly all right with that. I can't help but think though that he would develop faster on the Thunder bench practicing with our guys, or down the turnpike starting for our Tulsa D-league team. Thanks for the update!@MartzMimic

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:53:20 +0000

Interesting take, but I’m kind of with Crow that short-term teammates, especially deep bench ones, can only have so big an impact. Ultimately, the team mentality is determined by the best players. Sure, Rose can perhaps give Green a few pointers, and show Swift how to stay in the league, but Green will improve on his own, and honestly I never see Swift making a considerable impact on any team.

Look at the Celtics, from rags to riches when Garnett took control of the team. Look at the Cavs, from the Lebrons to championship favorites when LJ decided to make a run at DPOY. Look at the Pistons, from east beasts to east leasts when AI tried to make them a one-man show. Look at the Spurs, slow and steady wins the championships because Duncan is the ultimate in star consistency.

Ultimately, championships are won by great players forcing their desire into the hearts of their teammates. An assistant or bench guy who teaches Swift how to play hard for 10 minutes a game is cute, but it doesn’t get the Thunder out of the NBA’s basement. Sooner or later Durant is going to have to be more than just a good guy who is the heart of the team. He’s going to have to learn to be more like Lebron, Kobe, and Garnett. He must take it upon himself to do everything necessary AND get on his teammates when they screw up.

In some ways I think the team already has the personnel for such a personality change to take place. Durant knows offense, in and out. He should be all over Westbrook for the way Westbrook plays on offense. And in turn, Westbrook should be all over Durant for the way Durant plays on defense. These guys can push each other in ways no coach ever can. Change the assistants anyway because they were part of Carlesimo’s losing ways, but I think the most important thing Brooks or any assistant could do is to get Durant and Westbrook to embrace the role of team leader. Only then will the Thunder have a chance to be more than a collection of individual talents, they can be a team of hard working winners.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:39:25 +0000

@Crow That is a different relationship though, you need players who are willing to take that leadership role, and help mentor young guys as well as the coaches. Sometimes hearing something from a peer sticks a little more than when you hear it from your "boss". If nothing else its just another point of view, another set of eyes and another guy to reinforce doing the right thing. I think the biggest thing for the Thunders future success is making sure they get their young players surrounded by "quality" guys, and show them that the franchise is not completely about the bottom line and it rewards loyalty and hard work. In the end its a business, but when a team buys out a guy like Joe Smith, or trades a guy like Wilcox without the player having to force his way out it shows that the team will take care of its players within reason

By: Crow

Crow — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:51:08 +0000

More ex-players but preferably with coaching experience. Probably have to pay a bit more to get them but I think they should spend there.

By: Crow

Crow — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:47:36 +0000

I think the value of short-term teammates may get overrated but it does appear Presti believes it is useful so do it and see what it gets ya. Ordinarily assistant coaches do a lot of this knowledge passing on. If you need Rose than maybe Bryant wasn’t that great. There really isn’t anything Atkins should be able to say or do that Brooks can’t do himself if he was the time to work with the guards 1 on 1. Even if they don’t change head coaches, I’d lean -granted without knowing the inside story- toward replacing most or all of the assistants.

By: Funder

Funder — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:12:39 +0000

I wonder if anyone in the Thunder organization (players, coaches, GM, owners) looks at this blog? That would be cool. Anyway.. Royce you do an outstanding job. Best NBA team blog on the net. Keep up the good work.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:35:50 +0000

Rose is a work horse. Some thing tells me Presti knew exactly what he was getting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WH9TZ9B6JM&feature=related

By: Nix

Nix — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:57:58 +0000

@TeddyMcG
Yes….very awesome link…

By: Royce

Royce — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:45:30 +0000

@TeddyMcG Holy crap, what a class act. That was incredible. For this alone, I'm happy he's on our team.