I agree with you that Westbrook would be wise to get the most out of drive n dish by studying the masters about how and when to dish. He probably does some but how much and whether it is enough of a focus we will see. I get the impression that Baron Davis makes some impression on him as a UCLA forebearer and as a summer pickup ‘mate. Pluses and minuses to that. A dual threat guy can be a good thing. But Baron hasn’t always blended it well.

Don’t worry Crow, I like you. Maybe I’m a bit of a nerd but I enjoy your stats and the way you present the topic at hand.

I totally agree with your point about the midrange game. While most people agree that Westbrook needs to improve his J (so do I), the larger issue in my mind is his decision making when he drives to the hoop. I think for the purpose of the team that he would be better emulating Magic than Jordan, and by that I mean he doesn’t have to take over with scoring but can score as needed while making great decisions to get the others involved. I’d rather see him drive and dish any day than attempt an 18 footer. Now if he actually develops Jordan’s tendency for making those shots, that’s a different story. Regardless, I think Westbrook holds the keys for this team. If he makes a big leap this year then the Thunder will be in the playoffs.

We have logjams at positions that, inevitably, still aren’t very good. We have a bunch of 2s, but the best of the bunch is a rookie. We have a bunch of 4s, but it was one of our weakest positions last year relative to our competition. We are “set” at the 5, but Krstic isn’t a center that can take this team places without a dominant 4. It’s nice that we have a dozen guys who can play the 2-4, but not so much that only Durant is a quality starter there.

My personal starting five would be the same as Joe’s. My hope is that Westbrook’s finishing will improve greatly and that many of his turnovers can be turned into kickouts to Harden and Durant. I don’t want to ask much of Harden, but I would love for him to take and hit open threes. No one respected our outside game at all last year, and our SGs had a terrible habit of taking 2 steps inside the 3 before bricking a shot. Harden doesn’t need to take over anything, just make those shots he predecessors could not. Durant needs to become a superstar. Collison needs to bang bang and bang some more down low. Krstic needs to either improve his mid-range game or focus on taking 10 footers. Green needs to come off the bench at 110%, and Brooks needs to take him out before he fades. Green was great for short stretches in games, Brooks absolutely has to utilize that or else Green needs to be moved for someone more suited to the 4/5, and less suited to the 3.

I can see some might find it intimidating or distasteful but I am sorry I can’t help that. I can’t wait around to take a turn every hour or few hours or once a day. Everyone has unlimited access to send a comment in at any time.

No real logjam. Comment or don’t. You focus on yours.
Mine are mine.

But as I said, have at it, uninterrupted. Til I want to add something.

But have it, I’ve scratched my comment itch one more time and I’m out for awhile and some day for good.

I think you’re spot on at PG, but I do suspect that Livingston and Westbrook will share SOME time on the floor. I imagine that Sefolosha will begin the season as the starter at SG, but eventually plays less than half the game with Harden (assuming he stops getting a minor injury everytime he steps on the floor) and Livingston taking the rest. I can’t argue with your SF prediction, but I would be shocked if Green isn’t the starter at PF playing about thirty minues/game there. Krstic will play about 25 minutes at center, with Collison rotating with him there and playing PF when Green is giving Durant his five minutes a night to rest. Thomas will get less than ten minutes, when healthy.

c’mon crow lets hear some random humorus banter! that is oklahoma or thunder related… hehe

A little comment consolidation on Crow’s part would be great. Makes reading these things more than a little difficult.