I’d say a pretty good day for the Thunder because they made their team better in two specific areas. In Taj Gibson, they added a physical forward who can score, rebound, defend–and add some much needed toughness on this basketball team. Suffice it to say, the days of somebody like ZaZa Pachulia cheap shotting Russell Westbrook are done. I would assume Billy Donovan will start Gibson and move Sabonis to the bench unit. By putting Adams and Gibson together–OKC will have a very formidable, physical combo who won’t be taking shit from anybody. Adams, Gibson, Kanter, Sabonis, and Collison give the Thunder an excellent group of big men. But again, Gibson gives this team some needed vet toughness on both ends of the floor. By far, Gibson is the best player of the five players involved in the trade between the Thunder and Bulls.
OKC also landed Doug McDermott and a second round pick. In McDermott, the Thunder will add another pure scorer and an excellent three point shooter. McDermott’s role is simple, give Russell Westbrook someone he can kick the ball to and score the ball. McDermott and Alex Abrines now give the Thunder two bona fide three point shooters who combined need to start making around six threes a game for the Thunder to elevate their overall offensive game.
Leaving the Thunder are Cam Payne, Anthony Morrow, and Joff Lauvergne. Payne struggled mightily this season and quite honestly was borderline unplayable at times. Maybe he can find himself in Chicago. Morrow will leave as an extremely popular player, but this was his last year under contract so it’s not a shock he’s leaving. Lauvergne had some nice games, but just basically becomes expendable with Gibson and Enes Kanter soon to rejoin the team.
A good day for Sam Presti. He did two things which should make this team better immediately and give Westbrook some much needed help.