I was fishing and hiking yesterday at our family refuge southwest of Alex, Oklahoma so I didn’t post anything on Golden State’s road win Sunday versus the Thunder.
First off, like all real NBA fans I hope this latest injury to Chet doesn’t rob him out of a second complete NBA season just in his third year in the league. A very tough break for this kid whose body has always concerned me. But as far as his playing ability… he’s proven to be a gritty, smart, tenacious two zone complete basketball player.
But there’s always been that concern with me Chet could be the next Sam Bowie, the next Greg Oden, or the next Bill Walton.
I hope the best for Chet for certain. I tell you one thing…you add a healthy Chet to the Warriors and Klay and Draymond would be putting a fifth ring on their hands. Word. Send him a get well text and invite him to be on your podcast, Draymond. Just saying.
As far as the game on Sunday…I wouldn’t read too much into it either way. Right now from my view…the Suns without Kevin Durant are obviously not a Top 4 team in the brutal Western Conference. So…I’d wait and see there with KD’s health as well.
As a Denver Nugget and Golden State Warriors fan I’m very much liking what I’ve seen from both of ‘my’ teams so far this young season.
I think Golden State did a very nice job rebuilding their roster this off season after the departure of Klay. Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and even Lindy Waters all make this Warrior roster deeper and more fluid to adjust to the rigors of a long 82 game haul in the West.
The Nuggets have gently pulled it together after their 0-2 start. The roles on their bench are starting to somewhat fall in place. That what good coaches do…they drive their teams to get better every week and so far it appears Michael Malone’s team won’t be irrelevant in the West.
My mantra with Denver is simple…Russ play under control..and Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Watson, and Julian Strawther pull your collective links on the chain every shift you’re on the court. GET BETTER.
As far as the Thunder without Chet for ten weeks or beyond…I would still say they’ll win more than their share of regular season games as long as Shai and JDub can remain healthy. As far as the NBA Playoffs go…I would not view the Thunder as a serious contender to win a championship without a healthy, vibrant Chet. I think he’s a difference maker for certain.
In the regular season with Shai and JDub healthy…. just based on the Thunder’s overall athleticism in my mind they could still win fifty games just off their pace and the ability to create easy points off of live turnovers.
I’m excited…I believe we’re right on the cusp of our second In Season NBA Tournament and I loved the tournament last season when LeBron, AD, and Austin led the Lakers to the championship.
I’d love to se the Thunder even without Chet make some noise in the tournament this season.
Enjoy this spectacular Oklahoma fall weather.
Mike J