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July 2, 2009

Frontcourt is No.1 need for Thunder

By JEREMY SHORT

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — With the NBA free agency period in full swing, the Oklahoma City Thunder figure to be in the mix to add a few players.

The Thunder are one of only three teams, Detroit and Memphis are the other two, who have over $10 million in cap room to spare. Despite the large amount of cap space, it seems unlikely with the young talent already in place that the team will pursue any of the marquee free agents.

Although General Manager Sam Presti is unlikely to be negotiating with the big names like Lamar Odom, Hedo Turkoglu and Ben Gordon, he and the Thunder will be looking for depth and a veteran or two to mix in with the young nucleus of the team.

One of the main weaknesses of last year’s team was the play of the front court where players like Robert Swift and Nenad Krstic roamed the paint. Although they are solid bench players, I don’t believe they are talented enough to be starters in the NBA.

Some of the players out there who could fit the mold and are relatively inexpensive are Marcin Gortat, formerly of Orlando, Chris “Birdman” Anderson of Denver and Paul Millsap of the Jazz. Millsap is the best, and youngest, player in the group, but he will also come with the biggest price tag. With Detroit possibly out of the mix after acquiring Charlie Villanueva, the Thunder could become a realistic destination for Millsap.

Another need for the Thunder to be is the need for a veteran backup point guard to starter Russell Westbrook.

This is not as pressing of a need because of Earl Watson, 6.6 points and 5.8 assists a game last season, but the position could definitely use improvement.

Among the best suitors for the role would be Bobby Jackson and Anthony Carter.

Though either of these players are flashy by any means they would provide a veteran presence off the bench.

If Oklahoma City can fill these needs, I think they will be 15-20 wins better next season which would put them in the 40-45 win range and would make them a contender for a playoff spot.

I think the Thunder are still another year away from a playoff spot, but it would be an added bonus if they could make it next year.

One thing is for certain. With young players like Kevin Durant, Westbrook and now James Harden, the future looks bright in Oklahoma City.

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