Thunder Big Three
COURTSIDE
When Kevin Durant opted to chase rings with the Warriors last year, the Thunder were, needless to say, shocked. The cornerstone of their past, present, and, supposedly, future left them with nary a warning, and they had to pick up the pieces, fast. First, they reiterated their commitment to Russell Westbrook, their other All- Star. Second, they resolved to look forward without bitterness, keenly aware that the only things they should fuss over are those they can control. And so they did, in the process coming up with one of the most remarkable campaigns in National Basketball Association history; it saw their leader average a triple-double en route to taking Most Valuable Player honors, and it saw them underscore the class and professionalism with which they competed.
If nothing else, the way the Thunder recovered from the potentially crippling development underscored their capacity to thoroughly shun pettiness and recrimination. In turn, it made them desirable trade partners, thus enabling them to complete stunning acquisitions of Paul George in July and Carmelo Anthony over the weekend. And it wasn’t simply that they claimed A-list talent; it was that they did so with limited resources. In short, they turned a seemingly impossible hand into a winning one; revised rankings in the loaded Western Conference now have them as high as second, behind only the juggernaut Warriors.
Up next for the Thunder: inking Westbrook to a supermax extension that ensures he will stay in blue and yellow for another five years. At $207 million and change, it will cost them dearly; then again, they knew that swinging for the fences would mean chucking previously moderate spending habits and accepting membership to the Luxury Tax Club. Their hope to retain their newly formed Big Three beyond the current season figures to push their payroll close to $200 million, penalties included.
Of course, the flipside is far less desirable. At worst, the Thunder could wind up with nothing this time next year; George could choose to leave for the hometown Lakers after a oneand-done stint, Anthony could test free agency, and Westbrook could join them both out the door. As far as they’re concerned, though, they’ve done their best. The rest is beyond their purview. Meanwhile, they chug along with their heads held high, confident of the groundwork they’ve laid and of meeting the promise it brings.
ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG The way the Thunder recovered from the potentially crippling development underscored their capacity to thoroughly shun pettiness and recrimination. In turn, it made them desirable trade partners, thus enabling them to complete stunning acquisitions of Paul George in July and Carmelo Anthony over the weekend. And it wasn’t simply that they claimed A-list talent; it was that they did so with limited resources.