CoolBreeze44 wrote:I like to use Portland as a means of comparison. I think most would place Portland as a shoo-in for the playoffs at this point. And I don't see why we should take a back seat to them going forward. In fact it will be a big disappointment to me if we finish behind them this year. I honestly think spots 4 - 11 are wide open in the West, and I guess I'm optimistically placing us ahead of all those teams. Again, this group is ready to make a move - why not this year?
If this is the year Wiggins or towns solidifies themselves as a star, then I'd agree. As it stands, we are not a better tea m than Portland. They have an established star, an emerging one, and have proven they can win. Currently, we just have the emerging star thing going for us.
As for the Westbrook trade/leaving I think you're a bit off. No way Westbrook is more of a villain than Durant if he leaves next year. They lost Durant for nothing to their biggest rival, nobody will blame Westbrook for moving on now. OKC has no trade leverage but they can trade him anywhere, they don't need his approval. The only reason they would is if he would agree to an extension somewhere as that would create leverage for OKC to get more assets, but he's not signing anywhere. LA is not going to give up Ingram to get him when it's likely Westbrook will go there next season anyhow. Boston is not going to give up crowder, smart, and the nets picks for a possible year rental. Clarkson, Young sure. Smart, 1 first sure. Most likely he stays in OKC this season and terminates the league. I want to see a season averaged triple double damnit!
