As I watched LeBron make one ridiculous shot after another last night, I realized that he is all but certain to end up in another uniform. No one can predict the future, but the Cavs lack that second star that is needed to win a title. And that may be good for King James, who will have his pick of where to play and with whom to do it.
But it is bad for everyone else who wants to see Cleveland find a way to keep their star. I say this not as a fan, just a casual observer who wants to believe Oklahoma City has what it takes to put to rest any question of where Kevin Durant will be playing for the next decade.
The Thunder are very much like the Cavs, but the big difference is how OKC handles its first official Draft. Carbert and I held an A.T.L. version of a mock draft, and the possibilities greatly outweighed the consensus when the dust settled. The final outcome possibly won't be known even after the third selection is called following Blake Griffin in the top spot and whomever is behind door number two.
I take a different approach than my co-writer, however, as I prefer to think 4-5 years down the road. He initially went with the UConn center who is currently getting press about a date with Memphis. If that is the case, the Thunder are left with three potential options in my opinion.
The trio will be covered in length the rest of June, so I will leave that be for now. My five year OKC plan honestly has nothing to do with the 09 or even 2010 Drafts. GM Sam Presti now has his team positioned to compete as early as next season AND has the funds to go after any number of free agents.
This is where my brain starts working overtime because the options are fantastic and much less of a risk than taking a certain Spanish point guard. D-Wade has to be 1B to LeBron's 1A when the next big FA class hits the open market. Miami should do everything possible to keep their star, but the grass may very well be greener closer to his Chicago-area home.
While the Thunder can try to pair KD with another big-time scorer, my choice from day one has always been an inside threat. Griffin still could land in his home state with some draft-day fireworks, but I prefer to be realistic. If it was my call to make, OKC would be putting all the eggs in the Chris Bosh basket.
Bosh and Durant provide the foundation for a playoff team, while Green and Westbrook do the little things well. Heck, I see a situation where NONE of the possible draft picks this year or next could be starting if Thabo's defense keeps him in the lineup. The future is getting brighter by the day in OKC, and the rest of the NBA needs to be paying attention before it is too late.
