The hype was gone even before the trade passed. With no big moves left, Oklahoma City settled for a couple of minor deals. The Thunder added two players with only one figuring to have an impact on the rotation.
Hopefully Sam Presti has a bigger plan, because Malik Rose is definitely not the answer at center. Rose comes over from the Knicks for Chris Wilcox in a ?? huh ?? kind of trade. Unless it was all about getting money back, the verdict is still out on this.
Other OKC blogs are taking a harder approach and calling Presti out. I understand their logic but will wait to see how the next few weeks shake out. If Rose stays and takes over the Smith veteran role, I am good with that. What I don't want is other players to lose out on minutes for no real reason, and that could be the reason Sene was waived as well.
The rotation received a nice boost with the key maneuver of the day. Chicago basically gave up on Thabo Sefolosha, and the Thunder were waiting with open arms. It did cost a first-round pick in the process, but the chance to add a potential starter was well worth it.
Sefolosha didn't have a spot on the Bulls. He will find the exact opposite situation in OKC, where he can replace Kyle Weaver as the defensive guard needed. If Coach Brooks prefers to work him in slowly, the Switzerland native can spell KD to keep him fresh.
All in all this should be a no-lose situation for the Thunder. They added depth without giving up the two higher picks in June's draft and will have a better feeling for what is needed next year. The roster looks much different than it did to start the season, but the next few weeks will tell if that is a good thing or not. I am not a betting man, but my money would go on the new OKC squad if I was.
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