Great move by the Thunder today to exercise options on Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka and some others to hold onto them through the 2012 season. I love that they are building a core nucleus of young talent around Durant; having the group grow up in the league together as a cohesive unit who know each other and develop their skills around each other.
I have heard some grumbling around the close quarters of the Thunder about the expectations heaped upon the team this year. Lots of questions as to how they will deal with those expectations and what will happen when they face adversity. A good start could be key for them as I worry a bit what will happen if they lose some quickies to open the season.
In that vain, I am pleased with the acquisition of Morris Peterson this offseason. He has been in the league for a long time and could be a great veteran for this club in case things get tough. It is also good to see Maynor having a solid preseason and gain some experience; he has a decent presence on the court and seems to know what he is doing while out there. I am also eager to see Cole Aldrich (I have a softspot for those bruising, gumpy white guys). He has a huge body and I hope that Coach Brooks gives him the assignment of destroying whoever is guarding Durant with screens. I am sure that KD is stoked to finally have somebody that can help to get him open; and I have heard that the game is starting to come to Ibaka, which is great news!
The Bulls will be a great opener as I am excited to see Westbrook and Rose go at it a bit. Jeff Green and Noah is going to be a great battle as well as I assume Gibson will be on Krstic/Ibaka. I am glad that Boozer is hurt to open the season as that gives us an advantage over Deng, Gibson and Noah up front. KD is going to have a chance to start the season with a bang!!!!
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