TomasM
Community Member
- MBTI
- INFJ
The Proof is in the Pudding
When I said that the Thunder would change basketball if they won in a small market with home grown players I meant it, but there has to be some proof if we are to confirm that the, “change,” is in fact true in its statement.
Every team now knows that a championship is possible with a salary cap (24th in the league) that is 25% lower than the top team. Owners can no longer look at their cost structures and justify paying $50M + for salaries and a luxury tax to the team that is winning the championship. If they did then they would be a joke among their fat, wealthy friends. The cost plus the peer pressure will force change and we’re already starting to see it.
There are teams that don’t have the structure to compete in this new paradigm where development is core, and as such teams are selling to groups that are willing to adjust to the new model.
The Boston Celtics (3rd highest salary), Minnesota Timberwolves (2nd highest salary), and Los Angeles Lakers (5th highest salary), have sold their teams to new management.
Dallas traded their franchise player in the middle of the season (historic and has never been done) rather than keeping him and extending a max contract.
The Phoenix Suns, who have the highest salary are gutting the team and have already traded Kevin Durant to Houston. Rumor has it that Devon Booker is headed to Denver.
Giannis (a former MVP and won the championship in Milwaukee ) is in trade discussions for leaving. The Bucks are the sixth highest salary in the league.
Jrue Holiday, the third highest paid on the Celtics, and gold medalist in the last Olympics, is now going to the Portland Trail Blazers.
These moves are happening fast and the finals just completed.
The Thunder also have some finances to discuss because they will have to shore up some existing contracts BUT most of the team is on contract for return. In a league where every team has one first round draft pick, the Thunder have two for each of the next five years. Their first round pick from last year has been rehabbing an injury and will be ready to begin contributing next season. Their development is continuing, so as salaries get high [because success drives salaries upward] the Thunder will be able to trade solid players and still have exceptional talent to step into each of those roles. With every big trade will come more draft picks and / or talent at a lower cost. This all creates an engine that drives the development which generates continued success. And this will all continue being spearheaded by a general manager that created this new model. There’s a reason that commentators keep suggesting OKC could be a dynasty team (though OKC doesn’t like that label or target), it’s because they are structured to be relevant for many years into the future.
The Thunder winning this championship has changed the entire landscape of professional basketball and those that don’t change will lose on the court and on the balance sheet.
When I said that the Thunder would change basketball if they won in a small market with home grown players I meant it, but there has to be some proof if we are to confirm that the, “change,” is in fact true in its statement.
Every team now knows that a championship is possible with a salary cap (24th in the league) that is 25% lower than the top team. Owners can no longer look at their cost structures and justify paying $50M + for salaries and a luxury tax to the team that is winning the championship. If they did then they would be a joke among their fat, wealthy friends. The cost plus the peer pressure will force change and we’re already starting to see it.
There are teams that don’t have the structure to compete in this new paradigm where development is core, and as such teams are selling to groups that are willing to adjust to the new model.
The Boston Celtics (3rd highest salary), Minnesota Timberwolves (2nd highest salary), and Los Angeles Lakers (5th highest salary), have sold their teams to new management.
Dallas traded their franchise player in the middle of the season (historic and has never been done) rather than keeping him and extending a max contract.
The Phoenix Suns, who have the highest salary are gutting the team and have already traded Kevin Durant to Houston. Rumor has it that Devon Booker is headed to Denver.
Giannis (a former MVP and won the championship in Milwaukee ) is in trade discussions for leaving. The Bucks are the sixth highest salary in the league.
Jrue Holiday, the third highest paid on the Celtics, and gold medalist in the last Olympics, is now going to the Portland Trail Blazers.
These moves are happening fast and the finals just completed.
The Thunder also have some finances to discuss because they will have to shore up some existing contracts BUT most of the team is on contract for return. In a league where every team has one first round draft pick, the Thunder have two for each of the next five years. Their first round pick from last year has been rehabbing an injury and will be ready to begin contributing next season. Their development is continuing, so as salaries get high [because success drives salaries upward] the Thunder will be able to trade solid players and still have exceptional talent to step into each of those roles. With every big trade will come more draft picks and / or talent at a lower cost. This all creates an engine that drives the development which generates continued success. And this will all continue being spearheaded by a general manager that created this new model. There’s a reason that commentators keep suggesting OKC could be a dynasty team (though OKC doesn’t like that label or target), it’s because they are structured to be relevant for many years into the future.
The Thunder winning this championship has changed the entire landscape of professional basketball and those that don’t change will lose on the court and on the balance sheet.
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