Russell Westbrook extends with OKC

Russell Westbrook re-signs with OKC for three more years. The terms are for 85 million and give him the option to opt out after the 2018 season. He stated he wanted to be in OKC and felt the desire to get something done now. The move makes OKC a viable option for NBA free agents in 2017.

The most surprising revelation during the press conference was that he learned of Kevin Durant leaving for the Warriors along with everyone else. It would seem that two players that were together for 8 years would have talked about going in another direction after the decision was final and before it was made public.  

Westbrook's choice to stay will now make this his team. His talent and ability to dominate a game is without question. Can he become Batman on a team where Robin was his primary role?  I see it being a repeat of the year that he had in 2014-15 when Durant injured his foot. He was the number one option all of the time. I don't see any drop off in production. I see a possible MVP season. Think Allen Iverson in 2001 with the Sixers.  Just not enough to get to the NBA Finals. OKC will still have reason to cheer.

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                                                           48 days until #G2E2016

NBA Draft: Who is Number 1?

The Sixers are on the clock. There is speculation as to who they should take with the top pick in the draft. Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons are the top two names that are floating around. Jamal Murray from Kentucky is getting some consideration as well.
This is one that the Sixers can not miss on. The fan base has endured 3 straight years of losing on purpose. Who ever they pick must make an impact on and off the court. Jahlil Okafor was a good pick last year but they need a player to market the team around. Some of Okafor off court actions don't translate well to Madison Avenue.

Ben Simmons has more upside. While he did not perform or shoot as well as his critics would like, he is a tremendous passer and ball handler. I see him as a Lamar Odom if and when he develops a outside shot. That may take a season. Simmons has not worked out for any team other than the Sixers and did not attend the combine.

Brandon Ingram is a shooter and a scorer. While he is very slight and will need to gain weight, he is what the Sixers need right now other than a point guard. He would score at least 15 to 20 every night as is. I see him being as a junior Kevin Durant. He also worked out for Sixers.

The pick: If I work for the Sixers I go for what I see. Simmons is good and was touted as the next Lebron out of high school. He did play for a poorly coach and underachieving LSU team. He did not make them better. He is ready physically.
Ingram played for Duke and lead his team to the NCAA tournament. He will provide an immediate need. If I am patient I go Simmons. But if I want now then I go Ingram.
Best Scenario: Sixers trade Okafor to Lakers for number 2 pick and take Ingram and Simmons. I start going to Wells Fargo Center again.

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