2018-19_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season

2018–19 Oklahoma City Thunder season

2018–19 Oklahoma City Thunder season

NBA professional basketball team season


The 2018–19 Oklahoma City Thunder season was the 11th season of the franchise in Oklahoma City and the 53rd in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nick Collison (who had been with the franchise since it was based in Seattle), retired in May 2018 and was not on the roster for the first time since the 2002–03 season. The only remaining former SuperSonics' active players are Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, both of whom played their rookie seasons with the team in Seattle. Collison's retirement also left Russell Westbrook as the longest tenured Thunder player and last remaining player on the roster from the 2011–12 season in which they won the Western Conference and went to the NBA Finals. On March 20, 2019, the Thunder retired Collison's No. 4 jersey, becoming the first Thunder player and the last former Sonic player to have their jersey retired. The Thunder had the fourth best team defensive rating in the NBA.[1]

Quick Facts Oklahoma City Thunder season, Head coach ...

Despite speculation that Paul George would sign with his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the off-season, George instead re-signed with the Thunder on June 30, 2018, exactly a year after he was traded to the team from the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder then clinched another playoff season due to the Kings loss to the Rockets on March 30.

In the playoffs, the Thunder were eliminated by the Portland Trail Blazers in the First Round thanks to a Damian Lillard series-clinching three pointer over Paul George in Game 5. This marked the third consecutive season the Thunder was eliminated in the First Round, and they are 0–9 in road playoff games since Durant's departure from the team. After 11 years, this season also marked the end of an era as Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets following this season, and reunited him with former Thunder teammate James Harden, whom had played for the team from the 2009 to 2012 seasons.

Previous season

The Thunder finished the 2017–18 season 48–34 to finish in second place in the Northwest Division, fourth in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs. Last season featured the acquisitions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to a form a "Big Three" with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. The Thunder however fell in the first round to the Utah Jazz in six games.

Offseason

Draft picks

Hamidou Diallo was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
More information Round, Pick ...

The Thunder had two second-round picks entering the draft.[2] The Thunder traded their 2018 first-round pick in the Enes Kanter trade to the Utah Jazz back in 2015 which was later traded by the Jazz to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[3] The Thunder's other second-round pick was originally acquired from the Boston Celtics as a result of the Perry Jones trade in 2015.[4]

On draft night, the Thunder traded a 2019 second-round pick and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the draft rights to Hamidou Diallo, the forty-fifth pick. The trade was later finalized on July 6.[5]

The Thunder, after the 2018 NBA draft night and the conclusion of player acquisitions and transactions, ended with Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo, Virginia guard Devon Hall and Texas-Arlington forward Kevin Hervey.[6]

Trades

On July 20, the Thunder traded Dakari Johnson and cash considerations to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rodney Purvis in an effort for payroll relief.[7] By trading Johnson's guaranteed contract for Purvis's non-guaranteed contract, the Thunder saved nearly $6.6 million in luxury tax savings.[8] On July 23, the Thunder then traded Rodney Purvis to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Abdel Nader and cash considerations.[9]

Dennis Schröder was traded to the Thunder.

On July 25, the Thunder traded Carmelo Anthony and a 2022 protected first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in a three team trade, for Dennis Schröder from Atlanta and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot from Philadelphia.[10] Coming off his lowest scoring season, Anthony saw his role and playing time dwindle during the season and playoffs. After the season ended, Anthony rejected the idea of coming off the bench, saying it was "out of the question", while preferring to play with the ball in his hands more. Following the Thunder's defeat against the Utah Jazz, Anthony was the focal point of trade talks in order to save on the luxury tax bill for next season.[11]

I want to take this opportunity to thank Carmelo Anthony and acknowledge his professionalism and contributions during his time with the Thunder. Although his tenure was only one year, the fact that Melo is a part of our history is important to us. We appreciate Carmelo and his agent Leon Rose for their collaboration and communication as we worked to resolve the situation in a fashion that was suitable to everyone. We wish Melo and his family nothing but the best in the future.[12]

Sam Presti

In exchange for Anthony, the Thunder received Dennis Schröder and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot. Schröder came off the 2017-18 season as the leading scorer for the Hawks, averaging 19.4 points. The past two seasons, Schröder had developed into a starter leading the Hawks to a playoff appearance in 2017. Luwawu-Cabarrot came to the Thunder after two seasons with the 76ers since being selected 24th overall in the 2016 NBA draft.

Free agency

Nick Collison spent 15 seasons with the Thunder.

For this offseason, free agency began on July 1, 2018, while the July moratorium ended on July 6. Corey Brewer, Nick Collison, Raymond Felton, P.J. Dozier, Paul George, Jerami Grant, Daniel Hamilton and Josh Huestis were set to hit unrestricted free agency. On May 10, Nick Collison announced his retirement after 15 years with the Thunder dating back to the Seattle SuperSonics. Collison appeared in 910 games and 91 playoff games with career averages of 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists.[13]

For the Thunder, Nick Collison was one of those players. Nick has helped define the standards we work by on a day-to-day basis, on and off the court and has become synonymous with the Thunder shield. He is a craftsman; tough, selfless and humble. He brought the best of himself his entire career each day he walked through the door. As result of his consistency and longevity, his contributions to our culture and community will have a lasting effect. That is rare in any industry, but especially professional sports. Many thanks to Nick and his wonderful family for being such an important part to writing our history and helping to set the course. In doing so, he has set the standards for professionalism and consistency for the years ahead and therefore, will always be part of the Thunder.[14]

Sam Presti
Paul George was re-signed to a multi-year contract.

On June 30, it was reported that Paul George agreed to a four-year, $137 million deal to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 6.[15][16] After informing the Indiana Pacers that he would not re-sign with them, opting to join the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, the Thunder spent the year recruiting George to sign long-term after trading for him. Since the 2017-18 season ended, the Thunder convinced George to stay, hinging his trust on Sam Presti and his strong relationship with Russell Westbrook.[17]

Here they have made a huge risk in trading for me, knowing I have one year on my deal. But I felt I didn't finish as strong as I could have. Just knowing you left something on the table, even to this point now, it weighs on me.[18]

Paul George

The same night on June 30, it was reported that Jerami Grant agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 7.[19][20] On July 3, it was reported that Raymond Felton agreed to a new contract to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 12.[21][22] Brewer, Dozier, Hamilton and Huestis, who were not re-signed, joined the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League respectively.

On July 2, it was reported that Nerlens Noel agreed to a two-year, minimum deal with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 6.[23][24][25] Noel spent the 2017-18 season with the Dallas Mavericks. On July 7, Deonte Burton signed a two-way contract with the Thunder. Burton spent the 2017-18 season with the Wonju DB Promy in the Korean Basketball League before playing for the Thunder in the 2018 NBA Summer League.[26] To fill in the other slot, Tyler Davis signed a two-way contract with the Thunder on August 13. Davis came undrafted out of Texas A&M.[27]

On August 31, Kyle Singler was waived by the Thunder with the stretch provision.[28] By waiving Singler, the Thunder saved more than $20 million in luxury taxes.[29]

Front office and coaching changes

On August 20, the Thunder announced Bob Beyer as an assistant coach. Beyer joins the Thunder after serving as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons with most recently being the associate head coach for the last two seasons.[30]

Roster

More information Players, Coaches ...

Salaries

More information Player, Salary ...

All 2018-19 salaries.[31]
Waived with guaranteed money

Standings

More information Western Conference, # ...

Game log

Preseason

More information 2018 preseason game log Total: 3–1 (home: 2–1; road: 1–0), Game ...

Regular season

More information 2018–19 game log Total: 49–33 (home: 27–14; road: 22–19), Game ...

Playoffs

More information 2019 playoff game log, Game ...

Player statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

More information Player, GP ...
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[32]
Waived during the season
Traded during the season
Acquired during the season

Playoffs

More information Player, GP ...
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[33]

Individual game highs

More information Category, Player ...

Transactions

Overview

Players Added

Via trade

Via free agency

Players Lost

Via trade

Via free agency

Via retirement

Waived

Trades

July 6, 2018[34] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft rights to Hamidou Diallo
To Charlotte Hornets
2019 second-round pick
Cash considerations
July 20, 2018[35] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Rodney Purvis
To Orlando Magic
Dakari Johnson
Cash considerations
July 23, 2018[36] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Abdel Nader
Cash considerations
To Boston Celtics
Rodney Purvis
July 25, 2018[37] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot via PHI
Dennis Schröder via ATL
To Atlanta Hawks
Justin Anderson via PHI
Carmelo Anthony via OKC
2022 first-round pick via OKC
To Philadelphia 76ers
Mike Muscala via ATL
February 1, 2019[38] To Oklahoma City Thunder
2020 protected second-round pick
To Chicago Bulls
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot
Cash considerations

Free agency

Re-signed

More information Date, Player ...

Additions

More information Date, Player ...

Subtractions

More information Date, Player ...

Awards, records and milestones

Awards

More information Player, Award ...

References

  1. "Teams Defense". NBA.com. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  2. "Thunder Acquires Augustin, Singler, Kanter, Novak and Draft Pick". nba.com. February 19, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  3. "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Protected Second Round Draft Pick". nba.com. July 14, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  4. "Thunder Acquires Hamidou Diallo". nba.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  5. "In 2018 NBA Draft's 2nd Round, Thunder Picks Up Hall and Hervey". nba.com. June 22, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  6. "Thunder Acquires Rodney Purvis". nba.com. July 20, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  7. "Report: Thunder trading Dakari Johnson to Magic". oklahoman.com. July 20, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  8. "Thunder Acquires Abdel Nader". nba.com. July 23, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
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  10. "Thunder Acquires Dennis Schröder and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot". NBA. July 25, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
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  12. "Nick Collison Announces NBA Retirement". NBA. May 10, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  13. "Thunder Signs Paul George to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  14. "Paul George agrees with Thunder on 4-year, $137 million deal". espn.com. June 30, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  15. "Paul George agrees with Thunder on 4-year, $137 million deal". espn. June 30, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  16. "Thunder Signs Jerami Grant to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 7, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  17. "Thunder Signs Raymond Felton". nba.com. July 12, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  18. "Nerlens Noel joining Thunder on two-year minimum deal, sources say". espn.com. July 2, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  19. "And yes, Noel will be on a minimum deal". twitter.com. July 2, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  20. "Thunder Signs Nerlens Noel". nba.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  21. "Thunder Signs Deonte Burton to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. July 7, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  22. "Thunder Signs Tyler Davis to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. August 13, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  23. "Thunder Waives Kyle Singler". nba.com. August 31, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  24. "How waiving Kyle Singler helps the Thunder now and later". oklahoman.com. August 30, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
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  27. "2018-19 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  28. "2018-19 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  29. "Thunder Acquires Hamidou Diallo". nba.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  30. "Thunder Acquires Rodney Purvis". nba.com. July 20, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  31. "Thunder Acquires Abdel Nader". nba.com. July 23, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  32. "Thunder Acquires Dennis Schröder and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot". nba.com. July 25, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  33. "Thunder Acquires Protected Second-Round Draft Pick". nba.com. February 1, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  34. "Thunder Signs Paul George to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  35. "Thunder Signs Jerami Grant to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 7, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  36. "Thunder Signs Raymond Felton". nba.com. July 12, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
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  40. "Thunder Signs Tyler Davis to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. August 13, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  41. "Thunder Signs Donte Grantham to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. December 28, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  42. "Scotty Hopson and Richard Solomon Signed to 10-Day Contracts". nba.com. February 14, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  43. "Scotty Hopson and Richard Solomon Signed to 10-Day Contracts". nba.com. February 14, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  44. "Thunder Signs Markieff Morris". nba.com. February 20, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  45. "Thunder Claims Two-Way Guard Jawun Evans Off Waivers". nba.com. March 25, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
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  47. "Atlanta Hawks Sign Daniel Hamilton and Alex Poythress". nba.com. August 20, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  48. "Celtics Sign PJ Dozier to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. August 21, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
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  53. "Thunder Waives Alex Abrines". nba.com. February 9, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
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