Well, it’s no secret that we miss Eric Maynor. Reggie Jackson may be a solid player one day. However, he’s a rookie back-up point guard on an NBA championship caliber team. It just doesn’t fit. There have been some talking swirling around to whether or not Oklahoma City will make a move for another point guard as the season moves. They are right at the salary cap mark. However, they do have the disabled player exception that is set to expire on March 12th.
- The Thunder can now use the exception, which is half of Maynor’s 2011-12 salary, or $758,340, to sign one replacement player. The money from the exception, plus $100,000, can also be used to create room to accept a salary in a trade.
Some say “Well, Jackson is a rookie, he’ll improve.” Very true. However, as been said before, he’s a rookie who we need to compete now. His stats compared to Maynor’s rookie season are telling. Maynor was an intricate player down the stretch as a back up point guard.
Comparing the players rookie seasons through 37 games:
| Players | FG% | 3PT% | Rebounds | Asissts | Turnovers | Points |
| Maynor | 40.1% | 31.3% | 1.5 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 5.2 |
| Jackson | 31.7% | 22.2% | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 3.5 |
As you see, Jackson isn’t quite up there where Maynor was, and because of that, rumors are starting to swirly about a possible free agent or trade signing to help secure the second team at the point position. Because of right now, James Harden, your best scorer on your second team, is handling your ball as the point.
Here are some of the names being thrown around:
Who: Kirk Hinrich
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Contract: 1yr – $8 million
Hinrich’s name is being thrown around. He’s a veteran point guard who can shoot the three. We saw him against the Hawks really just facilitate the offense. That’s something that Oklahoma City needs with their second team. Not to mention, he’s another deep threat (career 37% 3pt shooter) which would replace what Daequan Cook brought to the second unit.
Possibility: 33%
Who: Ramon Sessions
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract: 2 yr – $8.8 million
Cleveland isn’t quite sure if they want to move Sessions. There has been talk with certain teams that are in need of a point guard. However, the Cavaliers aren’t exactly out of the playoff hunt. Do they want to make a run at the playoffs, or are they content with trying to do it without Sessions. Sessions could be a starting point guard on the right team. He’s a good player, probably the best on this list if you ask me. However, with Kyrie Irving as their starting and future point guard, unloading Sessions is only the logical move.
Possibility: 25%
Who: D.J Augstin
Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Contract: 2 yr – $7.5 million
Augstin is Kevin Durant’s really good friend. This is also one of those situations where the team drafted a point guard and they expect Kemba Walker to be the future of the team. Augstin is a serviceable point guard. (11.0 ppg, 37% 3pt%, 6.4 assists). I think he would be a good fit here, besides him just being really good friends with Durant. I think he’s humble and exactly what Sam Presti looks for in players.
Possibility: 33%
Who: Johnny Flynn
Team: Houston Rockets
Contract: 3 yr – $13.5 million
Flynn is on a team that’s loaded in the point guard position. Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowery are the #1 and #2 point guard, there is no question. It was even said when the Rockets traded for Flynn around draft time, it was basically just putting him back on the market. He has had trouble fitting in the NBA. He was drafted as a top 5 pick in the draft, and hasn’t just lived up to that. Good news: He won’t require a big contract if he needs to be resigned. He’s still better than Jackson and Ivey I say.
Possibility: 30%
Who: Aaron Brooks
Team: NBA- Free Agent; Guandong (China)
Contract: Last contract – $2 million
This is a long shot. He wouldn’t be available until middle to late March if he did sign with Oklahoma City. OKC is about $2 million under the salary cap, so the money is there. However, OKC would have to release someone if they waited for Brooks to finish up in China. Ryan Reid is the first name that comes to mind. Brooks will be back in the NBA, but when and for how much are all the questions that no one knows right now.
Possibility: 5%
All that said, I think it’s going to be a long shot if they sign someone. I just heard these names floating around through sources and other things. Then again, Presti is known for the big (or little) trade that no one saw coming. So, with the trade deadline barreling down on us, it’s going to be interesting to see what Presti does.
