Thunder Buddies

What might August be on the NBA calendar — other than an invitation for dreaded redrafts and for fanbases to mindlessly clash — if not for the league's schedule release?  The matchups. The storylines. The anticipation. All tangible, even while being two months from regular season NBA action.  With plenty to dissect, The Oklahoman's Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto picked apart the Thunder's 82-game slate for the most important footnotes on the newest episode of Thunder Buddies. With as highly anticipated a season for OKC in recent memory, there were quite a few notable dates.  The two tried to frame OKC's load of back-to-backs; they questioned how former Thunder Josh Giddey might be received in his return; they tried to explain the NBA's exclusion of OKC on the Christmas slate; they discussed some of the team's matchups, touching on the Thunder's national TV slate and a difficult March.

The Thunder added Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline Thursday. Beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto break down the deal. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's extended road trip and look back on the 2022 NBA Draft. Where would Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams go today?

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto grade the Thunder's top-eight rotation players through the halfway mark of the season. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's East Coast trip, talk Aaron Wiggins' value and discuss the Ringer's updated player rankings. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's loss in Atlanta and make some rest-of-season predictions for OKC

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto talk OKC's tough January schedule and ask the question: Do the Thunder need to make a trade? 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-winner in Denver, Chet Holmgren's place among rookie greats and where SGA ranks in the MVP race. 

Oklahoma City residents voted yes Tuesday night to fund a new downtown arena. Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto break down the vote, what it means and what happens next. They also discuss their favorite arenas in the NBA. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's loss in Houston, Josh Giddey's ongoing struggles and what might change with OKC's guard rotation. 

Meet Joel Lorenzi, The Oklahoman's new Thunder beat writer. Joel and columnist Joe Mussatto talk Joel's background, his early Thunder thoughts, his reporting on Josh Giddey and more. 

After 95 incredibly fun podcasts, Michael Martin will be hosting his last Thunder Buddies podcast today. Michael explains what is going down, the timeline of events and what is up next for him. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin then break down their most interesting storylines ahead of Sam Presti's media availability and Thunder media day. Then to wrap things up on this chapter, Joe and Michael reminisce on the fun times they have had together over the past 9 months, some funny stories in a stroll down memory lane and last but not least a thank you to the listeners for supporting the show this year. Stay tuned for more information on the Thunder Buddies podcast going forward!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

You all had questions and we had answers! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin have a special mailbag pod with questions from all of you great listeners. We discuss rotation staples, possible trades, Shai's writing skills, best-case scenarios for next season and more!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Today the Thunder Buddies are joined by a familiar face under a new title! Joe Mussatto, now a sports columnist, is back on the pod with Michael Martin and ready to talk Thunder basketball. Kicking things off we discussed the new Thunder arena announcements/news that came out on Tuesday night, what it means and more. Then the Thunder Buddies give their final thoughts on FIBA Shai along with a historical comparison of SGA's run to Kevin Durant's play in the 2010 World Cup.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

The Canadians made history this weekend lead by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as they beat Team USA for the bronze medal in FIBA basketball. This is the first FIBA medal for Canada ever and their first medal in men's basketball since the 1936 Olympics. Michael Martin is riding solo on this bite-sized pod breaking down Shai's FIBA performance, Team Canada's win, how different players, coaches and media members have reacted to Shai's recent play and finally Shai's standing in the league and how it helps OKC to have already have a franchise star as they continue building this team.    For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!  

While most Thunder fans were sound asleep, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort and Team Canada were in FIBA action against Serbia across the globe. The Canadians came up short, but Michael Martin and guest Rylan Stiles have all the info and breakdown from the game. Then we pivot to the future and preview Canada taking on Team USA for the bronze medal, how Shai matches up with Anthony Edwards, Shai on the big stage, what a win could mean for Canada and more!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) Producer: Michael Martin

The 2018 NBA Draft battle is going overseas as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Team Canada will take on Luka Doncic and Team Slovenia. We have a short preview of the game and how they have matched up against each other in the NBA since Shai was traded to OKC. Next up is a really fun exercise of “Right team, wrong time” Thunder players. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin go into the time machine and take different past and present Thunder players and drop them into teams before or after their OKC days. Will adding this player help OKC get over the top during the Russ/KD days? Will a new iteration of Thunder basketball help this player develop better? Is this player more fitted for the modern game? And more!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

The NBA is the sport that never sleeps. Earlier this week a rumor/report came out from an anonymous Western Conference executive claiming the Thunder are in the best position to go after Giannis if they want to. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin break down the news, what it means, is it real and more. Then to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the Thunder's name reveal we ranked and drafted our top 15 Thunder players ever. Who is in your top 15?   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

We have real actual basketball to talk about! The FIBA World Cup is in group play. Team Canada was in action earlier this morning led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and even earlier Josh Giddey led the Boomers and Team Australia to a win over Japan. Then the Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin fantasy draft FIBA players to build the best teams possible for international/FIBA basketball rules.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Today on the Thunder Buddies: Michael Martin, Derek Parker, Rylan Stiles and Clemente Almanza have assembled like Voltron to give out some wild and fun, “would you rather” Thunder questions going into the 2023-2024 season. A unique pod for sure where the four get into some fun questions and discuss some expectations for next season.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotfiy or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) Derek Parker (@DParkOK) Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) Producer: Michael Martin

Today on the Thunder Buddies: Michael Martin, Derek Parker, Rylan Stiles and Clemente Almanza have assembled like voltron to give out their best, “would you rather” Thunder questions going into the 2023-2024 season. A fun one for sure where the four get into some fun questions and discuss some expectations for next season.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotfiy or wherever you get your podcasts!  

The Thunder roster crunch has been the topic of the summer in OKC. Earlier this week the Thunder cut ties with two former Houston Rocket first-round picks in TyTy Washington and Usman Garuba. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin break down the news, when it happened and why we feel like this may have happened. Then it's trivia time! Michael has around 15 or so fun Thunder trivia-style questions and we will see how sharp Joe's random niche knowledge is coming off vacation!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotfiy or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Yesterday was a big day on the NBA calendar! It was schedule release day! Now we know the exact time and date of every Oklahoma City Thunder game in 2023-2024. Today on the Thunder Buddies: Michael Martin is joined by Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder to discuss and break down the top 5 Thunder games we are looking forward to most this season.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars on Apple, Spotfiy or wherever you get your podcasts!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) Producer: Michael Martin

For this edition of the Thunder Buddies a special guest joined us: James Edwards III of the Athletic who is a senior NBA writer, Detroit Pistons reporter and podcaster. We get a different perspective on Thunder's core from an outside source with his finger on the pulse of the NBA. A ton of fun in this one breaking down Shai's status in the NBA, the Dort dilemma, Giddey's ceiling, previewing Chet's rookie season, JDub looking to take a second leap, Cade Cunnigham's return to the floor and finally the parallels between the Thunder and Pistons with their emphasis of people over players in team/organization building.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) Producer: Michael Martin

We needed questions and you all came through! So it's only appropriate we answered as many as we could! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin answer and discuss your great questions about the Thunder, the NBA and more!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

I hope I am not shocking or surprising anyone by asking this, but did you know the Thunder have a roster crunch and need to cut down some numbers? It seems with all the roster crunch talk it is always talking about the cases against these guys to stay on the roster. In this episode, we decided to flip this idea on its head! Michael Martin is joined by a special guest: Alex Speers of the Athletic's NBA Saturday Morning Slam and Jam and Down to Dunk to help make the case for the Thunder underdogs.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Alex Speers (@Albabycakes) Producer: Michael Martin

This is NOT a player ranking. Inspired by Bill Simmons' trade value columns, the Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin tier every member of the Thunder roster, explain their reasoning for tiering, how trade value can be measured, contract value and more hypothetical fun!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Berry Tramel (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Don't forget how the Thunder got here. There is tons of talk about the Thunder's far away new arena plans and there is already murmuring about the city vote on the plans. The Thunder Buddies: Michael Martin and Berry Tramel breakdown more arena news, the history of NBA teams relocating and their reason for leaving. Then we dive into the comparisons that we should not make between Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembenyama along with any other comps for Chet. Lastly we discuss the current big man renaissance that is developing across professional basketball and where the Thunder stand in this new movement.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Berry Tramel (@BerryTramel) Producer: Michael Martin

First Danillo Galinari, Mike Muscala, Eugene Omoruyi and now Jared Butler? It feels like there's a recent Thunder migration to the Washington Wizards. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin have all the Butler news, why this happened and more. Then we get into some Q&A fun with questions coming from the beautiful people who listen to this podcast and read Joe's work at the Oklahoman!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Yesterday Mayor David Holt made a big announcement pushing forward momentum on a new downtown arena that would be the home for the Thunder. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown all the new arena news, why this is happening, why now, what does this mean for OKC, the Thunder's involvement, big picture things and finally we discuss Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren joining the Team USA select and how this experience could help both guys going into next season.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Right before this podcast was recorded news broke that Mark Daigneault has agreed to a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown the news, why this happened, what it says about the Thunder's confidence in Mark and more. Then a massive deep dive into expectations for Chet Holmgren's rookie season with research over top 5 picks since 2013 who were 6'9 or above and other players like Chet who missed their rookie season due to injury and how the rest of their careers have gone.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

As Summer League is coming to a close, it is only appropriate that we talk about our biggest takeaways from the games. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown their biggest takeaways, lessons learned and more from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer League for the Thunder. The NBA and Vegas had more news this week as the specifics of the NBA In-Season Tournament and its rules were finally formally announced. We put on our commissioners hats on for an exercise if Adam Silver asked us what changes we would make to the In-Season Tournament along with our initial reactions to the new addition to the NBA calendar.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Summer League is in full swing! Cason Wallace shined in his first game for the Thunder. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown Cason's debut, Joe's time in Vegas this week, watching Victor Wembenyama in person, All the Chet chat in SLC/Sin City and finally Joe and Michael discuss how the Thunder currently having 20 rostered players is not an issue and actually could be a positive.  

We are in full Summer League swing with the Salt Lake City games wrapped up and now OKC will make their way to Las Vegas for more games. The Thunder Buddies: Berry Tramel and Michael Martin on today's podcast deep dive into some recent history of European hoops as a way to gage how good Micic could be in OKC, How Tre has become the Mann in SLC and if its sustainable for the regular season, Early returns on Chet is his first games back from injury and finally what is the best use or role to play Ousmane Dieng in?   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Berry Tramel (@BerryTramel) Producer: Michael Martin

The Thunder did the unexpected this week and signed Vasilje Micic! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown the Micic signing, why now, how he fits with OKC, the Thunder adding assets alongside Victor Oladipo and Patty Mills, the Thunder adding Jack White, who he is, a short scouting report, our top 3 things for Thunder fans to watch during the Salt Lake City Summer League and finally it is the 7 year anniversary of the NBA cap spike that lead to Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors. Rather than dwell on the negatives, Joe and Michael had some fun and drafted the top 3 worst contracts from 2016 that lead to some historic overpays and front offices pulling out their hair.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin have talked about Cason on a variety of podcasts and different episodes and segments. We thought it would be fun to do a super cut of all the Cason Wallace conversations we have had on the Thunder Buddies. The clips are all in chronological order going back to May with Derek Parker and Rafael Barlowe with their scouting expertise and opinions on Cason. We also included any Cason convos between Joe and Michael including our initial reactions to the pick on draft night!   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

The draft is over and we finished up the Thunder rookie introductory press conference on Saturday, but the season never stops! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin discuss their biggest takeaways from meeting the rookies for the first time, catching up with Mark Daigneault and Sam Presti. Then we have a fun exercise talking about likely outcomes for Cason Wallace. Under John Calipari all types of elite talent like Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray to the low end of Archie Goodwin and James Young. Our mission for this exercise? Rank all of these former Wildcat guards in tiers and see where we feel like Cason could end up in relation to these other NBA players.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

It finally happened! After months of discussion, research and more the 2023 NBA Draft delivered all the classic moments you would expect. The Thunder had an eventful night themselves trading up to 10 to take Kentucky guard Cason Wallace. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown Cason's game, his fit in OKC, what all went down on the trade-up, Bertans contract, Keyontae Johnson at 50, his incredible story and more fun tidbits from the draft!

The draft is two days away! We are inching closer to knowing who the Thunder will add to their roster in the 2023 NBA Draft this Thursday. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin kick off the pod by discussing the recent Vasilije Micic news, why he is in OKC, what it means, and more. Next up Joe and Michael break down their top 5 Thunder draft prospects, their fit in OKC, trade-up targets, bold predictions and more draft fun! Also don't forget to enter our free SGA jersey giveaway on Twitter!    For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

As the draft gets closer we get more and more of a consensus of the top 5, top 10 and more for prospects. Although that is nice, sometimes tiers are the better way to distinguish the range players are in! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin tier 20 top 2023 draft prospects in some fun tiers and break down the games of the future NBA players as they tier them along with their reasons behind it. Also don't forget to enter our free SGA jersey giveaway on Twitter!    For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin  

Are you all ready for the NBA Draft? Even during the finals Sam Presti is still working and made a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown the trade, why both teams did it and who on the roster benefits from the deal. After Michael gives us a deep dive on recent lottery draft trades along with info about what it usually takes to trade up into the lottery or higher along with how many of the teams who traded up are glad they did. Is it always worth it to trade up because you can?   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (@Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

We are less than 2 weeks away from the 2023 NBA Draft! Bilal Coulibaly has been the talk of the draft recently and rocketed up draft boards. Michael Martin is joined by Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings to break down Bilal's game, fit with the Thunder, scouting report and more along with a deep dive into Rayan Rupert! This was a really fun and in-depth conversation that gives a glimpse into the process of a draft evaluator of these young players before they make it to the league.   For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter!   Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Tyler Rucker (@Tyler_Rucker) Producer: Michael Martin