Semaj and the Thunder

[xufan2434]

I really hope Semaj can make the team and find himself playing minutes this year. The Thunder's roster actually worked out perfect for him with Reggie Jackson sliding into the 2 position to start and Derek Fisher becoming a coach.

However, today they just signed Sebastian Telfair, whom everyone remembers as a big bust. He spent last season in China playing and has signed to the league minimum. The article mentions he could be the backup point guard since the Thunder don't have one and no mentions of Semaj. Sebatian got drafted 10 years ago but somewhat recently for the Celtics served as a viable backup. Hopefully Semaj beats him out and the Thunder realize his potential.

http://www.csnnw.com/nba/sources-telfair-thunder-reach-agreement

[Milhouse]

I think probably the most likely scenario will be they'll hold his rights and keep him in the D League. Which could be a good situation for him honestly.

[bobbiemcgee]

No surprise Semaj will have to beat out a multitude of drafted, undrafted and old pros. Welcome to the NBA. The Struggle begins.

[drudy23]

I wasn't confident in his draft status...but I'm fairly confident he'd beat out Telfair...Telfair is the least of his worries.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is going to come down to Sefalosha signing with the Thunder or somewhere else. Telfair signing is really to provide a competition between him and Christon in the event Sefalosha signs elsewhere. The Thunder have shooters already, Christon is going to play a ball handling guard spot. They already have Westbrook/Jackson/Lamb. Thabo signs and that's it, if he goes elsewhere I bet they let Telfair and Christon duke it out.

[Milhouse]

It'd be a huge mistake to sign Sefalosha again. If anything they need to let him go and get Reggie Jackson to come back.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://friarbasketball.com/2014/07/02/spurs-sign-bryce-cotton/

[waggy]

http://friarbasketball.com/2014/07/02/spurs-sign-bryce-cotton/


The Spurs got Kyle Anderson at the end of the 1st round? Dang, that could work out for them in 2 to 3 years.

[xufan2434]

This is going to come down to Sefalosha signing with the Thunder or somewhere else. Telfair signing is really to provide a competition between him and Christon in the event Sefalosha signs elsewhere. The Thunder have shooters already, Christon is going to play a ball handling guard spot. They already have Westbrook/Jackson/Lamb. Thabo signs and that's it, if he goes elsewhere I bet they let Telfair and Christon duke it out.

Sefalosha just signed 3yr/12mil with Atlanta.. So that gives Semaj a more legit shot.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Sefalosha just signed 3yr/12mil with Atlanta.. So that gives Semaj a more legit shot.

There you go, it's between Telfair and Christon for the 4th guard spot. Look out if Lamb gets beat by Christon, Lamb is a bum.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The Spurs got Kyle Anderson at the end of the 1st round? Dang, that could work out for them in 2 to 3 years.

It's guaranteed only if he makes the team. I am not sure he makes the Spurs. I guess it depends on whether they get Mills back on the cheap or someone similar. I feel like they have a ton of Euro guys stashed over years of drafts. I wonder if they have a guard or two waiting for their shot.

[Juice]

It's guaranteed only if he makes the team. I am not sure he makes the Spurs. I guess it depends on whether they get Mills back on the cheap or someone similar. I feel like they have a ton of Euro guys stashed over years of drafts. I wonder if they have a guard or two waiting for their shot.

I think they re-signed Mills to a 3 year deal.

[XfansinKy]

Summer league starts July 5th

[bobbiemcgee]

I think they re-signed Mills to a 3 year deal.

He had rotator cuff surgery 7/2, so he'll probably be out most of the yr.

[bobbiemcgee]

Summer League game on nba.com. Free preview to watch Thunder in Orlando. No Semaj yet.

[bobbiemcgee]

Buzzer beater by Semaj to end Qtr. 6 total pts. @ half. Had the lead when he left, then guys just jacking the ball up and OKC down 15.

[paulxu]

Big boy basketball. Get some Semaj.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/thunder/sites/default/files/styles/main_gallery_photo__480_tall/public/sl_grizz_140705_2.jpg?itok=M-eWL-5Y

[wkrq59]

Watched the NBA channel this morning. Saw the game. Semaj didn't have much chance to show what he could do in the second half. Thunder getting spanked by that time and most of his teammates grabbing a pass and jacking up threes or bad shots. Looked lke he was trying to run the offense though.

[james notsirhc 0]

He's looking confident shooting open jumpers today, he's just not making them. Hopefully they can figure something out that we couldn't, I would love to see Semaj be successful

[XUFan09]

Watched the NBA channel this morning. Saw the game. Semaj didn't have much chance to show what he could do in the second half. Thunder getting spanked by that time and most of his teammates grabbing a pass and jacking up threes or bad shots. Looked lke he was trying to run the offense though.

Yeah, he looked to do a pretty good job setting up his teammates in the limited touches he got. It was hard to get the ball more than once a possession, though, even as a point guard. Most players out there are desperately trying to make a team. To do that, they can't just be decent; they have to stand out.

[XfansinKy]

Big boy basketball. Get some Semaj.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/thunder/sites/default/files/styles/main_gallery_photo__480_tall/public/sl_grizz_140705_2.jpg?itok=M-eWL-5Y
He looks good physically. Looks like he spent some time lifting weights. If he can just get the opportunity, IMO he is better than Telfare (forgive if I misspelled) right now. I want SC to make it so coach Mack can tell high-school recruits he can get them to the next level and has proof too.

[kyxu]

I want SC to make it so coach Mack can tell high-school recruits he can get them to the next level and has proof too.

I think we can all agree that's reason 1a that Mack and the Xavier basketball program want Christon to make it, too. Winning is important, but the best recruiting tool there is for blue chip recruits is to show them how many of your former players are in the league.

[Muskied]

This guy has a pretty good take on Semaj. Way more Thunder information I could possibly want, but he's worth a follow if you're interested in keeping up with Semaj. Granted, we could have written this exact excerpt about 20 times last year. It is a bit strange reading someone admit he didn't know Semaj was this talented. Debating if Semaj was better off developing his skills in the Big East or in the D league is obviously a waste of time, but that seems to be the direction he is headed...and the upside for him is that he'll be on the Thunder when that happens-and one could do alot worse in the league.

http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2014/7/6/5875779/2014-nba-orlando-summer-league-thunder-76ers-recap

Semaj Christon

Semaj Christon was easily the most entertaining player to watch. To be honest, I was surprised with the rookie's talent. Christon is crazy quick, which ultimately gives him an advantage over most defenders. Not only does he have a fast first step, but also he is physical. His was fearless in his 6-3 frame against the big men he had to face down low. He is not afraid to push off against a center in order to get to the free throw line. For the 55th pick in the draft, Christon can be an impact player in the future.

The Thunder have a history of finding talent late in the draft. I expect Semaj to play in Tulsa for a majority if not the whole season, but he will be a good choice to fill Reggie Jackson's spot if Jackson decides to leave after next season. Christon was energetic, a vocal leader, and really gave it his all. What you often see at the Summer League is lack of effort because it is just like a practice. Semaj Christon brought his focus and tough mentality, which is what I like to see in young players. He did not have a good shooting day by any means, just 5-14 from the field, but he has a scorer's mentality and can translate most of his misses into makes with practice and maturity. Semaj Christon just needs a few years to develop in order to be an official steal.

[XfansinKy]

149 NBA players have been on D-league rosters. It seems to be the best way nowadays for young players to develop.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

If SC goes to D-league, what kind of salary would he get....... hundreds of thousands as a 2nd round draft pick, or around 25K, which is the average for a D-league player?

[Masterofreality]

Just being honest here, and I hope that he develops the shot because I do want him to make it...but,

"Not a good shooting day by any means". Well, unfortunately that is what he is right now and after repeated exposure, that is what may hold him back from making the big team this year. He HAS to develop a reliable shot from 15 feet out, otherwise, he's not valuable enough. He also missed both of his free throws. Isaiah Thomas said it in the broadcast about how important it was as a guard to be able to be a defense stretching threat.

Keep working at it, 'Maj.

[Masterofreality]

If SC goes to D-league, what kind of salary would he get....... hundreds of thousands as a 2nd round draft pick, or around 25K, which is the average for a D-league player?

No guranteed contract as a 2nd rounder. Unless Ok City wants to be generous with extra considerations on an inked deal, he gets the D league standard.

[GoMuskies]

Tuition at X is $31k, so if he gets $25k it's a pay cut.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Tuition at X is $31k, so if he gets $25k it's a pay cut.

It's actually worse because he has to pay taxes on that $25k. No athlete gets taxed on the non-cash income they receive. If he needs the money he goes to Europe.

[Juice]

It's actually worse because he has to pay taxes on that $25k. No athlete gets taxed on the non-cash income they receive. If he needs the money he goes to Europe.

Really? Because he's allowed to spend the 31k as he wants to? And how much of that 25k do you think he is paying in taxes?

The teams also pay for housing, benefits, and $40 per diem for food. It's not a lot at all, it's downright terrible but it's better than being a student.

You guys are insane if you think he is getting "paid" more money at XU.

[paulxu]

Looking at the box score seems to indicate that they want to see what he can do.
He played the most minutes (31) of anyone, and although 5-14 is poor (including o-fer from3) he did have 5 assists, in a game when nobody seems to be inclined to have assists.
His 12 pts were tied for second on the team (should be with the most minutes) and their high scorer (18) was 10-10 from the line.

I'm very glad that at least they are giving him the minutes to get a fair evaluation as possible under the circumstances, to see if he can make the roster.

[throwbackmuskie]

Really? Because he's allowed to spend the 31k as he wants to? And how much of that 25k do you think he is paying in taxes?

The teams also pay for housing, benefits, and $40 per diem for food. It's not a lot at all, it's downright terrible but it's better than being a student.

You guys are insane if you think he is getting "paid" more money at XU.

Yes because he didn't get food or housing paid for while at X...

[GoMuskies]

it's better than being a student.


Beg to differ

[Milhouse]

Once again we have many a people on here casting decisions on what a 20 year old should or should not do with his life....shocking.

[GoMuskies]

We do? Where?

[XU-PA]

tonight at 7pm on NBATV Thunder vs Brooklyn

and here's the box, video and recap from the 1st game
http://www.nba.com/games/20140705/MEMOKC/gameinfo.html

[XUFan09]

It's actually worse because he has to pay taxes on that $25k. No athlete gets taxed on the non-cash income they receive. If he needs the money he goes to Europe.

The taxes on $25k really aren't that significant, and there are a lot of people in America making less than that without housing, per diem, or fringe benefits. Not bad for a one-year fallback. He might make the roster this season, but it sounds like the Thunder are prepared to tuck him away for a year before bringing him up.

[paulxu]

Did not play tonight.

[XfansinKy]

The information I found said that the average NBA D-league salary is between 12-25 thousand. It sounds good to be going overseas at his age to make six figures. Unfortunately, the reality is that very few make that and I've heard from a couple kids around our town's local college that they had to come home because they either couldn't track down their pay or couldn't get the check to clear. Also said the language barrier made it harder for them to collect too. That is the only reference I have and also realize they weren't playing in an elite league as they told me there are several different leagues. It doesn't matter now whether I wanted him to stay or go(He should've invested in one more year) but I sure hope this serves as an example either way, for recruits to come and are faced with such a hard decision. Just my opinion here but I still think if he stays around the D-league instead, he will make some team's NBA roster in a couple years if not this year.

[LA Muskie]

Unfortunately, the reality is that very few make that and I've heard from a couple kids around our town's local college that they had to come home because they either couldn't track down their pay or couldn't get the check to clear. Also said the language barrier made it harder for them to collect too.
This is not true for everyone, but it is a problem in many foreign leagues. People on this board look at the foreign salaries for guys like Doellman, Sato, and previously for Hawkins and think that money is available right off the bat for any good XU grad. It's not. Those guys earned those salaries after years of success. Unproven rookies don't get those salaries, and they don't make those teams.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Two things he gets if he stays, one more year to work on shooting and the rest of his game, and one more year closer to his education. He does take a risk of injury. Now he may be saddled with the D-league and it's abysmal salary but according to the interweb they do get that aforementioned housing and insurance.

The three player levels are $13k, $19k, and $25.5k. I have no idea how the league classifies player levels.

[smileyy]

And one year older. Semaj isn't the youngest guy in the world.

[smileyy]

Once again we have many a people on here casting decisions on what a 20 year old should or should not do with his life....shocking.

22 by the time the next basketball season starts.

[Milhouse]

22 by the time the next basketball season starts.

Ah so that makes it okay to poke judgment in. My bad.

[XU-PA]

starting nod in wednesday's game vs Pacers. Not much production, 8 points in 28 minutes, but a nice hilite here.

http://www.nba.com/games/20140709/INDOKC/gameinfo.html

[mistabeecee41]

to say Semaj outplayed Napier today is an understatement.

http://www.nba.com/games/20140711/OKCMIA/gameinfo.html

[paulxu]

Good on you Semaj. Keep it up.

http://www.nba.com/thunder/community/camp_christon_140723

[X Factor]

Has he signed a contract with the Thunder? I haven't read anything, but I might have missed it. Is he getting paid right now?

[Milhouse]

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/69962/josh-huestis-first-stashed-domestic-pick

Interesting article on Huestis being the first 1st rounder to not sign arookie contract due to an agreement w the Thunder.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Maj in a similar vein. Although I'm not positive how it would work w a 2nd rounder.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/69962/josh-huestis-first-stashed-domestic-pick

Interesting article on Huestis being the first 1st rounder to not sign arookie contract due to an agreement w the Thunder.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Maj in a similar vein. Although I'm not positive how it would work w a 2nd rounder.

I have never even heard of that. I am waiting for a Euro team to align itself with an NBA team. Said NBA team sends first round american college player to Europe for 1-3 years to play before bringing him over. It's the natural progression.

[Chalmers0]

I have never even heard of that. I am waiting for a Euro team to align itself with an NBA team. Said NBA team sends first round american college player to Europe for 1-3 years to play before bringing him over. It's the natural progression.

I actually think we are only 1-2 years away from the NBA/D-League have a 1:1 ratio and true minor league system, which I think will be a really good thing for the league. I actually think as it sits right now, there is only one team (Ft. Wayne I think) that does not actually have a parent team that controls it. Which means something like 12 teams essentially are "sharing" that team. No control over the coach or what system they have in place and who plays. That won't last long. Each team is going to want to have a team they can send young guys (like a Semaj) that they want to have control over and have learn their system for a year or two.

[paulxu]

The NBA already has a minor league. It's called college basketball.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The NBA already has a minor league. It's called college basketball.

I agree with this, those kids already get paid under the table. Honestly, a lot of college basketball conferences are more competitive than the D-League. The NBDL won't be a legit minor league until salaries dramatically increase. There are a lot of guys, tweener guys, who hit Europe and decide to stay there rather than take a shot at the NBA. The NBDL needs to pay more to hold those guys here at least for 3-4 years before they jump to Europe. I think 70-100k would do it. A player like Tu would have stayed in the D-League for a few years to see if it worked out if he got paid more than 20k. He could then bolt at say 25 years old for greener pastures.

Until that happens, you aren't going to see more than the guys who are called up and sent down regularly or the dregs of basketball hell there.

[XfansinKy]

I agree with this, those kids already get paid under the table. Honestly, a lot of college basketball conferences are more competitive than the D-League. The NBDL won't be a legit minor league until salaries dramatically increase. There are a lot of guys, tweener guys, who hit Europe and decide to stay there rather than take a shot at the NBA. The NBDL needs to pay more to hold those guys here at least for 3-4 years before they jump to Europe. I think 70-100k would do it. A player like Tu would have stayed in the D-League for a few years to see if it worked out if he got paid more than 20k. He could then bolt at say 25 years old for greener pastures.

Until that happens, you aren't going to see more than the guys who are called up and sent down regularly or the dregs of basketball hell there.
I just don't know if playing in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, and in some cases not making much money if you can track it down, is a better opportunity. This may not be true in the elite leagues over there and I'm a novice about Europe leagues, but a couple kids I know from the local college here had to come home because it was just too tough financially. Also, I've noticed most of the good ones from overseas want to play over here. Like I said I am a novice at this subject and have only the one example.

[LA Muskie]

I actually think we are only 1-2 years away from the NBA/D-League have a 1:1 ratio and true minor league system, which I think will be a really good thing for the league. I actually think as it sits right now, there is only one team (Ft. Wayne I think) that does not actually have a parent team that controls it. Which means something like 12 teams essentially are "sharing" that team. No control over the coach or what system they have in place and who plays. That won't last long. Each team is going to want to have a team they can send young guys (like a Semaj) that they want to have control over and have learn their system for a year or two.

Nearly half the league (14 teams) have no NBDL affiliate. That's a huge percentage. While I do think use of the D League is growing, I think it's fair to say that the jury is still out on it -- and likely won't come back with a verdict within 2 years. Especially with overseas competition for talent.

[LA Muskie]

I just don't know if playing in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, and in some cases not making much money if you can track it down, is a better opportunity. This may not be true in the elite leagues over there and I'm a novice about Europe leagues, but a couple kids I know from the local college here had to come home because it was just too tough financially. Also, I've noticed most of the good ones from overseas want to play over here. Like I said I am a novice at this subject and have only the one example.

There's a big difference between the elite teams and leagues and the rest. Those who play for the elite are pretty secure, and those are the same guys who would have a shot in the NBA. The ones who don't sometimes get shafted. But they probably wouldn't have a professional basketball career in the US at all.

The "minor league" systems of the various sports leagues is baffling to me. How is it that that baseball can manage 3-5 levels of fully-developed minor leagues (depending on how you characterize them, and that doesn't even include the independent leagues), and even hockey has a fully-developed minor league, but neither the NBA nor NFL do???

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I just don't know if playing in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, and in some cases not making much money if you can track it down, is a better opportunity. This may not be true in the elite leagues over there and I'm a novice about Europe leagues, but a couple kids I know from the local college here had to come home because it was just too tough financially. Also, I've noticed most of the good ones from overseas want to play over here. Like I said I am a novice at this subject and have only the one example.

The issue isn't language, the issue is the quality of talent. You have to play for a pretty low league in Europe to be on par or worse than the D-League. Also, those lower Euro leagues pay 3-5 times more than the D-League and pay for things like food and housing.

[XfansinKy]

There's a big difference between the elite teams and leagues and the rest. Those who play for the elite are pretty secure, and those are the same guys who would have a shot in the NBA. The ones who don't sometimes get shafted. But they probably wouldn't have a professional basketball career in the US at all.

The "minor league" systems of the various sports leagues is baffling to me. How is it that that baseball can manage 3-5 levels of fully-developed minor leagues (depending on how you characterize them, and that doesn't even include the independent leagues), and even hockey has a fully-developed minor league, but neither the NBA nor NFL do???
I realize I'm biased, but other than baseball purists (like my 73 year old dad), I would think basketball is much easier to watch an entire game than baseball. With all the huge contracts and money being thrown around, I would think the NBA could put together a competitive and profitable minor league. Apparently I'm missing something though because with all the innovative minds in the NBA this hasn't happened to date. As far as making a living playing overseas, all I have is the one example of the couple kids I know that didn't get paid fairly. Obviously some of our X favorites have went over there and been very successful. It seems like I remember someone saying that Burrell tweeted something about driving an expensive European sports car over there on the Autobahn. That doesn't sound too bad to me.

[paulxu]

The "minor league" systems of the various sports leagues is baffling to me. How is it that that baseball can manage 3-5 levels of fully-developed minor leagues (depending on how you characterize them, and that doesn't even include the independent leagues), and even hockey has a fully-developed minor league, but neither the NBA nor NFL do???

Because there is absolutely no need. If you are the NBA or the NFL, you have a fully developed minor league in the colleges. College football is huge, and has developed it's own networks. College basketball is huge, with games filling up national and regional broadcasts. Players go directly from these "minor" leagues directly to the show. Why invest in something that is yours for free?

[Juice]

The other issue with Europe as a minor league system is that the teams limit the amount of Americans that can be on a roster.

[NY44]

http://thunderousintentions.com/2014/08/20/semaj-christon-oklahoma-city-thunders-back-plan/

This is an interesting take on the Thunders plan for Semaj. If it was really their plan I'm pretty impressed.

[SlimKibbles]

http://thunderousintentions.com/2014/08/20/semaj-christon-oklahoma-city-thunders-back-plan/

This is an interesting take on the Thunders plan for Semaj. If it was really their plan I'm pretty impressed.

Yes it is interesting. Glad the author did his homework on Semaj's college stats. That error aside I hope Semaj will become a contributor for OKC one day.

[SM#24]

Yes, it is pretty amazing that in this day and age of instant stats and history, that someone would make an error in the history of any player when all it takes is less than a minute of effort to look it up.

[PMI]

I would hope the Thunder would have some clever plans in the works to help make up for a portion of the blow they'll take when KD comes to DC in two years.

[nuts4xu]

I would hope the Thunder would have some clever plans in the works to help make up for a portion of the blow they'll take when KD comes to DC in two years.

I don't see any way KD stays in OKC and Washington would seem to be an ideal spot for him to land in a couple of years.

[Snipe]

Sad that Semaj can't even play in Europe. What a train wreck. Can't say I didn't see that coming.

[NY44]

I would hope the Thunder would have some clever plans in the works to help make up for a portion of the blow they'll take when KD comes to DC in two years.

It would be a great move for KD to get himself out of the West. Beal, Wall, and KD would waltz into 1st or 2nd no problem in the East. That would be one fun team to watch.

[Chalmers0]

Sad that Semaj can't even play in Europe. What a train wreck. Can't say I didn't see that coming.

Who is stopping him? Unless there is something I've missed he is choosing the D-League over Europe.

[Backyard Champ]

If he wants to play in the nba, I think d-league is the best route. Good call by semaj to stay and play in the d-league. NBADL has gotten much better over the last few years, and will continue to do so. At the end of the last season, a third of the players in the NBA had spent time in the d league.

[Milhouse]

1) nothing has been made official. He hasn't signed a contract with the thunder or a d league affiliate. He could still play overseas if he wanted to.

2) OKC still has a shot a championship and has 2 years to do so. I wouldn't write KD out of the picture. He might be able to find a better supporting cast elsewhere, but I really doubt he'll find a better Robin than Westbrook. Westbrook is one of the top 10 players in the league easily.

[PMI]

Westbrook is an elite player for sure, but I don't know if he's the best sidekick for the league's best scorer to win a title. I mean obviously he's a premiere choice, but they do not seem to still be on the upswing in OKC in terms of the rest of the roster and franchise stability. While they do draft well, there are a lot of other issues with that franchise right now. It's obviously WAY too far away for anyone to know, I think there is a very, very good chance Durant comes home now that there are pieces that would seem to perfectly compliment his game here. He spends a lot of his time at home anyway and he's made many hints at the possibility. I think he will be a Bullet in two seasons. I think any other team outside Washington or OKC is a very distant third for his services, but again, it's far too early at this point. I would be willing to bet beers though...

[Milhouse]

The only thing I don't understand about Durant and going home is...if he was that much of an eastcoast kid why did he go all the way to Texas for college? I understand Maryland wasn't in the best state when he left but there were plenty of other options...not the least of which was a pretty good Georgetown program.

It would certainly be interesting to see Durant and Westbrook split up. They are both very capable of averaging over 30 PPG in a season with increased shot attempts.

[PMI]

The only thing I don't understand about Durant and going home is...if he was that much of an eastcoast kid why did he go all the way to Texas for college? I understand Maryland wasn't in the best state when he left but there were plenty of other options...not the least of which was a pretty good Georgetown program.

It would certainly be interesting to see Durant and Westbrook split up. They are both very capable of averaging over 30 PPG in a season with increased shot attempts.

I don't think there's anything to that whatsoever. East coast kids go away from home all the time for college. It's not like midwest and southern kids, where they usually stay close. Actually, Maryland started watching Durant only about 18 months after winning a national championship, although he hadn't really blown up yet. I just think he was willing to go wherever he thought the best fit was, and at that point in his life, getting away was a good idea for multiple reasons. Also, Durant was a highly ranked recruit, but it wasn't like he was a consensus top 5 guy. He was All Met Honorable Mention his junior year and he wasn't the local POY (might not have even been first team but I can't remember) his senior year. Texas was a good place for him, as it is a major program but not somewhere he felt he might not be able to be a star right away.

None of that really has anything to do with anything though. He has never gone very long without spending time at home, and more so in recent years, he has been very vocal about his love for the DMV. He's all but said how enticing it would be to have an impact on his home town that no other local athlete has ever had at the pro level here. He has very sentimental feelings for where he's from and how it's shaped him. It's literally how he spent the first couple minutes of his MVP speech before addressing anything else. He also remains a big DC sports fan, present on sidelines at the Skins games when he can be. He actively recruited Desean Jackson to the Redskins after he got cut by reaching out to him personally. His hometown definitely means something to him. On top of that, the team is well built to compliment him and the organization is already planning its full court press on him, and he knows it. He's already hinted at his interest while also staying very diplomatic about it. Local reporters who have known him for a long time believe that now that he's older and more mature, he is much more interested in coming back to represent his hometown. It's not a well-kept secret that he is legitimately interested in the idea of playing here. It is definitely going to play a factor in his decision making process, but again, it's very far away.

[ammtd34]

Durant was #2 on both Scout and Rivals.

[DC Muskie]

Durant was #2 on both Scout and Rivals.

He also grew five inches before his senior year and really blew up.

[PMI]

Durant was #2 on both Scout and Rivals.

Yea, you are right. He was the All Met POY his senior year too. I was already in college by his senior year and didn't remember that. His junior year he was not even the best player at Oak Hill (I know, awesome program) before transferring to Montrose Christian, but he did hit a growth spurt and become a much more aggressive player. I guess my memory goes back to two kids I went to high school with who played AAU with him, and always regarded him as really good, but didn't see him blowing up (and hitting a huge growth spurt I suppose.) Still, that's all kind of irrelevant to the point that he decided to leave for college. Durant was recruited by an assistant at Texas who came from the PG County, Maryland hoops scene and knew him growing up. It was the whole routine where this guy promised Durant's mother and grandmother that he'd watch over him and whatnot. Durant came from a very humble background, but he was raised well and looks back very fondly on his upbringing in PG County. He wears his number 35 in honor of a mentor (I think AAU coach) who died at that age. He left Oak Hill, the best basketball program in the country at the time, to be closer to home. During his senior season, it became clear he was going to go for the one and done plan, so going away was probably somewhat of a preparation plan for the next phase.

What does all of that mean in terms of his impending free agency in two years? Who the hell knows, but based on what he has said and hinted to, as well as what a lot of local people who know him think, Washington is one of two early favorites along with OKC. Hell, the Wizards just hired one of his high school coaches as an assistant. It's not exactly a covert operation that we are going to make a full court press for him, and the organization and town that he grew up rooting for obviously offers some unique opportunities for him.

[LA Muskie]

I would be very surprised to see him leave OKC for anywhere other than DC. I think he knows he has a great thing going with OKC in terms of the front office, and I also think he has made OKC his adopted "home" -- to the point that I understand he's very involved in the community. But as LBJ has shown there are some ties that are just too strong to break. I think it's got to be 45% OKC, 45% DC, and 10% unknown.

[paulxu]

He also grew five inches before his senior year and really blew up.

Makinde London? (one can dream)

[Milhouse]

One has to wonder how both him and westbrook feel about the harden trade years ago. It made financial sense but to split up a YOUNG team that just went to the NBA Finals...it has clearly had lasting effects these past two years with Westbrook and then Ibaka sidelined with injuries in the playoffs. I think if this year proved anything its that you need 3 players to step up in the playoffs. Two can't cut it.

[DC Muskie]

One has to wonder how both him and westbrook feel about the harden trade years ago. It made financial sense but to split up a YOUNG team that just went to the NBA Finals...it has clearly had lasting effects these past two years with Westbrook and then Ibaka sidelined with injuries in the playoffs. I think if this year proved anything its that you need 3 players to step up in the playoffs. Two can't cut it.

Aren't they all the same player? Someone has to defer on offense, I would think.

But yeah I wonder how they feel knowing how well Harden has improved over the years.

[NY44]

One has to wonder how both him and westbrook feel about the harden trade years ago. It made financial sense but to split up a YOUNG team that just went to the NBA Finals...it has clearly had lasting effects these past two years with Westbrook and then Ibaka sidelined with injuries in the playoffs. I think if this year proved anything its that you need 3 players to step up in the playoffs. Two can't cut it.

They could be jaded about it, but I doubt the Thunder regret it. There's no way they could keep those 3 together, they might even have trouble keeping these 2 together. Might as well have gotten something for him if he's gonna leave anyway.

[RealDeal]

As long as this is the NBA thread, the TWolves owner is an idiot. Worst run NBA franchise in history, and he runs his mouth about players that don't want to be perpetual losers. Good for Kevin Love, he escaped.

[PMI]

Harden is obviously an All Star player and one of the best scorers in the league, and I do think it hurt the Thunder in the short term by losing the kind of punch off the bench that nobody else has. But I don't think James Harden was worth a major long term investment for a max type deal. Harden takes a LOT of shots to get his points, and the only place he's very efficient from is the free throw line. He's also one of the worst defensive players in basketball, if you can even refer to him as a defensive player. I tend to think he will be more of a Carmello, as in a guy who constantly puts up excellent numbers, but whose team rarely gets out of the first round. Eventually he was going to have to get paid, and if I'm the Thunder, I'm letting someone else pay him as long as I've got the other two.

[NY44]

As long as this is the NBA thread, the TWolves owner is an idiot. Worst run NBA franchise in history, and he runs his mouth about players that don't want to be perpetual losers. Good for Kevin Love, he escaped.

Someone who doesn't want to be a perpetual loser escaped to Cleveland. That just doesn't sound right.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Harden is obviously an All Star player and one of the best scorers in the league, and I do think it hurt the Thunder in the short term by losing the kind of punch off the bench that nobody else has. But I don't think James Harden was worth a major long term investment for a max type deal. Harden takes a LOT of shots to get his points, and the only place he's very efficient from is the free throw line. He's also one of the worst defensive players in basketball, if you can even refer to him as a defensive player. I tend to think he will be more of a Carmello, as in a guy who constantly puts up excellent numbers, but whose team rarely gets out of the first round. Eventually he was going to have to get paid, and if I'm the Thunder, I'm letting someone else pay him as long as I've got the other two.

What was also quietly said around the league was that Harden wanted to be "the man". OKC already had Durant and Westbrook so how were they supposed to make Harden the man. Harden was not being a team player and got shipped out for the best package they could get.

[LA Muskie]

What was also quietly said around the league was that Harden wanted to be "the man". OKC already had Durant and Westbrook so how were they supposed to make Harden the man. Harden was not being a team player and got shipped out for the best package they could get.

I heard this as well. No doubt Harden's departure adversely affected the overall team talent level, but I haven't heard any word that the decision materially upset KD or Westbrook.

[Milhouse]

They haven't said anything in the press. It's more in regards to how close and tight knit that had become as teammates and friends.

And honestly they didn't get anything worth while in the trade. hindsight is 20/20 but I say you keep him around for his final year of the rookie contract and you have a legitimate shot at a championship.

There were some indications that Harden would take less than a max deal to remain in OKC, but it was probably just blabber.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

They haven't said anything in the press. It's more in regards to how close and tight knit that had become as teammates and friends.

And honestly they didn't get anything worth while in the trade. hindsight is 20/20 but I say you keep him around for his final year of the rookie contract and you have a legitimate shot at a championship.

There were some indications that Harden would take less than a max deal to remain in OKC, but it was probably just blabber.

The opposite was actually true, he wanted a max deal. Honestly, he probably deserved what he got from Houston. If OKC keeps him and they win and he leaves for nothing they are criticized for going all or nothing for one title. He goes for nothing and they lose look out.

They hardly got nothing. Steven Adams, one year rental of Kevin Martin (which they got a $6.5M trade exception for), Alex Abrines with the 2nd rounder (playing for France in the World Championship), and a 1st rounder from Dallas that is top 20 protected through 2017.

They didn't get an even swap of another Harden level talent, however, I like Adams and think he will be a good contributor in the league for a long time. Abrines is a foreign unknown but they will have WC film to see of him against good talent there. Still have a pick from Dallas if somehow it lasts to 2018 it could be after big Dirk retires and become lottery pick.

All of that is hardly nothing.

[Masterofreality]

@XUHoopsRumors: Doug Neustadt, @SemajChriston agent, announced today that Semaj will start in the D-League with the Oklahoma City Blue this year and play PG

At least he's in the same City.

[THill42]

Bummer.

[Milhouse]

There was always a slim slim chance he'd be on the opening day roster. This gives him the best chance to succeed long term.

[SemajParlor]

The Harden trade was a colossal mistake on the part of Sam Presti - I thought this was widely accepted.

Too bad about Semaj. Can't say I'm all that surprised given the circumstances however. Wish him the best.

[mistabeecee41]

Is it normal for a 2nd round draft pick to SKIP training camp and the NBA pre-season and go straight to the D-League? My understanding is that normally, 2nd rounders participate in all of that and end up going to the D-League after that.

[PMI]

The Harden trade was a colossal mistake on the part of Sam Presti - I thought this was widely accepted.

Too bad about Semaj. Can't say I'm all that surprised given the circumstances however. Wish him the best.

I wouldn't say widely accepted. It's actually a trade that is still occasionally debated, because it is a pretty good debate (that and the fact that it arguably changed the landscape of the NBA contenders.) I actually lean toward thinking the Thunder made the right move. If you recall, they pretty much had to pull the trigger and make the choice between Harden and Ibaka. They could not invest in both, and they chose the defensive specialist forward over the sixth man scorer. They already had two other extremely ball-dominant scorers who were starters, and Harden was coming off a brutal Finals. I do think that keeping Harden could have potentially given them a better chance in the next year's playoffs, but beyond that, I think it would have caused more problems that success. Harden falls into the category of Carmello, McGrady, etc. to me. He is an excellent talent who will always have excellent numbers, but will never be the focal point of a team that can truly contend for a title. He was going to get paid by someone to be a star, focal point, franchise, whatever you want to call it. I don't think it would have made the most sense for OKC to be that team, given what they already had in place. There's only one ball to go around, and as Byron Larkin would say, Harden can't guard a traffic cone in the NBA. Ibaka was the better investment in terms of building a well-balanced contender IMO. They just better hope they get the job done in the next two seasons before their superstar comes back home.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The Harden trade was a colossal mistake on the part of Sam Presti - I thought this was widely accepted.

Too bad about Semaj. Can't say I'm all that surprised given the circumstances however. Wish him the best.

What PMI said above and also this, Harden wanted to be the focal point of that offense. To keep Harden would have meant dealing Westbrook. Add to that, it has come out slowly over the last couple of years that Harden is difficult to deal with and doesn't play very good defense. Everyone knew how difficult Westbrook was and is today, but Presti chose to deal Harden instead. Isn't it reasonable to believe that Harden was actually more difficult to deal with and OKC was getting what they could and getting rid of a headache in the process?

I think the league knew he was a pain and OKC did alright in the trade.

[Masterofreality]

Is it normal for a 2nd round draft pick to SKIP training camp and the NBA pre-season and go straight to the D-League? My understanding is that normally, 2nd rounders participate in all of that and end up going to the D-League after that.

What I think is that since Semaj is having to learn the PG role from scratch, he's probably better off going to the team that he'll be PG of while getting familiar with his teammates. There won't be any time for PG learning in OKC training camp. They're going after a championship and have little time for educating.

[SemajParlor]

What PMI said above and also this, Harden wanted to be the focal point of that offense. To keep Harden would have meant dealing Westbrook. Add to that, it has come out slowly over the last couple of years that Harden is difficult to deal with and doesn't play very good defense. Everyone knew how difficult Westbrook was and is today, but Presti chose to deal Harden instead. Isn't it reasonable to believe that Harden was actually more difficult to deal with and OKC was getting what they could and getting rid of a headache in the process?

I think the league knew he was a pain and OKC did alright in the trade.

I have to respectfully disagree here… with everything outside of the defense. It was more of a Ibaka v Harden debate, not Westbrook - Harden. Also, everything I have read has suggested that Harden Durant and Westbrook were very close.

Don't forget Harden had a year remaining on his contract, they didn't need to do this. They had just made the finals as young kids. They could have made a legit run at 70 wins with those three the following year. In my opinion the front office wasted a tremendous opportunity at legitimate front runners in the West in exchange for financial flexibility in the future. Those opps aren't easy to come by- as they are finding out more and more.

[PMI]

I have to respectfully disagree here… with everything outside of the defense. It was more of a Ibaka v Harden debate, not Westbrook - Harden. Also, everything I have read has suggested that Harden Durant and Westbrook were very close.

Don't forget Harden had a year remaining on his contract, they didn't need to do this. They had just made the finals as young kids. They could have made a legit run at 70 wins with those three the following year. In my opinion the front office wasted a tremendous opportunity at legitimate front runners in the West in exchange for financial flexibility in the future. Those opps aren't easy to come by- as they are finding out more and more.

I think you make some good points. Like I said above, I do think losing Harden may have certainly hurt them in that first year he was gone. In a vacuum, I don't think they became a better team by losing Harden and adding a few role players. But even though he had a year remaining, they were not going to resign him for the long term max deal that he was bound to get from someone, so they had only one year left with him no matter what. They chose Ibaka and I think it was the right choice long term. They may not have gotten a ton for Harden, but they got something for him without ever having to pay him the big bucks. Basically, their window to win a title with Harden was one more year, and that was during the Heat's prime, and a year after Harden shat his pants in the Finals. It would have been a hell of a risk to take, because they basically had to win it THAT year and they would have been in a world of financial disaster by now, and would have lost the next of the big three who's contract was up.

Of course, they will be losing Durant to his hometown in two years anyway...

[X-Fan]

With the announcement of Durrants Injury today I wonder if this will help Semaj get on the roster/court sooner than planned?

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-could-miss-up-to-eight-weeks-with-fractured-foot-152900799.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-could-miss-up-to-eight-weeks-with-fractured-foot-152900799.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[PMI]

With the announcement of Durrants Injury today I wonder if this will help Semaj get on the roster/court sooner than planned?

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-could-miss-up-to-eight-weeks-with-fractured-foot-152900799.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-could-miss-up-to-eight-weeks-with-fractured-foot-152900799.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

I don't see Semaj playing either forward position in the NBA. Doubt it will affect Semaj in any way.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I have to respectfully disagree here… with everything outside of the defense. It was more of a Ibaka v Harden debate, not Westbrook - Harden. Also, everything I have read has suggested that Harden Durant and Westbrook were very close.

Don't forget Harden had a year remaining on his contract, they didn't need to do this. They had just made the finals as young kids. They could have made a legit run at 70 wins with those three the following year. In my opinion the front office wasted a tremendous opportunity at legitimate front runners in the West in exchange for financial flexibility in the future. Those opps aren't easy to come by- as they are finding out more and more.

What it was and what was reported were two different things regardless of how close Durant/Hard/Westbrook were. Harden wanted to be a focal point of a team and not the #1 man off of the bench. He was never going to be that guy in OKC. Trading him before his last year gave OKC a trump card to tell the receiving team they had more than enough time to make him happy and give them a shot at getting something decent in return.

[paulxu]

Well, now you have Westbrook injured, and the Thunder maybe getting a waiver to bring someone up.
This might give Semaj a chance after all.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11794516/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-game-hand-injury

[Milhouse]

What really sucks about this though is if Maj gets the call up the THunder will be without 3 of their starting players...2 of the top 10 players in the league and he will also have entirely missed their training camp....tough position to be thrown into as a rookie.

[JTG]

What really sucks about this though is if Maj gets the call up the THunder will be without 3 of their starting players...2 of the top 10 players in the league and he will also have entirely missed their training camp....tough position to be thrown into as a rookie.

If they bring him up, he will be an emergency body on the end of the bench. He won't know any of their sets without training camp. Obviously they just considered him a "somewhere down the road project, or a trade throw in".

[bleedXblue]

What really sucks about this though is if Maj gets the call up the THunder will be without 3 of their starting players...2 of the top 10 players in the league and he will also have entirely missed their training camp....tough position to be thrown into as a rookie.

Agreed. But getting the call up and getting a chance to play is huge. Hopefully, he impresses and improves his stock.

[Masterofreality]

If they bring him up, he will be an emergency body on the end of the bench. He won't know any of their sets without training camp. Obviously they just considered him a "somewhere down the road project, or a trade throw in".

Not exactly what was expected when he left school.

[casualfan]

Not exactly what was expected when he left school.

I think that depends on who you ask...

[drudy23]

They just lost Westbrook and Durant...they aren't bringing up an untested rookie to fill the gap. Let me re-phrase...they CAN'T bring up an untested rookie to fill the gap.

[XfansinKy]

Not exactly what was expected when he left school.

I agree. You are also correct about a previous post. Xavier has the "Spectacular Six" not my "Fab 5". When Semaj took off he still had the type of improvements needed that happens in college ball (ball handling n shooting). Still what's done is done. If he is called up then he will be up against a tough learning curve. If he isn't called up then OKC feels as if he's definitely not ready. Still, at least he is under the NBA umbrella rather than some unknown overseas "club" hoping he can cash his check.

[Masterofreality]

I think that depends on who you ask...

I think if you asked Semaj, he'd say that being a "somewhere down the road project, or a trade throw in" wasn't what he expected when he declared.

[casualfan]

I think if you asked Semaj, he'd say that being a "somewhere down the road project, or a trade throw in" wasn't what he expected when he declared.

I'm sure that's true, but you didn't say "not what he expected" you said "not what was expected" insinuating that in general this isn't what people expected for him.

There aren't many people out there (at least not that ive seen) outside of Maj's camp and some Xavier fans who thought he'd be anywhere other than the end of the bench of the D-league this year.

[xavierj]

Wait what? He is at the end of the bench of the d-league? Semaj will be fine and will make a lot of money. Shane Larkin was in d-league last year and now he starts for the Knicks.

[Chalmers0]

Wait what? He is at the end of the bench of the d-league? Semaj will be fine and will make a lot of money. Shane Larkin was in d-league last year and now he starts for the Knicks.

Shane Larkin was a 1st round pick with a guaranteed contract (whose option for next year was actually declined today). While I agree Semaj will get a chance, not exactly the best comparison...

[drudy23]

Semaj should be on Victory Parkway working on his J right now.

[Masterofreality]

I'm sure that's true, but you didn't say "not what he expected" you said "not what was expected" insinuating that in general this isn't what people expected for him.
.

Hair-splitting with a very sharp razor. I say this with peace and love with no "insinuation".

All this being said, I want Semaj to make the League..with a long career.

[Juice]

Semaj should be on Victory Parkway working on his J right now.

He can work on his J in the D league or with OKC

[bobbiemcgee]

OKC beat Denver last night with only 8 healthy players and one PG.

[bobbiemcgee]

Big night for Semaj:

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-blue-maine-rallies-back-in-second-half-to-sink-blue/article/5367079

[muskienick]

Big night for Semaj:

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-blue-maine-rallies-back-in-second-half-to-sink-blue/article/5367079

The TV play-by-play announcer for the OC Blue consistently called Semaj "Christian" instead of "Christon."

[NY44]

The TV play-by-play announcer for the OC Blue consistently called Semaj "Christian" instead of "Christon."

Where are you able to watch these games?

[muskienick]

Where are you able to watch these games?

Here --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHzhammgo94

Watch the whole game here. Originally, I saw only the highlights that featured a bunch of Semaj buckets that was posted to one of the chatrooms.

[drudy23]

The TV play-by-play announcer for the OC Blue consistently called Semaj "Christian" instead of "Christon."

So did Joe Sunderman.

[GoMuskies]

God bless anyone who can watch an entire D-League game. That's more impressive than 'brew sitting through Northeast Conference basketball games.

[XU 87]

God bless anyone who can watch an entire D-League game. That's more impressive than 'brew sitting through Northeast Conference basketball games.

I'm still more impressed with Brew watching the 'Nova-Northwood preseason exhibition game.

[NY44]

I don't know if anyone else thought this, but when I heard the Knicks were getting players to waive from the Thunder, the first thing I thought of was Maj. Glad he wasn't in that group.

[Masterofreality]

God bless anyone who can watch an entire D-League game. That's more impressive than 'brew sitting through Northeast Conference basketball games.


I'm still more impressed with Brew watching the 'Nova-Northwood preseason exhibition game.

Yeah, that's going above and beyond the call.

[X-band '01]

I'm still more impressed with Brew watching the 'Nova-Northwood preseason exhibition game.


Yeah, that's going above and beyond the call.

I'm sure he could also go into detail as to why NJIT was able to win at Michigan (or Texas Southern at Michigan State).

[xutag77]

Northeast Conference?

Except when one of them beats UK.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Semaj tweeted he has been selected to play in the D-League All Star game (and today I just learned there was a D-League All Star game)

[Masterofreality]

Semaj tweeted he has been selected to play in the D-League All Star game (and today I just learned there was a D-League All Star game)

Isn't that part of NBA All Star weekend?

[THRILLHOUSE]

Isn't that part of NBA All Star weekend?

It would appear so - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Development_League_All-Star_Game

[bobbiemcgee]

Semaj back playing for OKC in the Orlando Summer League. 11 pts. today in a 86-85 win. Games on NBA TV.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Semaj back playing for OKC in the Orlando Summer League. 11 pts. today in a 86-85 win. Games on NBA TV.

4 assists, 4 steals, and only one turnover as well.

[bobbiemcgee]

23 yesterday to tie for League most. 6 assists 14/18 from Line.

[sirthought]

Do you think he'll make a roster spot? The team needs to start developing young talent at the point.

[mistabeecee41]

Do you think he'll make a roster spot? The team needs to start developing young talent at the point.

I think Cameron Payne would get priority after they used a lottery pick on him last year.

[Muncie]

I think eventually he will play in the NBA

[mistabeecee41]

He's only played two games so this could easily change, but he currently has the highest PER of any playing in the Orlando Summer league.

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/750684321292267521

[paulxu]

m.j ‏@SemajChriston · 21h21 hours ago

NOW or never .. Make THEM see you



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmnaBtuW8AA7x5P.jpg:large

[principal]

I am trying to find tickets to the summer league games but cannot find where they are available. Are the games not open to the public? If so, does anyone have a link?

[bobbiemcgee]

Unlike Vegas, Orlando is not open to the public. Games played in the Magic's practice gym.

[principal]

Unlike Vegas, Orlando is not open to the public. Games played in the Magic's practice gym.

Thank you.

[bobbiemcgee]

"Through two games at this year’s Orlando Pro Summer League, Christon is turning heads with his play.

The 55th overall draft pick out of Xavier in 2014 followed up a 14-point, 10 assist effort against Charlotte in Saturday’s opener with a 12-point, nine-assist performance in the Thunder’s 73-65 win over The Orlando Magic’s Blue team on Monday.

“Semaj was a big part of our success today, our win today,” said Thunder summer league coach Darko Rajakovic. “Semaj had a great game on both ends of the floor.”

Going head to head with Elfrid Payton, the Orlando Magic starting point guard who was taken 45 spots higher, Christon dominated his matchup and controlled the game. Payton finished with just four points and four assists while turning the ball over four times.

“He was great on the defensive end,” Rajakovic said of Christon. “He did a great job on Payton to stop him and helped us stop them as a team.”


Christon, as he did in Saturday’s opener, excelled running the pick and roll"

[THRILLHOUSE]

Big game for Semaj on the last day of the Summer League - 22 points (making 10 of 14 shots) and 4 assists

[bobbiemcgee]

Payne has 1.7 m guaranteed this year, so guess how this is going to go?

[THRILLHOUSE]

Payne has 1.7 m guaranteed this year, so guess how this is going to go?

Payne is obviously going to be on the roster. Thunder will probably carry 3 PG's, so Semaj still has a chance. But the Thunder have 20 million in cap space, so a chance they might go free agent route for the 3rd PG.

[mistabeecee41]

https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/751510737546338304

Semaj Christon, 23, averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.5 boards, 2.5 steals with OKC's SL team. Several NBA teams have expressed interest.

[Juice]

The Thunder signed Semaj
http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/christon-160820

[xu82]

Awesome news for Semaj! One more guy in the league. Make the most of it.

[GIMMFD]

Good for him, he deserves an opportunity to shine, I hope he turns some heads with his play and has a long stay in the league!

[paulxu]

Good for him!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Congrats to Semaj. Wish him the best and a long career in NBA.

[Strange Brew]

Congrats to Semaj. Wish him the best and a long career in NBA.

Great to hear!

[RyanblockXU]

FYI though, most thunder blogs I've read believe he won't make the NBA roster with Westbrook, Payne and the dude they just paid 5 million for.

I think he starts in the D league. So it maybe better for him to just go back to Europe if his money isn't guaranteed

[Juice]

FYI though, most thunder blogs I've read believe he won't make the NBA roster with Westbrook, Payne and the dude they just paid 5 million for.

I think he starts in the D league. So it maybe better for him to just go back to Europe if his money isn't guaranteed

Jeremy Rauch ‏@FOX19Jeremy 18h18 hours ago
Spoke with #Xavier product Semaj Christon on on his new OKC deal. He said it doesn't guarantee he makes Thunder roster, but 90% chance.

[GIMMFD]

Jeremy Rauch ‏@FOX19Jeremy 18h18 hours ago
Spoke with #Xavier product Semaj Christon on on his new OKC deal. He said it doesn't guarantee he makes Thunder roster, but 90% chance.

90%?? I'll take those odds, I mean he's really been showing out in the D-League, and I think he deserves a chance at the very least.

[Cheesehead]

Would love see Semaj stick in the NBA. Hope it works out.

[mistabeecee41]

Some more details, including salary and some other interesting dates.

Non-Guaranteed Salaries: Semaj Christon ($543,471 — $200,000 guaranteed)
9/19/16 — No-trade restriction lifts on Semaj Christon.
1/10/17 — Semaj Christon’s $543,471 guarantees for 2016-17.
6/30/19 — Qualifying offer deadline for Alex Abrines, Semaj Christon, Cameron Payne and Josh Huestis.

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-team-salary/

[THRILLHOUSE]

A Norman, Oklahoma newspaper article on Semaj:

http://www.normantranscript.com/sports/get-to-know-thunder-point-guard-semaj-christon/article_51d09616-7d12-11e6-8f0d-b7e6be994f46.html

[Drew]

A Norman, Oklahoma newspaper article on Semaj:

http://www.normantranscript.com/sports/get-to-know-thunder-point-guard-semaj-christon/article_51d09616-7d12-11e6-8f0d-b7e6be994f46.html

For those curious, his contract guaranteed him $200k of the $534k minimum NBA salary for this upcoming season.

[mistabeecee41]

Never good to wish injury upon somebody, but Cameron Payne just broke another bone in his foot after being almost completely recovered.

Just sayin'

[GoMuskies]

Semaj knocked down a three quarter court shot tonight in Utah at the end of the first quarter. Now showing on the front page of espn.com.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaWz55-AXlI

[MauriceX]

I was just looking through Semaj's stats... he is having a really rough year with shooting. However, his assist to turnover ratio is insanely good! He is currently 5th in the NBA in that category at 3.9.

[mistabeecee41]

He had been relegated to the bench (and was back and forth between the NBA/D-League) with the return of Cam Payne. Looks like they have enough faith in him to be backup PG for the rest of the year, because they just traded Payne.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/834851015295954945

[XUFan09]

He had been relegated to the bench (and was back and forth between the NBA/D-League) with the return of Cam Payne. Looks like they have enough faith in him to be backup PG for the rest of the year, because they just traded Payne.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/834851015295954945
It seemed like that was the plan all along. After Payne returned, they needed to give him playing time to up his trade value.

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[ammtd34]

It seemed like that was the plan all along. After Payne returned, they needed to give him playing time to up his trade value.

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Yep. That's what I remember hearing after Semaj was fairly effective in the backup role early in the season, since Payne was due to make a lot more than Semaj next year.

[xufan2434]

Good for Semaj. He was playing his best ball under pressure the week before Payne was scheduled to come back

Hopefully now he can actually settle in and just go play

[SemajParlor]

You have to give credit to Semaj here. Yes it helps he's playing behind a historically good person at his position, but you have to imagine there were many times where he's had to question his future professional choices. He kept his head down and kept working. What's that saying - 80 percent of success is showing up?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just read that Payne was a -7.9/100 points and Semaj was -12.0/100. This could be more of a money situation than anything else. I thought Semaj was doing well. He isn't a shooter but he wasn't turning the ball over either.

[SemajParlor]

Just read that Payne was a -7.9/100 points and Semaj was -12.0/100. This could be more of a money situation than anything else. I thought Semaj was doing well. He isn't a shooter but he wasn't turning the ball over either.

I would imagine it also has a lot to do with getting a good Taj Gibson and a serviceable Doug McDermott too. The Thunder have needed a reliable shooter since they moved to Oklahoma City.

[XMuskieFTW]

In one of Semaj's D league games this year, he played on a team with Dez, Kameron Woods, and Myke Henry.

[xufan2434]

Thunder just signed Norris Cole. Probably not a good sign for Semaj the rest of the year

[XUOWNSUC]

Semaj and Steph Curry got into a shoving match tonight. Anybody else see it?

[94GRAD]

https://twitter.com/BarstoolXU/status/843995102213275649

[MauriceX]

You can read more about it here (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2699136-stephen-curry-russell-westbrook-and-more-involved-in-warriors-vs-thunder-fight), but to recap:

Setting up for a jump ball, Semaj was in position, Curry came over and tried to stand right in front of him. Both guys sorta started pushing, Westbrook and Draymond came in and got involved. All four players received technical fouls. After the jump ball finally happened, Curry hit a buzzer beater three to put the Warriors up 20 at halftime.

[bobbiemcgee]

Well at least Semaj shot a 100% - 10 pts.