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 i...
Jul 19, 2023•52 min
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 Silve...
Jul 14, 2023•48 min
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.
Jul 11, 2023•52 min
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 ...
Jul 07, 2023•53 min
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 t...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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...
Jun 30, 2023•36 min
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...
Jun 27, 2023•55 min
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!
Jun 23, 2023•44 min
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 o...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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 B...
Jun 16, 2023•57 min
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 ...
Jun 13, 2023•58 min
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 Budd...
Jun 09, 2023•46 min
The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin are back and ready to talk more basketball! Today on the Thunder Buddies, Joe and Michael discuss good and bad lessons the Thunder can learn from the 8 teams who made the playoffs out of the East. What mistakes can the Thunder avoid making that hurt these teams? What can the Thunder copy or emulate that helped these teams succeed? For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on ...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min
The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin are back and ready to talk more OKC hoops! Today on the Thunder Buddies, Joe and Michael discuss the good and bad lessons the Thunder can learn from the 8 teams who made the playoffs out of the West. What mistakes can the Thunder avoid making that hurt these teams? What can the Thunder copy or emulate that helped these teams succeed? For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod ...
Jun 02, 2023•53 min
The 2023 NBA Draft is only 23 days away! Today on the Thunder Buddies Michael Martin is joined by the Director of scouting for the NBA Big Board, Founder of the NBA Draft Junkies and host of the Locked on NBA Draft podcast: Rafael Barlowe! Michael and Rafael break down 6 different high-level draft prospects in the Thunder’s range at 12 and a couple of guys worth trading up for. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitt...
May 30, 2023•36 min
The Thunder have been no strangers to making trades and especially during the NBA draft. Last year Sam Presti pulled the trigger and moved up to get Ousmane Dieng. Who is to say that won’t happen again this year with the Thunder still having a war chest of assets to deal with? The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown three of their own mock trade up deals for the Thunder to rise in the draft from 12. After that we discuss a few draft prospects and list all of the potential ...
May 26, 2023•55 min
It is finally Draft SZN! That means it is time to get some deep dives into the prospects in the draft, evaluate their skill sets and their fit with teams in the draft. Michael Martin is joined on the Thunder Buddies by Derek Parker who is a co-founder of draft digest along with covering the Thunder. Michael and Derek breakdown Jordan Hawkins, Cason Wallace, Kobe Bufkin, Rayan Rupert, Leonard Miller, Dereck Lively and more along with their fit with OKC, questions about their skill sets, their cei...
May 23, 2023•59 min
It is finally Draft SZN! That means it is time to get some deep dives into the prospects in the draft, evaluate their skill sets and their fit with teams in the draft. Michael Martin is joined on the Thunder Buddies by Derek Parker who is a co-founder of draft digest along with covering the Thunder. Michael and Derek breakdown Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Taylor Hendricks, Cam Whitmore, Gradey Dick, Anthony Black, Cason Wallace, Jarace Walker, Keyonte George and more along with their fit with ...
May 19, 2023•47 min
It was a ping-pong ball party in Chicago as the NBA Lottery took place on Tuesday night to decide the draft order for the 2023 NBA Draft. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown the Thunder standing pat at 12, draft possibilities, a few draft potential draft prospects, the Spurs winning the rights to Victor Wembanyama, Houston dropping to 4, The Thunder owning the Rockets top 4 protected pick in 2024 and finally Michael cooks up a few different trade up ideas to throw at a...
May 17, 2023•32 min
As the 2022-2023 Thunder season has ended, that means we need grades to recap each player's year! In this episode, The Thunder Buddies: Berry Tramel and Michael Martin breakdown Mark Daigneault, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams along with their preseason/deadline expectations for the guys, their highest and lowest moments of the season, season grades and finally what they can improve on this summer. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow...
May 12, 2023•58 min
As the 2022-2023 Thunder season has ended, that means we need grades to recap each player's year! In this episode, The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Dario Saric along with their preseason/deadline expectations for the guys, their highest and lowest moments of the season, season grades and finally what can they improve on this summer including if there is a case for Dario coming back for next season. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates,...
May 09, 2023•49 min
As the 2022-2023 Thunder season has ended, that means we need grades to recap each player's year! In this episode we dive into the deep sea of the OKC Blue. Michael Martin is joined by Locked On Thunder’s Rylan Styles who covers the Thunder and the Blue. Michael and Rylan break down the Thunder and Blue seasons of Ousmane Dieng, Lindy Waters, Olivier Sarr and Jared Butler. Also discussions about preseason expectations, highs/lows of the season, what the guys need to work on this summer and more!...
May 05, 2023•52 min
As the 2022-2023 Thunder season has ended, that means we need grades to recap each player's year! Michael Martin is joined by a special guest for this episode of the Thunder Buddies Podcast; Andrew Schlecht is the host of the Down to Dunk podcast, OKC Dream Team podcast and The Athletic’s NBA Saturday morning Slam and Jam. Michael and Andrew breakdown Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams and Aleksej Pokuševski during this season along with grades, their best moments of the season, low points and what t...
May 02, 2023•54 min
As the 2022-2023 Thunder season has ended, that means we need grades! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Joe and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s season in depth along with what grade they would give each player and what that player would need to do in 2023-2024 to get a better grade. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports)...
Apr 28, 2023•50 min
It is not only playoff season in the NBA, but it is also award season! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin discuss the Thunder appearances throughout the different NBA awards and then Joe talks about what it is like to be an NBA awards voter, his process, decision making, philosophy and more great insight around All NBA teams and the various NBA individual awards. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Tw...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 12 min
What is this a crossover episode? The Thunder Buddies are back to review and relive their favorite moments of the 2022-2023 Thunder season. It's a 3 man weave special with all the Thunder Buddies here. Joe Mussatto, Berry Tramel and Michael Martin breakdown the biggest storylines from this season, preseason predictions before this year, biggest surprises/disappointments of the season and finally some WAY TOO EARLY expectations and goals for the OKC Thunder going into the 2023-2024 NBA season. Fo...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min
What a wild season it has been! The Thunder Buddies are here for the first podcast of the offseason. Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin kick things off by discussing the Thunder’s last game of the season in Minnesota in the final play-in game, The most interesting quotes and moments from Thunder player exit interviews, Coin flip draft pick implications, DPOY discussion, Who has a better chance at winning defensive player of the year in the future between Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren and some NBA final...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min
The Thunder have some unfinished business. OKC got a massive win in their first appearance back in the postseason since the bubble by beating the Pelicans on the road on Wednesday night. The Thunder Buddies: Berry Tramel and Michael Martin have all the information, breakdown and more about the big win and then it is time for a preview of Thunder vs Wolves. These teams opened the season against each other and now in a winner take all game the loser will go home with their season ended and the win...
Apr 14, 2023•56 min
They did it! The OKC Thunder are going to the postseason and will face off against the Pelicans on the road in New Orleans in the play-in. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin breakdown the matchup between the two teams, how they have fared against each other this season, an announcement of the SGA jersey giveaway, the biggest questions coming into the game, keys to victory and finally predictions of who comes out with a W in New Orleans and keeps their season alive. For more Thu...
Apr 11, 2023•58 min
The Thunder last night got a win in Utah in the biggest game of the season, but does that secure their spot in the postseason? The Thunder Buddies: Berry Tramel and Michael Martin breakdown the big game, how the Thunder can lock down the 10 seed, a short preview of the final game of the regular season against the Grizzlies on Easter Sunday and finally what would making the play-in mean for the Thunder and who would you rather see OKC play? For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, ...
Apr 07, 2023•43 min
