John Lucas Three waived by Thunder

Not really a big shocker, but John Lucas, Part: III was waived Monday. Which begs the question: Why?

With one roster spot open, why waive Lucas now? Was he just insurance in case Russell Westbrook struggled mightily to open to the season and the Thunder needed someone to back up Earl Watson and since Russell is evidently totally awesome, he was cut? Or is GM Sam Presti working on something and needs that extra roster spot?

User StarksFan311 from OKCThunderFans.com made mention of cutting Lucas about two weeks ago to sign recently available guard Salim Stoudamire. It's definitely a good thought because Stoudamire is an excellent shooter and currently, OKC is just 2-13 from downtown on the season. Two for thirteen! That's awful. But Salim Stoudamire is not the answer there. Like I've said before, maybe Kyle Weaver progresses into a nice deep threat. Or maybe the Thunder deals/signs a proven three-man. Whatever the case, something needs to be done in the future to help in this area.

My gut says Lucas was just insurance and wasn't going to see the court at all this season unless Westbrook struggled, so Presti went ahead and cut him to make room for any potential future needs.

With the loss of Lucas, OKC loses one part of its genius marketing plan to assemble a team full of former state college stars. Hopefully the Thunder signs Longar Longar as his replacement.

John Lucas III signed by Thunder

Yes, that's the former Oklahoma State point guard. According to the Oklahoman, he'll be in training camp. He's been in the league (with the Houston Rockets) for a few years and it looks like he's got a real shot at making the team. The Thunder has 14 roster spots filled (with Lucas) and the league maximum you can carry into the regular season is 15.

One key note: the Thunder reserved the right to waive Lucas before the start of the regular season. So he by no means has made the team.

This means there's two former Pokes on the roster (Desmond Mason being the other). Is this like a strategy by team management to get fans excited? Bring in all the former state college standouts, see what they can do and make Okies get all nostalgic? I'm waiting for Nate Erdman and Ernie Abercrombie's chance. Or what about Shay Seals? I heard Franz Steyn and Randy Rutherford were also available. Oh, what's that? All those guys either sucked big time or don't play basketball anymore? Ok, well just give me Jabari Brown and Maurice Baker. I could go on for days with these old school names.

But in all seriousness, when you're other two point guards are Earl Watson and super-unproven rookie Russell Westbrook, having a good security blanket like Lucas is definitely a good idea.

Also according to the Oklahoman, the Thunder will bring in power forward rookie Derrick Byers (Vanderbilt) and Chris Alexander, 7-1 center from Iowa State.