Darnell Mayberry: Thunder big men Bryon Mullens, Cole Aldrich have plenty of time left to develop

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.com/sports

On the Thunder's plans for young centers Byron Mullens and Cole Aldrich:

If Nenad Krstic isn't re-signed and for whatever reason Aldrich and Mullens aren't getting minutes next season, then I'll be closer to writing them off as undesirables. Mullens much more than Aldrich. But, big men are known to take longer to develop and the Thunder is operating with that in mind. They continue to be patient. But at some point you would think these two need some time. The thing that's easily forgotten in their nightly DNP's and stints on the inactive list is that both of these guys are 22 (Mullens will be in a week). They've got a lot of time left to develop into something.

On whether Serge Ibaka could match Jeff Green's offensive output if given the same amount of playing time:

The funny thing is he's almost there already. It's just that it would come on a completely different style. Green can hit 3s. Ibaka never will be a 3-point shooter. And while you can't make the argument that Green isn't much of one now, at least he can knock down perimeter shots.

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