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| Kevin Durant calmly knocks down a three pointer while curing AIDS and ending poverty. |
2009-10 Record: 50-32
Additions: Cole Aldrich (Draft/Trade), Daequan Cook (Trade), Morris Peterson (Trade), Royal Ivey (FA)
Subtractions: Etan Thomas, Kevin Ollie, Kyle Weaver
Last year the Thunder came out of nowhere to take the league by surprise, jumping from a 23 win rebuilding project to a 50 win playoff team, all on the back of a much improved defense, and a much improved Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook and co.
Durant has quickly become the talk of the league after a tremendous summer and season which saw him lead Team USA to victory in the World Championships, sign a maximum extension with the Thunder, and become the youngest player in NBA history to win the scoring title, all at the age of 21. This guy is nowhere even close to his prime, not even done with his rookie contract yet, and he's already one of the top players in the game. His offensive arsenal is almost unmatched, as he's able to score inside or outside, as well as beat most players off the dribble. His defense and rebounding are improving as well, and coming into this season, many think he could win the MVP. I'm a little skeptical of that (I've got another pick for MVP, you'll see in my upcoming prediction post), but there is no doubt Durant is phenomenal.
Russell Westbrook also emerged last season as one of the league's best guards, blossoming into the point guard that many thought he could never be. His assist rate jumped 10%, while also cutting down on his turnovers. His athleticism and tenacity make him one of the better defenders at the point guard position as well, and he's a nightmare on the open floor. The one big weakness left in his game is the ability to shoot from range or efficiently, shooting only 41.8% from the field and 22% from three last year.
The Thunder supporting cast is quite nice as well. James Harden might have been a reach with the 3rd pick, but he complements Durant and Westbrook nicely, and looks to improve on a solid rookie year. Jeff Green adds a nice scoring punch, but I'd like to see him come in as a 6th man this year and have a more traditional power forward take his place in the starting lineup. A more traditional power forward like Serge Ibaka perhaps, who thrilled in the season and the playoffs with his defensive abilities. Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison are some of the more underrated defenders in the league at their position, and Eric Maynor was a great pickup last year and should be a more than solid backup option for years to come. Nenad Krstic, when not throwing chairs at Greeks, is a decent pick and pop option, although he can't rebound or play defense all that well.
The new additions to the Thunder provide a couple things they didn't have last year. Morris Peterson and Daequan Cook both provide shooting to a team that finished among the league's worst in 3P% last year (24th), while rookie Cole Aldrich brings them an NBA ready defensive minded center who can set a good screen on offense.
One major factor in the Thunder matching their success of last year will be health. The Thunder were one of the lucky few teams that didnt' see an injury to any major player. Durant, Westbrook, Green and Sefolosha all started 82 games last year, and the other starter, Krstic, only missed 6 games. Three other players played 73 games or more. Losing Durant, Westbrook, or even Green would be big on a team lacking many other offensive options.
Still the Thunder look ready to continue to try to make a push, and they could surprise a team or two in the Playoffs with their young legs. They can run, score, defend (1st in blocks last year), and rebound (3rd in the league last year) on anyone and everyone. They'll be fun to watch, and although they're probably a year or two from seriously contending, you shouldn't be surprised to see this team go farther than it should.
Projected Win Range: 50-55
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