May 1, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti introduces new Thunder head coach
Billy Donovanto the media at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Year’s Outcome: 45-37, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: NBA Champions
Why: Are you starting to see a trend? There are just so many teams capable of being champions in the West. Oklahoma City nearly made the playoffs last season with a herculean effort by Russell Westbrook in the absence of Kevin Durant. Now with the team healthy and a coach in Billy Donovan, the Thunder seem ready to take the West by storm (pun intended). With a deep bench and two superstars, there is every reason to believe that they can compete for a title.
Worst-Case Scenario: Miss the Playoffs
Why: This may seem a little extreme – but hey this is the worst-case scenario for this team. Gone is the scapegoat Scott Brooks and the responsibility now rests on the superstar duo of Westbrook and Durant. The biggest factor into this scenario is if Kevin Durant’s foot remains troublesome.
If he misses extended the time and Westbrook cannot replicate his insane stretch last season, the Thunder could be in a rough road. This is extremely unlikely and hopefully Durant remains healthy, because let’s face it he deserves it and so do NBA Fans. Chalk this worst-case up to highly unlikely, but still possible.
What Will Probably Happen: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: If the Thunder weren’t in the Western Conference, they would be one of the most elite teams in the East. The problem is that is the case for some other West teams as well. Every ounce of desire wanted to have the Thunder advancing, but then you remember the other titans in the conference. Durant’s foot is an issue and despite how proven Billy Donovan was in college, this is the NBA. College coaches do not always translate over to the pro-game and things will take some time. Durant and Westbrook must be able to coexist and must be able to remain healthy.
Next: Orlando Magic