4. Oklahoma City Thunder
X-Factor: Paul George
Russell Westbrook had one of the greatest statistical seasons in NBA history in 2016-17. It was only good enough to earn the Thunder a 6-seed in the Western Conference, though. After Durant’s departure last offseason, they added Paul George via trade in July. Adding PG13 once again makes Oklahoma City a challenger in the West.
Westbrook averaged 31.6 PPG, 10.4 APG, and 10.7 RPG last year. Now with George on the scene, he probably won’t need to keep those averages for the Thunder to grab a top-4 seed. The biggest knock on Russell’s performance last year had to be the playoff series against Houston. In the short 5-game series, Westbrook may have averaged 37.4 PPG, but his 38.8 FG% and 26.5 3PT% was nothing short of terrible. He must control the game better and take fewer shots in the postseason.
Andre Roberson started 79 games last season for OKC, with a solid 51.3 eFG%. Standing at 6-foot-7, Roberson doesn’t need to put up gaudy numbers (6.6 PPG in 2016-17) if he plays well defensively. He knows his role and plays it well.
In one of the biggest surprises of the offseason, Paul George was brought in over from Indiana via trade. George averaged 23.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 3.4 APG last season, but his Pacers were swept in the first round of the playoffs to the Cavs. PG13 has expressed his enthusiasm to compete again with another superstar on his team. If Westbrook and George can figure out how to play alongside each other, this is a very dangerous team.
Finally, Patrick Patterson and Steven Adams will play at the 4 and 5. Patterson was signed in the offseason from Toronto, and Adams is coming off of his best statical season yet.
Rounding out the rotation is Raymond Felton, Terrance Ferguson, Doug McDermott, Kyle Singler, Jerami Grant, and Enes Kanter.
The chemistry will take a bit of time to put together, but the Thunder organization deserves credit for bringing in help for Russ. While it’s unlikely Golden State will be dethroned by anyone this season, a successful playoff run for the Thunder could make OKC a favorable free agent destination. Time will tell if the Thunder can keep Paul George, but at least for this season it makes them much more dangerous.
Final Record: 50-32