6. Oklahoma City Thunder
Well now…things just got interesting in a hurry, huh? Yea, Melo makes this season even more interesting, but neither he nor George are who dictates OKC’s success.
The question really comes down to whether Russell Westbrook, fresh off his Logan-on-the-green-stuff season, has another level to his game. It’s not as ridiculous as it sounds.
In 1988, Michael Jordan won the MVP. He led the league in minutes, points (35 a game) and steals, shot 53% from the field, and grabbed the unofficial championship belt from Magic as the league’s most dominant player. It would be a few years before he quashed all doubts that he was also the league’s best. There’s no reason to believe Russ won’t follow the same trajectory.
Aside from the top two, the roster has some question marks.
No, Sam Presti will never live down the Harden trade, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is as smart a GM as there is – just look at the Cam Payne, Paul George and Melo trades. If they can somehow convince Westbrook and George to stay, they shoot to the top of this list.
Path to Glory: Find a way to get a second ball on the court for this season.