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Oklahoma City Thunder: There’s a new Big 3 in OKC

By Connor Cassidy

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a photo during media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena on September 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a photo during media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena on September 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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After losing Kevin Durant last offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to build a new Big 3 this summer

From 2011-13, people believed the Oklahoma City Thunder would become something very special. They created a Big 3 in which they built strictly through the NBA Draft.

First came Kevin Durant from The University of Texas. The following season came Russell Westbrook from UCLA. Eventually, James Harden would follow both players footsteps and would be drafted 3rd overall in the 2009 Draft. Now just imagine if Harden was never traded and Durant  never left OKC. How scary would that lineup be?

Sadly, we never got to see all three play together in their prime. Since the departure of both Kevin Durant and James Harden, the Thunder have been trying to replace those two core pieces to complete the trifecta again. This past offseason, the Thunder made TWO BOLD moves to repair OKC’s Big 3.

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This summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired superstars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to collaborate with the reigning 2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook. Possibly one of the greatest offseasons in NBA history for an individual team, right?!

About two months ago, the Thunder made their first of two blockbuster deals. They acquired Paul George from the Indiana Pacers for Victor Oladipo and unproven rookie, Domantas Sabonis.
Last season, George finished with 23.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 6.6 total rebounds per game. With his overall production defensively and offensively and his freakishly long wingspan,  teams should dread having to choose who to matchup against George.

After the acquisition of Paul George, the Thunder began to raise some eyes as front offices around the league began to view the Thunder as a potential threat to the Golden State Warriors. Eventually, the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony helped expand that view.

Just a few days ago, it was announced that Carmelo Anthony, a New York Knick for seven years, was finally traded. After all the drama that surrounded him and where he’d be going or if he’d stay, he was shipped away to Oklahoma City for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second round pick.

This trade was huge for Russell Westbrook (the Thunder’s Heart and Soul) as he now has a key scorer in Melo to rely on. Last season, Melo averaged 22.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 5.9 total rebounds per game. He also shot 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. Melo should have an immediate impact offensively for the Thunder.

Last season was not the best season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team’s gameplan was heavily revolving around Russell Westbrook. This season, Russell will have multiple options where he can rely on superstars rather than just relying on himself to force shots up. Not only will this benefit the Thunder as a team, but it can even help Russell Westbrook potentially bring home another MVP award.

As I mentioned before, front offices around the league are viewing the Thunder as an elite and serious competitor for not only the NBA Western Conference Finals but now the NBA Finals. The Thunders projected starting lineup is as follows:

PG- Russell Westbrook

SG- Andre Roberson

SF- Paul George

PF- Carmelo Anthony

C- Steve Adams

The OKC startling lineup is absolutely absurd. Besides the two solid role players in Roberson and Adams, OKC’s lineup contains three superstars who have all been nominated for an MVP award at some point in their NBA career. Russell Westbrook, who is the core centerpiece of the team, can get the job done on both sides of the floor. He shoots, passes, rebounds, and plays defense with a tenacious attitude.

Paul George will be able to provide versatility as he is a huge mismatch when played at the No. 2 or 3 position. He can score, but his defense is even better. With a 7-foot wingspan, he can block shots easily against guards as well some of the big men on the floor. Standing at 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, he can play anywhere on the floor which is a scary sight for teams.

The last main piece of the OKC Big 3 is the newly acquired Carmelo Anthony. Melo may not be known for his defense, but he is known for his scoring ability which is what the Thunder needed. They already had an all-around beast in Russell Westbrook, and one of the best defenders in the game in Paul George, so it only made sense to acquire a key scorer.

Must Read: Russell Westbrook isn't going anywhere; signs huge extension with OKC Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s season kicks off Thursday, October 19th, as they take on the New York Knicks at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. This should be a great opening season matchup for the Thunder as Carmelo Anthony takes on his former team.

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