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NBA: A deep dive into the 5 most interesting teams of 2017-18

By Michael Saenz

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo BallLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo BallLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court against the Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court against the Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder

After a huge summer, in which they traded for Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, the Oklahoma City Thunder are now back in the NBA Championship picture. But how far will their new big 3 carry them in 2017-18? We spoke to Tony Heim of Thunderous Intentions for a little insight.

What should we expect from Carmelo Anthony this season? Knicks Melo or Hoodie Melo?

Heim: Expect a hybrid of Olympic Melo and Hoodie Melo. For the first time in his NBA career Carmelo isn’t the first option, let alone the second option in Oklahoma City. He’s going to get open shots (Olympic Melo) with the added bonus of a new-found chip on his shoulder (Hoodie Melo). Carmelo has gone on record this summer saying he re-found his love for the game, something that will only grow playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George all season.

Narratives aside, can OKC develop into the biggest threat to Golden State? If so, how would that look? 

Heim: Other then LeBron James, the Thunder will be the biggest threat to Golden State come Playoff time. The difference between Houston and Oklahoma City ultimately comes on the defensive end. Andre Roberson, Paul George and Steven Adams are all above-average to elite defenders, something Houston’s crunch-time lineup can’t claim. The Rockets built a team that matches up with the Warriors’ style of play while Oklahoma City is trying to build something slightly different. Which leads me to the last question…

Who will be the most important non-big 3 player for OKC this season? 

Heim: The key for the Thunder is Steven Adams. Instead of giving you my quick thoughts, go ahead and check out my in-depth piece from the offseason (pre-Melo trade) to see exactly why Adams can be the difference from a Conference Finals sweep or an NBA title.

Don’t forget to check out Thunderous Intentions for all your Oklahoma City Thunder news and analysis.

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