OKC Thunder: Kyle Korver
Sam Presti and the OKC Thunder had quite the offseason netting both Melo and Paul George. The early regular season returns have been up and down, but the Thunder are 17-8 since early the season struggles. They are a top two defensive team and have the potential to be a top five offensive team when they click on all cylinders.
The foursome of Westbrook, George, Anthony, and Adams is built for the playoffs and it will show as such in due time. What they do need is some perimeter shooting and who better than Kyle Korver to do the trick? There is little to no chance that the Cavs would actually trade Korver, but hey we can dream.
Korver would space the floor for the Thunder’s stars and would deepen an already solid bench. He and Melo posing as threats on the perimeter would allow ample space for Westbrook and George to penetrate while also allowing Adams to man the paint. Based on matchups, the Thunder are the best equipped team to take down the Warriors in the entire league.
Coach Donavon can put Roberson on Curry, Westbrook on Klay, George on Durant, Melo on Green, and Adams on the Warriors center. With length, speed, quickness, and girth, the Thunder can really give the Warriors trouble defensively. On offense, George and Westbrook will make Durant, Klay, and Curry all work defensively but the key matchup is Melo vs. Green.
Melo is one of the few players that gives Green a lot of trouble with his ability to make tough perimeter shots while also attacking the rim. At times, the one problem the Thunder face is spacing. When shots aren’t falling, other teams can easily pack the paint. Korver would make that considerably harder for teams to do.
Teams cannot afford to leave one of the five best shooters of all time open. With Korver spacing the floor and deeping the bench, the Thunder can go toe to toe with the Warriors. Presti needs to work his magic one more time.