Last Year
59-23 (2nd in NBA)
OFF: 108.1 (7th)
DEF: 101.0 (5th)
NET: 7.1 (3rd)
59-23 (2nd in NBA)
OFF: 108.1 (7th)
DEF: 101.0 (5th)
NET: 7.1 (3rd)
Projected Rotation (Projected WS/48)
Starters
PG - Russell Westbrook (.178)
SG - Andre Roberson (.096)
SF - Kevin Durant (.283)
PF - Serge Ibaka (.168)
C - Kendrick Perkins (.048)
PG - Russell Westbrook (.178)
SG - Andre Roberson (.096)
SF - Kevin Durant (.283)
PF - Serge Ibaka (.168)
C - Kendrick Perkins (.048)
Reserves
PG - Reggie Jackson (.101)
C - Steven Adams (.110)
SG - Anthony Morrow (.077)
PF - Nick Collison (.139)
SG - Jeremy Lamb (.096)
PG - Reggie Jackson (.101)
C - Steven Adams (.110)
SG - Anthony Morrow (.077)
PF - Nick Collison (.139)
SG - Jeremy Lamb (.096)
Quick Thoughts:
Oklahoma City has hit on an inordinate number of draft picks in recent years, building the foundation for what might be their deepest team yet. Having young players who can contribute is vital in today's NBA, allowing you to not overspend on role players in free agency. And it's especially important for a team trying to avoid the luxury tax while paying two max contracts. Of course, the new TV deal the NBA will reportedly sign and the resulting jump in salary cap will change the dynamics of good and bad contracts. Now, the Thunder's main concern will be building a convincing case to keep Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, as his number of potential suitors literally increased overnight. Their best argument for him to stay will be their contender status: over the last three years, the Thunder lead the NBA in Margin of Victory, SRS, and Net Rating, and are second in Wins. They remain true title contenders, and perhaps favorites.
Oklahoma City has hit on an inordinate number of draft picks in recent years, building the foundation for what might be their deepest team yet. Having young players who can contribute is vital in today's NBA, allowing you to not overspend on role players in free agency. And it's especially important for a team trying to avoid the luxury tax while paying two max contracts. Of course, the new TV deal the NBA will reportedly sign and the resulting jump in salary cap will change the dynamics of good and bad contracts. Now, the Thunder's main concern will be building a convincing case to keep Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, as his number of potential suitors literally increased overnight. Their best argument for him to stay will be their contender status: over the last three years, the Thunder lead the NBA in Margin of Victory, SRS, and Net Rating, and are second in Wins. They remain true title contenders, and perhaps favorites.
Player to Watch: Jeremy Lamb
Lamb was supposed to inherit the starting two guard spot, left open when Thabo Sefolosha signed with Atlanta. But the emergence of Andre Roberson in training camp, the signing of Anthony Morrow, and last season's breakout from Reggie Jackson have created a competition for the role. Roberson does the best Sefolosha impression defensively, and Morrow provides much needed floor spacing, but Jackson would seem to be the favorite, having started the final four playoff games for the Thunder. Lamb, therefore, will probably come off the bench, but long-term might be the best fit next to Westbrook and Durant. He's both a good shooter and improving defender, with potential to be a secondary creator as well. Lamb's progress should also be monitored closely because he, along with Steven Adams, represents the remaining return from the James Harden trade.
Basketball-Reference.com Play Index:
Through the first three years of their careers:
In his fourth season, his first as a full-time starter, Bledsoe broke out and earned himself a $70 million contract.
Next up, the Detroit Pistons
Lamb was supposed to inherit the starting two guard spot, left open when Thabo Sefolosha signed with Atlanta. But the emergence of Andre Roberson in training camp, the signing of Anthony Morrow, and last season's breakout from Reggie Jackson have created a competition for the role. Roberson does the best Sefolosha impression defensively, and Morrow provides much needed floor spacing, but Jackson would seem to be the favorite, having started the final four playoff games for the Thunder. Lamb, therefore, will probably come off the bench, but long-term might be the best fit next to Westbrook and Durant. He's both a good shooter and improving defender, with potential to be a secondary creator as well. Lamb's progress should also be monitored closely because he, along with Steven Adams, represents the remaining return from the James Harden trade.
Basketball-Reference.com Play Index:
Through the first three years of their careers:
| Player | MP | TS% | eFG% | TRB% | AST% | TOV% | USG% | WS/48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Bledsoe | 3858 | .500 | .460 | 7.9 | 23.6 | 22.3 | 19.9 | .053 |
| Reggie Jackson | 3771 | .514 | .474 | 8.0 | 21.8 | 14.5 | 21.0 | .096 |
Next up, the Detroit Pistons
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