(a sorta) League Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Surveying the sorriest and the lottery likelies is a necessary chore. Once we get into this next grouping, our subjects become much more exciting. These teams have the potential to make noise in the post-season as well as the potential to crash and burn in the first 82. Let’s start with the upstarts from the 4 spot in the Northwest.

Oklahoma City Thunder

PG Russell Westbrook Kevin Ollie Shaun Livingston

SG James Harden Kyle Weaver

SF Kevin Durant Thabo Sefolosha

PF Jeff Green Nick Collison

C Nenad Krstic Etan Thomas Serge Ibaka

Oklahoma City is a team on the rise because Kevin Durant is really that good. They certainly have holes in their line up. The trio of Nick Collison, Nenad Krstic and Etan Thomas are holding down the pivot, and that ain’t too cool. At two, OKC sports a rookie (James Harden) and a scrappy utility player (Kyle Weaver). But Durant is about to hit full bloom, and that spells trouble for everybody in the League. Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook are also for real. It is only a matter of time before Durant and his two young running mates arrive on the big stage. This season could well be the time.

Though I would never have described myself as a Durant detractor, I had my doubts. Controlling the game from the forward position is very difficult. Plus some many brilliant college forwards disappoint in the pros. KD is different. I now agree with most everyone that the kid’s talent level and desire make him a lock for 10 or more All-Star appearances, and perhaps much more. He may make a run at the scoring title this season. He has the length, quickness and competitive fire to become a wicked defender. At 21, he is only going to get better.

Line him up next to the multi-talented Green, and you have perhaps the best young forward combo in the game. Less explosive than KD, Green is a blender with the body and skills to fill any role he is asked. He and Durant can control games together with their ability to score. Russ Westbrook brings pressure on both sides of the ball that compliments well the talents of the two forwards. He creates fast break opportunities with his ball hawk tendencies and outstanding speed. His athleticism is stupid. As he matures, this trio will be among the League’s most entertaining.

The overall lack of established talent on the Thunder may create a load to heavy for Durant to carry. Krstic needs to find his old form, because as productive and hard working as Nick Collison is, he simply does not have the length to be an effective starter. Thabo Sefolosha could be a secret strength for OKC, but he has been on the verge of being good for several years now. Some cats never get past that. The draft day excitement about Harden seemed a tad optimistic in what was roundly understood as a weak draft. Mr. Harden may contribute down the line, but as a rook? Weaver can pinch hit as a starter, but two guard is a trouble spot.

Making the playoffs would be a ridiculous leap for the Thunder. A 40 win season where they remain in the playoff hunt until April would be a huge accomplishment. In fairness, it would not be a shocker to see them flounder at the 30 win level. What elevates Oklahoma City promise of a world beater in KD. If they can somehow secure the 8 seed, the Thunder could pose some problems for the mighty Lakers. Durant has the type of torch that once lit is very hard to extinguish.