After missing the playoffs by one game last season, the OKC Thunder enter this year beaming with optimism. Their roster is far more complete now, but the Western Conference remains highly competitive. What’s the best-case scenario for this young squad based on roster additions, internal improvement, and competition?
The undersized OKC Thunder navigated last season without a towering center on the roster, and the numbers were brutal as a result. Per NBA.com, they ranked 28th in opponent offensive rebound rate, 27th in roll man points per possession, 30th in screen assists, 22nd in blocks, and 30th in FG% within eight feet of the basket.