Power Rankings
Overall Ranking: 4th
Tier: Title Contenders
Projected Seeding: 3rd in West
After a season ruined by injuries, namely to superstars SF/PF Kevin Durant and PG/SG Russell Westbrook, the Thunder finally look healthy and ready for another title run. They better be, as Durant will hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and while OKC looks like the front-runners to keep him around, they are by no means a lock to do so and their success this season could be the determining factor in Durant's upcoming decision. PF/C Serge Ibaka is the ideal complementary piece to the superstar duo of Westbrook and KD, as the big man is an elite rim defender that can rebound and stretch the floor as well. C Enes Kanter, added last season at the trade deadline, provides a third go-to offensive option, other than Durant and Westbrook of course, that this team hasn't had since superstar SG James Harden was traded away to Houston. There are also a plethora of key role players surrounding the team's four stars, from rookie PG Cameron Payne and SG Dion Waiters in the backcourt to C/PF Steven Adams and PF/C Mitch McGary up front. Although SG Jeremy Lamb was curiously dealt away for next to nothing, SF/SG Kyle Singler and SG/SF Anthony Morrow still provide key shooting on the perimeter to space the floor for others. Despite missing the playoffs last year due to injuries and the West looking as deep as ever (which is really saying a lot), expect a deep playoff run and a decent shot at the team's first-ever title in Oklahoma City.
Overall Ranking: 4th
Tier: Title Contenders
Projected Seeding: 3rd in West
After a season ruined by injuries, namely to superstars SF/PF Kevin Durant and PG/SG Russell Westbrook, the Thunder finally look healthy and ready for another title run. They better be, as Durant will hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and while OKC looks like the front-runners to keep him around, they are by no means a lock to do so and their success this season could be the determining factor in Durant's upcoming decision. PF/C Serge Ibaka is the ideal complementary piece to the superstar duo of Westbrook and KD, as the big man is an elite rim defender that can rebound and stretch the floor as well. C Enes Kanter, added last season at the trade deadline, provides a third go-to offensive option, other than Durant and Westbrook of course, that this team hasn't had since superstar SG James Harden was traded away to Houston. There are also a plethora of key role players surrounding the team's four stars, from rookie PG Cameron Payne and SG Dion Waiters in the backcourt to C/PF Steven Adams and PF/C Mitch McGary up front. Although SG Jeremy Lamb was curiously dealt away for next to nothing, SF/SG Kyle Singler and SG/SF Anthony Morrow still provide key shooting on the perimeter to space the floor for others. Despite missing the playoffs last year due to injuries and the West looking as deep as ever (which is really saying a lot), expect a deep playoff run and a decent shot at the team's first-ever title in Oklahoma City.