Oklahoma City Thunder 2009-10 Facts:
- Western Conference: 8th Place
- Northwest Division: 4th Place
- Record: 50 Wins 32 Loses
- Playoffs: Eliminated in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Key Moves:
Incoming
- C Cole Aldrich
- G Daequan Cook
- G Morris Peterson
- G Royal Ivey
- F Ryan Reid
Outgoing
Last season the Oklahoma City Thunder surprised everyone by pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to six games and almost to a game seven if it wasn't for a mental breakdown on the boards. This season nobody will be shocked at how good the Thunder will be, instead if the expectations for them have risen. Kevin Durant has grown into one of the best players in the league and after a subpar showing against the Lakers last season look for him to go off. During the summer Durant was the focus of the USA team and he showed up and played big time. This season everyone is looking at Durant to be the leagues MVP and I'm one of them. The challenge the Thunder face is up front and they are hoping new comer Cole Aldrich will be able to man the middle. Russell Westbrook needs to take that next step and become an all-star for the Thunder this year. Jeff Green is always solid and has been getting better every season. Nenad Krstic is still young and they are hoping he can bring a lot more to the table and defend the middle and score in the post. The Thunder stole Eric Maynor from the the Jazz last season and he'll get increased minutes to show that he's a legit point guard. Thabo Sefolosha has worked on his offense in the off season, but his main role will be on defense. James Harden and Serge Ibaka had great seasons and will also look to improve. Look for the Thunder to push the Lakers to the limit again this season.
Russell Westbrook will lead the starting unit and post career numbers this season. Westbrook has problems shooting, but can rebound and rack up assists to make up for that. Look for Westbrook to have an all-star year and come into the season confident after playing for team USA. Eric Maynor will back up Westbrook and see his role increase this season. Maynor is solid all around and will be a good leader for the second unit. Maynor can start on the majority of teams in the NBA, that is all good he is. Thabo Sefolosha wants to get the ball more on offense, but needs to realize he's their defensive stopper and shooter. If anything goes wrong James Harden can come in and replace Sefolosha. Harden is a solid shooter and defender who will looks to improve again this season. Daequan Cook can shoot the ball and will see minutes if he's shoot is on.
Kevin Durant leads the front line and is the best scorer in the NBA. For a 6'11 forward Durant can shoot lights out and also hit's his free throws. On the defensive end Durant needs to become a better rebounder. Jeff Green is the do it all type of role player the Thunder always wanted him to be. Green hit's three pointers, rebounds, defends, and dives for loose balls. Green will likely shoot better this season, but I don't see him improving to much. Nenad Krstic will be the starting center and needs to improve his rebounds and low post defense. Krstic can score on offense, he has solid low post moves and can hit the mid range jumper. Cole Aldrich has a chance to earn a huge role if he can come in and play defense without fouling and rebound. The Thunder needed a low post defender and they are hoping Aldrich can take on that role. Serge Ibaka can be a game changer on defense and proved that last season. Ibaka gets a lot of blocks and defends the post. Look for Ibaka to get a bigger role this year and we might even see if his offense improved. Byron Mullens will likely not play a lot and Nick Collison will see limited minuted.
- 2010-11 Predictions:
- Center: Nenad Krstic
- Power Forward: Jeff Green
- Small Forward: Kevin Durant
- Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha
- Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
- Sixth Man: Eric Maynor
Bench: Cole Aldrich, Tweety Carter, Nick Collison, Daequan Cook, Jerome Dyson, James Harden, Serge Ibaka, Royal Ivey, Longar Longar, Elijah Millsap, Byron Mullens, Morris Peterson, and D.J. White.
- All Star Player: Kevin Durant
- Best Veteran: Nenad Krstic
- Best Asset: Kevin Durant
- Best New Addition: Cole Aldrich
- Key Player: Russell Westbrook
- Western Conference: 2nd Place
- Northwest Division: 1st Place
The Oklahoma City Thunder will go as far as Kevin Durant takes them. The nerves and tough defense from Ron Artest got to Durant last season as felt the pressure against the Lakers. Durant needs to realize nothing will come easy in the playoffs and the shots will be much harder to take. Look for the Thunder to be in the Western Conference finals battling the Lakers.
