---

2008-2009 Team Review

Don’t look now folks, but the good people of Oklahoma City have themselves an upcoming Playoffs contender with a roster that boasts a bonafide superstar, All-Star caliber young talents, and veteran role players. OKC will not be the same pushovers that they were a year ago. Looking back at last season, there are many positives to be seen for the Thunder. In only their first season as a franchise, the Thunder ranked 12^th in NBA attendance. Secondly, OKC improved upon their 07-08 record by finishing 08-09 with a record of 23-59 (20-62 as the SuperSonics in 07-08).

While the franchise accolades are important, for us fantasy enthusiasts we’re only interested in one thing, and that’s production. The obvious star in OKC is Kevin Durant. In his sophomore season, KD increased his stats in 7 major statistical categories, hit 3 game winning shots, and stepped into the leadership role for this young team. Fellow 2^nd-year man, Jeff Green, also stepped up his game by increasing his stats in 8 major statistical categories and proved he’s capable of playing the Power Forward position in the pros. Rookie Russell Westbrook also showed some promise by showcasing the talent that earned him the 4^th overall pick in 2008. And rookie Head Coach Scott Brooks earned a vote of confidence from his young team by keeping the team from being involved in fewer blowout losses.

Off Season Moves

Draft – The Thunder lost out on the Blake Griffin sweepstakes but still made out with a gem by drafting All-American Shooting Guard out of Arizona State James Harden. While not expected to be selected that high, Harden has been highly regarded as the top Shooting Guard of the draft, which happens to be the position where the Thunder have the biggest void. OKC also drafted French Point Guard Rodrigue Beaubois but immediately traded him to Dallas for B.J. Mullens. While Mullens is thought of as a “project,” it’s worth noting that early mock drafts had him as a much higher pick. This may well be the perfect place where Mullens can develop as he watches Nenad Krstic, Nick Collison, and Etan Thomas ahead of him.

Trades – With the glaring hole of a defensive presence in the middle, GM Sam Presti brought in veteran big man Etan Thomas while purging OKC of little used players Chucky Atkins and Gerald Wilkins. This is an excellent move, as Atkins and Wilkins would have had even less of a role on the team this year than they did last year. Also, with bringing in Etan Thomas, they will get a solid backup with an expiring contract, which means he will have something to prove which is what OKC can use.

Free Agent Signings – While OKC did sign Kevin Ollie to the veteran’s minimum, the more noteworthy stories in their Free Agency bids are the players they lost. They did not resign loyal Sonic/Thunder swingman Desmond Mason and they also waived the recently disenchanted Earl Watson. By not using any of their free cap space to go after some of the bigger name players, it is clear that Sam Presti wants to stay young and affordable. And with the young talent that he has, can you blame him?

Impact Players

Kevin Durant is a borderline 1^st overall fantasy pick. And I say borderline because I would discredit myself if I didn’t acknowledge Lebron, Kobe, CP3 and Dwight Howard are all can’t miss picks. But for myself, folks, I’m going with KEVIN DURANT! This kid is the real deal. To me, he’s the player that Lamar Odom was supposed to have developed into. He’s got the whole package; the shooting and the dribbling, the rebounding and the passing, the length and the speed, inside and outside, and he does it all with a certain calm and poise that just shows that he’s going to be a great one. On NBA.com, you can catch a recent interview with KD about his offseason activities, where he attended USA basketball camp, travelled the world, took summer classes, and when asked about what he focused on in offseason play, Durant answered “passing and defense.” You won’t hear that from too many 20 year olds.

Last season, Durant improved in almost every statistical category, with averages of  39mpg, 25.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.8apg, and 1.3spg. While those are all magnificent for a 2^nd year player, the stat that sticks out to me is .476 FG% and .422 3p%. For a guy with all of the skills he has, it’s unfair that he’s a threat to hit shots at such a high efficiency as that! I think three game winners speak for themselves.

I have one last thing to say about KD before I move on, and it’s rather bold. But before I do so, I want to intercept any lashback by acknowledging that I am aware of its lack of merit. And with the recent media frenzy of our country's politics, everyone should no doubt be becoming familiar with the term “slobbering love affair” where the media unabashedly praises someone to no end. While I hope I’m not quite slobbering yet, folks, I am here to shamelessly state with no restraint that Kevin Durant is going to be an NBA legend AND I am convinced that Kevin Durant will be the BEST player in our league very soon. Ahead of Lebron James! How can I say that, you ask? Well, he’s longer, just as talented, a better shooter and most importantly, has a better attitude. To me, it’s only a matter of time. Oh yeah, did I mention he’s only 20?

Jeff Green could end up being the next Scottie Pippen. He is a multi-faceted player and can play multiple positions. He’s in the right position by being alongside Durant. And really he is just as undeniably a phenom as Durant. Last season saw Green improve all across the stat sheet with averages of 37.3mpg, 17.5ppg, 7rpg, 2.1apg, 1spg, and all of that with high shooting percentages of .451 FG% and .415 3p%. Green also put to rest any questions of his inability to play the 4 spot by proving that he can play with the bigger forwards, all while using his quickness to his advantage, much like Carlos Boozer or Josh Smith. Jeff Green is the real deal, plays the game the right way, and alongside Durant is a future star.

Russell Westbrook had his moments last year. There were a couple fast breaks where he amazed with his blinding speed and explosive finishes at the rim. But there were just as many times where the offense never got started due to his poor decision making. Statistically, everything is promising for Westbrook, with averages of 32.5mpg, 15.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 5.3apg, and 1.3spg. With the departure of Earl Watson and the arrival of James Harden, OKC has shown they are committed to Westbrook as their Point Guard. This means plenty of PT and plenty of production. For OKC fans, let’s just hope that translates into intelligent Point Guard play, good decision making.

James Harden had a solid Summer League in Vegas with averages of 28mpg, 14.5ppg, 3rpg, 3.3apg, and 1.2 spg, with percentages of .476 FG% and .353 3p%. Harden has a potent mid range game and plays the game at his own pace. He has an impressive build for a rookie and easily overpowered other guards in Vegas. In OKC, Harden has the ideal top draft pick situation, where he will get plenty of playing time, but there are already other young talented players with expectations on them. Without the pressure, Harden will have the best situation for him to grow into a good pro ball player.