The Oklahoma City Thunder were expected to be one of the top contenders in the Western Conference last season after acquiring both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to play alongside Russell Westbrook. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out and the Thunder struggled all season long. Oklahoma City ended up being bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs by the Utah Jazz.
Looking ahead to the 2018-19 NBA season, things are going to be much different. Anthony was traded in a deal that brought point guard Dennis Schroder to the Thunder and the team was able to re-sign Paul George to a four-year contract.
While there won’t be as much “star power” on the Thunder roster, there are many reasons to believe that the team as a whole should improve dramatically.
Other moves that the Thunder made this offseason include re-signing Jerami Grant and signing Nerlens Noel. They may not be huge moves, but they bolster the depth of the team. Grant may even have a chance of starting with Anthony out of town.
Billy Donovan and company know that there are no more excuses this season. Westbrook and George are a deadly duo and have a strong supporting cast around them. Oklahoma City would have liked to sign a player like Tyreke Evans, but they should still be a much stronger team than they were last season.
All of that being said, what three things can be taken away from the Thunder offseason?
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