8. Oklahoma City Thunder
Notable Additions: Dennis Schroder, Nerlens Noel
Notable Subtractions: Carmelo Anthony
Melo was just atrocious last season. His defense was nonexistent. His 50.9% true shooting percentage was a career low and his 35.7% shooting from 3 was about league average. In his 194 playoff minutes versus Utah, OKC allowed 113.1 points per 100 possessions. In the 94 minutes he sat, the Thunder scored 116.7 points and allowed 99.5 points per 100 possessions. The Thunder were outscored by 4.3 points per 100 possessions the whole series.
Now, he is on the Houston Rockets. Losing Melo’s inefficient 15 shots per game and permeable defense should be an addition by subtraction for OKC. Andre Roberson was in the defensive player of the year conversation before going down with a left patellar tendon rupture. Having him and Ferguson instead of Anthony and Brewer for the playoffs would be a big difference.
Terrance Ferguson is a perplexing young player. In only 12 minutes per game last season, he shot 33% from 3 on 2 attempts per game. He is an athletic, rangy defender. If his shot improves, he could be a solid ‘3-and-D’ player OKC desperately needs. He, George, and Roberson with Adams inside would be a terrifying defense.
Like Capela, Steven Adams is still young and has improved every season. He is arguably the best offensive rebounder in the league, finishing second behind Andre Drummond, but he averaged more per 100 possessions than the Big Penguin in Detroit. This does not include all the tip-outs Adams does to keep the ball alive. He also has great feet on defense, allowing himself to hold his own against most perimeter players on switches. If he adds a wrinkle to his game, he could make OKC even more dangerous.
Lastly, for Schroder and Noel, they should help their defense if they decide to try. Schroder fits Russell Westbrook like a square peg in a round hole. He needs to develop better off the ball as a shooter and/or cutter to get court time. This might be Noel’s last shot in the NBA if this does not work out for him. He needs to find his niche as a roll man, energizing rebounder, and a versatile defender. He has never played with a guard like Russ, so it will be interesting to see if he and the all-star will connect.
Next Up: Team 7
