OKC Thunder: What Should We Expect out of Kevin Durant and Co. Next Season?
Of all the teams in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder probably has the biggest upside.
They are young, athletic and hungry, and a trip to the Western Conference finals this past year showed what they are capable of accomplishing.
As a result, there will be big expectations for the Thunder next season. Here are the six biggest.
James Harden Will Continue to Develop as a Scorer
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Harden made great strides this season toward fulfilling the expectations of being a third overall draft pick.
Much like Russell Westbrook the year before (another high overall draft pick), Harden put himself on the NBA map, especially after the Thunder traded away Jeff Green to Boston.
He averaged 17 points per game during the regular season after the trade and came up big in many key playoff games.
Harden will continue to develop into an elite shooting guard in the league. He may even crack the starting lineup if the Thunder can find another source of bench scoring.
But whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Harden will continue to be a very important factor for the Thunder’s success.
Kendrick Perkins Will Get Better and Be Better
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The truth is, Perkins was nowhere near 100 percent for the Thunder this season. Considering that fact, one must assume that he will play even better next season for the Thunder.
They brought him in to be a foundation for their defense, and his injury hindered him in that role this year. Plus, he practically sapped the offensive energy of the starting five, contributing very little on that side of the ball.
That will change next year, as Perkins heals and is able to play at full strength. He’ll set better screens, play better defense, and be more of a threat offensively. Thunder fans can expect such from him without worry.
Scott Brooks Will Mature as a Coach
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Brooks made some great adjustments and calls in this last season , a fact made obvious by the Thunder’s impressive 55 wins and deep postseason run. That being said, he has maturing to do along with his young team.
There were times when Brooks appeared to be too set in his ways or even stodgy as far as his play-calling and substitutions went. He was outcoached at times by both Lionel Hollins and Rick Carlisle, especially the latter.
Thunder fans can be confident in expecting even better coaching from Brooks next year, who will learn from his previous mistakes and lead this team even more efficiently.
GM Sam Presti Will Continue to Make All the Right Moves
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To say that Presti has done well up to this point is a huge understatement. Picking up players like Serge Ibaka, Eric Maynor, and even James Harden have paid off huge dividends for the Thunder and helped them build a solid, young foundation for future success.
Although it’s unlikely that Presti will be all that active in the way of transactions next season, doing nothing may be the smartest move of all.
However, I expect Presti to do something to help continue the development of this young team, whether it’s a trade or a diamond-in-the-rough draft pick.
His biggest task for next season and seasons to come will be keeping together the young, talented nucleus he has created.
For any other GM, it might be impossible, but Thunder fans can expect Presti, the best GM in the NBA, to pull it off.
Russell Westbrook Will Become a Nightmare for Opponents
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Westbrook was the subject of much criticism this year for his decision-making and the shots he took at inopportune times. However, he did average 22 points and 8 assists per game and cement his position as one of the league’s best overall athletes.
Next season, Westbrook will become an even better point guard by learning how to better run an offense and how to get his teammates good shots.
He will also continue to be the best rebounding point guard in the NBA, averaging at least six (maybe more) rebounds per game. Thunder fans can expect Westbrook to become the biggest overall stat machine in the NBA behind LeBron James.
Kevin Durant Will Develop into a More Complete Player
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Once again, Durant led the league in scoring this season, despite getting fewer shots and touches. It is unquestionable that Durant is already a top ten player in the league at age 22.
He is the most prolific and versatile scorer in the game and one of the few guys in the league who can make any shot he takes. But a true basketball fan knows that Durant’s development must continue.
Thunder fans can expect Durant to develop in ways other than scoring. His vision and rebounding have improved but are not yet where they need to be.
Next season, it is more than likely that Durant’s assists and rebounds will go up and his scoring may actually level off or even go down.
