NBA Free Agents 2011: Scorers the OKC Thunder Should Target
The Oklahoma City Thunder were three wins from the NBA Finals last season. Due to the struggles of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, it is clear the team needs more scoring depth.
Durant struggled against the Memphis Grizzlies in the conference semifinals, and Westbrook's poor shot selection was criticized throughout the playoffs.
The Thunder need another scorer who can provide some offense for OKC when Durant and Westbrook are not playing their best.
Let's look at three scorers the Thunder should target in free agency.
Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is a sixth man who can score 20-plus points off the bench. Those kinds of players are highly coveted by NBA teams.
Crawford is a good outside shooter who can stretch the floor for Durant and Westbrook to drive to the basket.
It is unlikely that Crawford re-signs with the Atlanta Hawks, and the Thunder need a dependable scorer off the bench that can provide an offensive spark.
J.R. Smith is an inconsistent shooter, but when he's hot he can be deadly from three-point range and score points in bunches.
Smith is a fantastic scorer and can drive to the basket and dunk over bigger players, as well as score off the dribble.
The Denver Nuggets are likely going to go in another direction and let Smith go. The Thunder would be wise to look at Smith because he will provide energy and outside shooting for the offense.
Wilson Chandler
Wilson Chandler would bring a lot of versatility to the Thunder lineup. He is a shooting guard but he can play and defend small forwards if needed.
Chandler has really improved his mid-range shot over the past few seasons and has become a dependable scorer.
Chandler would give the Thunder an all-around bench player who can contribute at both ends of the floor. If there's one player the Thunder should go after the most, it is Chandler.
He would add some tremendous depth at small forward, and would fill the void left by Jeff Green since he was traded to the Boston Celtics last season.
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