NBA Predictions 2011: How the Season Will Play out for the Oklahoma City Thunder

For the past few seasons, the Thunder have looked primed for a breakout year, and many experts and analysts are already forecasting a Thunder-Heat Final for this NBA season. 

With one of the game’s most dynamic young scorers in Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City has emerged as one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference. Alongside Durant, the Thunder have another young star in Russell Westbrook, who despite his athleticism and copious talent, needs to improve his offensive efficiency and sometimes lackluster decision making.  Westbrook was often criticized last season for errant shooting in crunch time and his unwillingness to pass to the league's two time leading scorer in Kevin Durant.  If Westbrook can mature his game and Durant continues to be an elite scorer, the Thunder are a legitimate contender to win the Western Conference and challenge for the NBA Championship.

The Thunder boast one of the most complete starting lineups of any team this year.  As mentioned, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are the cornerstones, both tremendously athletic players who fill up the stats sheet.  While Westbrook’s game does need a little further development, his season averages of 22 PPG, eight APG and four RPG place him among the most dominant point guards in the league.  Durant is perhaps the game’s most consistent scorer, and the athletic swingman has been working hard to improve his game throughout the summer lockout. 

Coupled with their offensive firepower, the Thunder possess one of the most intimidating defenders in Serge Ibaka.  Known affectionately as “Air Congo”, the Congolese PF is a force on the glass and in the paint.  A high flying shot blocker, Ibaka provides a spark on both ends of the floor, and his offensive limitations are overshadowed by his impact on the boards and altering shots on the defensive end.  Seeking a more physical presence at the 5, GM Sam Presti orchestrated a trade in the middle of last season for former Boston Celtic Kendrick Perkins.  Another player built in the mold of Ibaka, Perkins' main asset is his ability to lock down some of the league’s best offensive centers. 

James Harden, last year's impact sixth man, looks to procure a starting spot in the Thunder's lineup, as the bearded guard had huge playoff games as the Thunder's third scoring option behind Westbrook and Durant.  With an increase in minutes, Harden could emerge as one of the top breakout talents of this season.  A productive bench is filled with playoff experienced players including Nate Robinson, Thabo Sefolosha and Nazr Mohammed, who will serve beneficially as both role players and mentors.

A lockout shortened season looks to favor the young Thunder and we here at GNB see them reaching the Western Conference Final due to a lack of dominant teams in the West. With each team forced into playing back to back to back games, the older Western Conference teams risk losing their veteran players to injury or fatigue.  With another year of experience under their belt, Coach Scott Brooks hopes to push the talented team to reach their potential and get over the final hurdle by making their first ever NBA Finals.