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2008 Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions

Written by Jack Jones

The Oklahoma City Thunder begin this first season in 2008-09 after the Seattle SuperSonics franchised moved. The team will be building from the ground up when they make their fresh start as two of the team’s key players are second-year players in Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, but both of those guys proved more than capable as rookies. There is no need to get too excited for this year, but with Durant the focus of the franchise within a few years they should be competing for a playoff spot. The Thunder are currently at 75-to-1 to win the Northwest division.

Both Green and Durant were members of the All-Rookie team last year so you know the team has young talent. Green put up over 10 points per game and five boards and the best part is how he seemed to get better every month. He spent some time this summer working on his mid-range shot to help add another dimension to his game. Nick Collison is another solid frontcourt contributer who can both score and rebound. Chris Wilcox doesn’t get much credit at power forward, but his only knack is the lack of size he has limits his rebounding abilities. Oklahoma City is at 150-to-1 to win the Western Conference.

Durant has the offensive tools to lead the league in scoring. This offseason he got on a weight program that should add plenty of muscle to his frame and enable him to grab more rebounds with his 6′9″ body. Earl Watson mans the point guard spot, but might not be for long after the team took Russell Westbrook with the fourth pick in the draft. The Thunder are currently at 250-to-1 to win the NBA Finals.

To add depth to the frontcourt the Thunder brought in Desmond Mason and Joe Smith from the Milwaukee Bucks. Mason spent his college days at Oklahoma State and is a solid scorer who should see plenty of floor time. Smith does a better job of rebounding and playing solid defense down low and will provide minutes when those things are needed. Plus, both are veterans who can help provide some leadership to the young roster. The over/under win total for Oklahoma City is at 25.5.

Westbrook played two years at UCLA before entering the draft and the Oklahoma City management is really excited about him. He is extremely fast, but played more off-guard with the Bruins so the team will have him learn under Watson in the early goings.

Mo Sene will be the backup center. He does a lot of hustle-related things like grabbing boards and blocking shots.

A couple of the Thunder’s other draft choices, DJ White and Serge Ibaka won’t contribute a whole lot this season. White had a growth removed from his jaw and will miss up to six months healing, while Ibaka is only 18 years old and will likely develop his game overseas.

Final Analysis

Our NBA predictions don’t see the Thunder making a big splash this season as the team is young and will need time to grow. The good news is that when this team gains some experience they will be pretty tough. I like the young nucleus of Durant, Green, and Westbrook which could put Oklahoma City on the basketball map in the new couple of years.

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