Oklahoma City Thunder: 2015-16 Season Outlook

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Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (left) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Perry Jones (right) react on the bench during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-Case Scenario

Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka all stay healthy for the entire year. Durant returns to MVP form, Ibaka covers for Kanter’s major defensive flaws and under Billy Donovan, the Thunder actually run some offense other than Durant and Westbrook isolation plays in late-game situations.

Oklahoma City surges to a top four seed in the West and after battling through the Western Conference bloodbath, advances to the NBA Finals. There, Durant gets his revenge on LeBron James by downing the Cleveland Cavaliers to give the franchise’s first ever championship in OKC.

Worst-Case Scenario

Durant’s foot becomes a recurring issue, limiting the Thunder’s ceiling. Westbrook plays like an MVP candidate once again and OKC makes the playoffs, but Kanter’s horrendous interior defense prevents the Thunder from working their way into the top four. As one of the worst defenses among playoff teams, the Thunder are quickly ousted in the first or second round.

Convinced that this team has already reached its peak, Durant seeks greener pastures as a free agent, leaving Oklahoma City for the Washington Wizards (or one of the other dozens of suitors he’ll have). Despite Billy Donovan’s best efforts as a rookie head coach, the Thunder’s once promising title window is officially slammed shut.

Next: Predictions

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