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NBA Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook Should Stay With OKC

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after dunking against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Oklahoma City defeated Toronto 119-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after dunking against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Oklahoma City defeated Toronto 119-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) signals for a play in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic won 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) signals for a play in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic won 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Potential

Victor Oladipo is a 24-year-old two-way shooting guard who has proven capable of creating his own offense at a very high level. Andre Roberson is a 24-year-old defensive stud who played elite defense throughout the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

Throw in a 21-year-old Cameron Payne, who has the potential to add a critically versatile element offensively, and the perimeter is flush with playmakers and defensive standouts.

Steven Adams will enter the 2016-17 season as a 23-year-old defensive force to be reckoned with who has no trouble playing above the rim. Enes Kanter is a 24-year-old power forward who’s one of the most efficient players in the NBA.

The message I’m trying to send here is that the Thunder are young, hungry, flush with postseason experience, and perfectly suited to support Russell Westbrook.

Oladipo averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks on a slash line of .474/.351/.820 after the All-Star Break. Kanter ranked No. 11 in the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating, and Adams held opponents to 42.0 percent shooting—as a center.

The Thunder are already a postseason-caliber team, and they have significant potential to grow into—a process Westbrook should see through.

Next: The Sideline Leader

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