OKC Thunder: Players Who Will Shine Without Kevin Durant

Oklahoma City Thunder: Players Who Will Shine Without Kevin Durant

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Kevin Durant (35) react after leaving the court during action against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Victor Oladipo

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 24 (5/4/1992)
2015-16 Slash Line: .438/.348/.830
2015-16 Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG

One could argue that no player will benefit more from Kevin Durant’s departure than shooting guard Victor Oladipo. Oladipo was slated to fill the role of a tertiary perimeter scoring option, which comes with the knowledge that an interior player will get a significant share of the touches.

Without Durant, Oladipo is the No. 2 perimeter scoring option and the No. 2 overall playmaker—and that’s the ultimate opportunity.

Oladipo has the combination of athleticism and slashing ability to be a force in the Association. He proved as much in 2016-17, when he averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.4 3-point field goals made after the All-Star Break.

If Oladipo can play at that level in 2016-17, then he and Russell Westbrook could form one of the best backcourts in the Western Conference.

Oladipo’s defensive potential remains a valuable commodity—especially alongside Westbrook. Both guards can dominate the passing lanes, but they’re also athletic enough to genuinely lock opposing guards down.

Durant’s absence calls for another perimeter player to help pick up the scoring and playmaking slack, and Oladipo is the most likely candidate.

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