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Oklahoma City Thunder: 2016-17 Season Outlook

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 13, 2016; Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) points into the stand in game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) points into the stand in game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma City Thunder
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

2016-17 Roster

Alex Abrines, SG
Steven Adams, C
Semaj Christon, PG
Nick Collison, PF
Daniel Hamilton, SG
Josh Huestis, SF
Ersan Ilyasova, PF
Enes Kanter, C
Joffrey Lauvergne, C
Mitch McGary, PF
Anthony Morrow, SG
Victor Oladipo, SG
Cameron Payne, PG
Ronnie Price, PG
Andre Roberson, SG
Domantas Sabonis, PF
Kyle Singler, SF
Kaleb Tarczewski, C
Russell Westbrook, PG
Reggie Williams, SF
Chris Wright, SF

Offseason Additions
Alex Abrines (free agency, FC Barcelona {Spain}), Semaj Christon (free agency, Consultinvest Pesaro {Italy}), Daniel Hamilton (56th overall draft pick, Connecticut), Ersan Ilyasova (trade, Orlando Magic), Joffrey Lauvergne (trade, Denver Nuggets), Victor Oladipo (trade, Orlando Magic), Ronnie Price (free agency, Phoenix Suns), Domantas Sabonis (11th overall draft pick, Gonzaga), Kaleb Tarczewski (free agency, undrafted), Reggie Williams (free agency, Avtodor Saratov {Russia}), Chris Wright (free agency, Maccabi Rishon LeZion, {Israel})

Offseason Subtractions
Kevin Durant (free agency, Golden State Warriors), Randy Foye (free agency, Brooklyn Nets), Serge Ibaka (trade, Orlando Magic), Nazr Mohammed (free agency, unsigned), Dion Waiters (free agency, Miami Heat)

Quick Thoughts

In one summer, the Thunder lost two members of their former Big Three — one planned, and one unplanned.

In an effort to get younger, provide a little more backcourt firepower and move on from a player whose best years may already be behind him, the Thunder dealt Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic for Oladipo, stretch-4 Ersan Ilyasova and rookie Domantas Sabonis.

More from Oklahoma City Thunder

Though the frontcourt is exceedingly crowded — especially after trading for Joffrey Lauvergne — OKC bolstered its backcourt by adding Oladipo. His defense will be crucial alongside Westbrook, and if he can finally have the breakout season we’ve been waiting for, the Thunder will have one of the league’s most dynamic, athletic backcourts.

Bringing over Alex Abrines from Spain improves the team’s wing depth, but there are concerns about how well Oladipo and Andre Roberson can spread the floor, even in small-ball lineups that don’t include non-shooting bigs like Enes Kanter or Steven Adams. In this way, the Thunder may rely on Ilyasova’s perimeter touch more than they’re comfortable with.

Westbrook’s driving lanes are going to be clogged like never before, and though the Thunder are going to HAMMER teams on the boards, their shooting flaws could be very noticeable unless Oladipo takes a major step forward.

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