Oklahoma City Thunder: Complete 2017 offseason grades
How did the Oklahoma City Thunder fare this summer? Here’s a breakdown of their complete 2017 offseason with some grades.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a difficult 2016-17. After losing Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors and trading Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic last offseason, the Thunder were undergoing a makeover.
Replacing players of that caliber is not easy to do. However, it is certainly easier when you already have a superstar in place like the Thunder have with Russell Westbrook. Westbrook showed just how great he can be as the focal point of a team, as he took home MVP honors by averaging a triple-double.
It was the first time a player averaged a triple-double in a full season since Oscar Robertson did it during the 1961-62 season. While watching Westbrook perform was awe-inspiring, it was clear the Thunder needed to upgrade the roster around him.
Whenever Westbrook was off the court, the Thunder struggled mightily. This was most evident during the playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma City was ousted in five games, as the Thunder started their offseason earlier than they had hoped to.
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Upgrading the roster was not going to be an easy task. The Thunder, before any player movement occurred, were over the projected salary cap for the 2017-18 season. Sam Presti and the front office were going to have to get creative in upgrading the roster this offseason, and that is exactly what they did.
Oklahoma City drafted a high upside wing in the 2017 NBA Draft, pulled off the most surprising trade of the offseason, and found value in a free agent market that has seen plenty of overpays in recent seasons.
How well did the Thunder fare this offseason? Check out this slideshow breaking down the moves of the Thunder’s offseason and handing out some grades as well.