Oklahoma City Thunder: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Signing Raymond Felton

When you have a superstar like the Thunder have in Russell Westbrook, you rely heavily on him to carry the load. However, even the greatest players in the NBA need a break once in awhile. Westbrook is no different, and now the Thunder have a capable backup for him in Raymond Felton.

Felton has been the punchline in plenty of jokes in recent years, but still always finds himself a job. He is a serviceable veteran and someone the Thunder will be happy to have on their roster.

Last season, the Thunder had no confidence in anyone behind Westbrook. Cameron Payne never panned out and was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Semaj Christon was not someone they trusted to use in the postseason. That will not be the case with Felton.

Felton has 36 games of playoff experience with 21 starts. He has performed relatively well in the postseason and should provide a steady hand for the Thunder off their bench throughout the regular season.

That steady hand is what is important for the Thunder. Felton isn’t as good as Westbrook is, but the drop-off when Westbrook comes off the court shouldn’t be as drastic this season with Felton in the rotation.

While Felton will only be a backup, his addition is an important one. The Thunder really struggled when Westbrook was off the court last season; that should not happen as often this season.

Grade: A