Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 obstacles to contending in 2017-18

Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Reliable bench support

The Thunder’s bench was an ugly sight all year long in 2016-17. The dynamic is certain to change in the starting lineup with the additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, but they won’t be the only ones looking to contribute. The Thunder also signed Isaiah Canaan along with veterans Patrick Patterson and Ray Felton for the second unit.

Patterson is one potential X-factor for his ability to stretch the floor and give the Thunder another 3-point shooter on the perimeter to work with. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37.2 percent from the 3-point line last season with the Toronto Raptors.

Patterson serves as a valuable replacement for what Enes Kanter brought to the table and then some. With his shooting ability, teams won’t be able to leave him open or he’ll make them pay.

The signing of Patterson is one part of the equation, though, as the Thunder still need a second ball-handler to take some of the burden off of Russell Westbrook. Can Felton be that guy?