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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Steven Adams had a terrific season under the radar

Lost amidst the noise of the Thunder’s “Big 3” was the superb season of center Steven Adams.

Having just completed his fifth season in the league, Adams averaged 13.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in 32.7 minutes per game. All these represented career highs, as did his 62.9 field goal percentage and 28 doubles-doubles. With the Thunder’s starting unit filled with scoring punch, Adams’ ability to provide elite presence as a role player is invaluable for the Thunder, or any team for that matter.

Overall, Adams ranked second in the league with 4.8 screen assists per game, while ranking fifth overall with 13.4 contested shots per game. With All-Star talents such as Westbrook and George on the floor, having a player such as Adams willing to do all the dirty work is ultimately what makes successfully teams run smoothly.

Furthermore, Adams ranked third on the Thunder in contested 3-point shots. Considering Adams is best suited close to the basket, and that he finished ahead of perimeter players such as Westbrook, Anthony and Andre Roberson, further demonstrates just how team-oriented and valuable is to the Thunder, both now and moving forward.

Following the Thunder’s premature playoff exit, Westbrook was full of praise for the New Zealand native:

"“He constantly comes back better and better. For him it’s just constantly figuring out what works. He’s one of the most feared big men in the league because of his size and presence and the way he looks.”"

So while the future of several of his teammates remains under a cloud, Adams remains a firm building block of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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