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Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason

By Albert Dadson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. The Thunder’s bench is drastically better than last year

The Thunder’s bench was ranked 29th last year in bench scoring, but they made several moves to shore up their bench this offseason.

In the draft, OKC drafted Devon Hall, who out of the three players drafted has the best chance to play fast. Hall shot 43 percent from 3 his senior season and 38 percent for his total college career. The Thunder will need his 3-point shooting ability.

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In free agency, a backup center was needed so the Thunder went out and got Nerlens Noel. Noel will be able to guard the rim and play well around the rim on offense.

The Thunder re-signed Raymond Felton, who will be a veteran presence for the young players on the bench now that Dennis Schroder is on the team.

The Thunder needed a shot-creating option, so they signed Deonte Burton to a two-way contract.

In the Carmelo trade, the Thunder added Dennis Schroder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. TLC will be a player to develop down the road. He is a former first round pick that could blossom into a contributor.

Schroder can help the Thunder with his ability to score and pass. The bench will basically have a second Westbrook to help control their offense with his speed. Schroder led the Atlanta Hawks in scoring last year without a reliable jump shot.

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