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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Paul George #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of their NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Paul George #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of their NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Bounce-back season from Patrick Patterson

While he played in all 82 regular season games, Patrick Patterson was a shell of himself throughout his first year with the Thunder.

Having undergone knee surgery just two months out from the start of the season, Patterson was always playing catch up as it pertained to his overall conditioning and acclimation with the team.

As a result, it was little surprise that the eight-year veteran averaged a career low 15.5 minutes per game. Granted, the presence of Anthony and reserve forward Jerami Grant did little to help in terms of getting regular playing time.

However, with a full summer behind him and Anthony playing elsewhere, Patterson is doing everything he can to make amends for last season.

Recently, he detailed to Brett Dawson of The Athletic some of the changes he made this offseason, particularly as it relates to his diet. As Dawson explained in his piece:

"Last season, his first with the Thunder, Patterson said he arrived at camp weighing 235 pounds, give or take a couple. He’s 242 now, but you’d never know it. He’s retained a chiseled physique but appears significantly slimmer than a season ago."

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1027646331886559232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

With Anthony out of the picture, it appears the vacant starting power forward position will most likely come down to either Patterson and Grant. In their first two preseason games, its been Patterson who received the starting gig.

Recently, Thunder general manager Sam Presti commented on the predicament facing head coach Billy Donovan:

With his ability to stretch the floor, as evidenced by his career 37.0 percent shooting clip from 3-point range, Patterson would serve as a terrific complement in the starting lineup.

In fact, in his last two seasons when healthy, Patterson registered the best net rating among all Raptors who averaged at least 20 minutes per game.

Moving forward, a fit and firing Patterson could be vital for the outlook of the Thunder.

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