Oklahoma City Thunder: 2018-19 NBA season preview
2018-19 roster
Key additions: Paul George (free agency), Dennis Schroder (trade), Nerlens Noel (free agency), Hamidou Diallo (draft), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (trade)
Key Subtractions: Carmelo Anthony (trade), Kyle Singler (waived), Corey Brewer (free agency)
The Oklahoma City Thunder picked up three rookies this year — two through the draft and one via a draft-night trade with the Hornets. The two rookies officially drafted were Devon Hall and Kevin Hervey, though neither was signed to a rookie contract. Hall will play in the NBL, while Hervey will play with the team’s G League affiliate.
Another intriguing player the Thunder got on draft night in a trade is Hamidou Diallo. They are clearly very excited about him because they signed him to a three-year, $4 million deal right off the bat. Diallo is very athletic and has a lot of potential, and we may be hearing his name again sooner rather than later.
I would be worried about Hamidou Diallo if I were Alex Abrines, Terrance Ferguson or TLC. That’s Mr. Steal Yo Minutes.
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) July 25, 2018
The most exciting roster changes for the Thunder did not come through the draft, however. They came through free agency signings and trades. Most notably, of course, was re-signing Paul George to a four-year, $137 million contract. Keeping George around long-term assures that Westbrook has another superstar alongside him.
On a smaller scale, the Thunder made some nice additions to their roster by signing Nerlens Noel during free agency and Dennis Schroder as part of the three-team deal that allowed them to get rid of Anthony.
Noel is a bit of a risky play, but he has a ton of upside. He has never really gotten a fair chance in the NBA, so we don’t know what he may be capable of. Schroder, on the other hand, we know very well what he’s capable of. With season averages of 19.4 points, 6.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game last year, it’s safe to say he will be among the best backup point guards in the league.
Getting rid of Anthony and his onerous contract clears the way for a very strong starting five and a solid bench to back them up. Jerami Grant was an excellent re-signing and he will probably replace Anthony at the 4. Having Schroder on the roster not only allows Westbrook to get more rest but also suggests the possibility of some smaller lineups with both guards on the floor at the same time. This roster is dangerous. All everyone needs to do now is stay healthy.