By Justin Batiste
What’s next for the Thunder?
Paul George inks a 4-year, $137 million max contract. Now that the Oklahoma City Thunder resigned forward, Paul George. Finding the right players to support Russell Westbrook, George, Steven Adams and Carmelo Anthony is the next step. After witnessing what happened throughout this year’s NBA regular season and playoffs. George and Westbrook are the Thunder go-to players.
Anthony showed us in this year’s playoffs that he’s more of a spot up shooter at this point in his career. Anthony can still be that lethal player that he’s been known to be if he can somehow find his touch from beyond the arc. If Anthony is making the three, and Westbrook, Adams and George are playing like their capable of playing this team can be a threat in the west. Along with the right players to complement their play.
Last season we seen a team that was still trying to find their identity. This season we should see a more in sync Thunder team now that they have one year together under their belt. However, a better supporting cast will be key to the Thunder’s success. Last season there were several games where George and Westbrook had huge games, but the result was still a loss.
Defense was a reason and a lack of shot making was another reason. The Thunder need players who can knock down shots. The best teams in the NBA have shot makers, and they play defense. The Thunder have the marquee players to win, but their defense and lack of shot making is what hurts them. Even if Anthony leaves after next season the Thunder will still have George and Westbrook locked in. These two players are enough to build around.
Finding the right player personnel that fits Westbrook and George style of play is something you can expect to hear in the future. As of now the Thunder don’t have a starting shooting guard and their bench needs work.
Paul George gives them leverage moving forward, but if we’re ranking teams in the west that’s better than the Thunder right now with their current rosters. This is how it would look in no particular order: Warriors, Rockets, Portland, Utah, New Orleans and San Antonio. The Thunder simply need more.
