15 things we learned about the Thunder this year
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This was Year 2 of the Thunder experience and I think we’d all agree this season went pretty well. But this is still a process. And there are things for all of us to take and consider as we move into the offseason. I came up with 15 things we learned about this team, city and organization.
1. Russell Westbrook is in fact, a point guard
I think this was our first and most important lesson from this season. If you still haven’t figured this out, then maybe this basketball fan-ship thing isn’t for you. Westbrook isn’t just a point guard, but he’s one of the bestpoint guards. How’s that for a leap? He went from project to star in really, just three months. The player we saw in November compared to the player that the Lakers feared more than any other were only similar because they both wore No. 0.
Westbrook began to develop a deadly mid-range game and once he extends out to a semi-consistent 3-point shot where at least has to be honored, he’ll be unguardable. No one will be able to stay in front of him and prevent his trek to the paint. He’ll drive, dish, score, pass, create – he’ll be one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the league. Someone described as LeBron but three inches shorter and 70 pounds lighter. I think that’s a pretty fair description when you really think about it. Westbrook is the kind of player that won’t averaged 10 assists-plus season in and season out. But he’s a threat to go 20-8-6 (points, assists, rebounds) for a good long while, all while he improves himself on the defensive end. Read more…
