How the West Can Be Won (part 4)

In this five part series, we will look at those five teams in depth and why nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs. We will also discuss the flaws that could get these teams beat and trades they could make throughout the season to fill those holes. Without further ado, here is my second best team in the Western Conference.

2.) The Oklahoma City Thunder:

Why Nobody Wants to Play Them:
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and honestly it is as simple as that. These two players can punk you in so many ways offensively and defensively; on the drive, on the catch, in transition, in the half court, getting in passing lanes, closing out hard, you name it. Yes, Serge Ibaka (shot blocking) , Kevin Martin (spot up threes), and Thabo Sefalosha (stingy defense) are great role player when they maintain their lane, but this team is scary because of their two stars.

Westbrook is still evolving as a player and right now is looking better than ever, especially in regards to his assist rate. Last season Westbrook averaged just 5.5 assists per game last season. To be fair James Harden split time as the primary ball handler when they shared the court. Now with Harden being replaced with sharp shooter Kevin Martin, Westbrook not only has the ball more often, he has a better spot-up shooter to kick it to after he penetrates and draws the defense. That’s the Thunder’s second best player.

Kevin Durant is hands down the best player in the Western Conference. I don’t want to hear any argument about it because there is no argument to be made. There has never been a seven footer, which he is, that has the coordination, athleticism, and basketball savvy that Durant has. He has expanded his game so much the last few seasons, he has practically become unstoppable. He can hit from anywhere on the court, he can drive past any player in the league, and he can defend an assortment of positions because of his dimensions and affinity for good positioning. Not only can he hit open shots from anywhere, but he has become a much better driver and finisher. Not only that, but when he doesn’t finish, most of the time you are hearing a whistle. He is currently second in the league in free throws attempted, trailing only Dwight Howard who teams put on the line for comedy sake.

How They Can Be Beaten:
The biggest problem with the Thunder is that the problems from last season still exist. They are still too jump-shot oriented, there is not enough scoring power in the post,  and Scott Brooks’ unimaginative late game play calling has hampered them before. It is going to take a certain type of team to finish off the Thunder in a seven game series. They need to be a team that can score on the inside against even the stout opposition in Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.

They need to be a team that can throw many different defensive looks at Durant and Westbrook. They need to be a team that has a decently consistent perimeter punch to match with their inside game. There are not many teams in the league that match that description, but there is one in the West and that is why the Thunder currently sit second in my standings.

Possible In-Season Trade:
With the contracts that this team inhibits, it would be very tough for them to trade for someone in the five million dollar range and keep the majority of their current rotation. They could trade DeAndre Liggins or Daniel Orton to Atlanta for Anthony Tolliver. While Tolliver wouldn’t get much play in the rotation, he could fit into the fourth post spot and give them a stretch-big that can open up the lane for Durant and Westbrook in limited minutes.