While the overall season outlook isn’t particularly bright for Oklahoma City, there is something that should provide a silver lining for fans.
As it turns out, the Thunder, despite losing both Russell Westbrook and Paul George during free agency, still have a fairly talented roster.
Earlier this week ESPN released their annual Top 100 players in the NBA, with four members of the Thunder making the list. Interestingly enough, three of the four were added as part of the Westbrook and George deals.
Danilo Gallinari – No. 91
Gallinari turned it around in 2018-19 after suffering one of the worst seasons of his career in 2017-18. He averaged a career high 19.8 points per game and played in more than 65 games for the first time since 2012-13.
He is also coming off a stellar showing for the Italian National Team in the FIBA World Cup.
Gallinari came to Oklahoma City in July as part of the trade for Paul George and is in the final year of his contract, worth approximately $22.6 million. Gallinari, like Chris Paul who also made the list, is one of the most likely candidates on the Thunder to be traded prior to the deadline.
Steven Adams – No. 75
Adams’ ranking took a hit this year, falling to No. 75 from No. 47 prior to the 2017-18 season, likely due to the absence of Russell Westbrook.
Adams did post career highs last year in points, rebounds, assists and steals, but it remains to be seen how he will play alongside a new point guard. The 26-year-old benefitted greatly from pick-and-role play with Westbrook, but new Thunder guard Chris Paul is equally as talented there, as well as throwing alley-oops, so chemistry between Adams and CP3 from the get go will be key.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – No. 64
The first of the two Thunder guards to make the list is the future face of the franchise. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t on the list a year ago because he was a rookie, but it was his play in Los Angeles that landed him so far up the list.
In his rookie season for the Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander played in all 82 games, starting in 73. He averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. This impressive play earned him the sixth most votes for NBA All- Rookie First Team. He’s only 21, and figures to benefit from a sophomore season playing alongside one of the best guards in the league.
Chris Paul – No. 32
Speaking of one of the best guards in the league, Chris Paul is the highest ranked player on the Thunder, coming in at No. 32. Much has been made about Paul’s age, his production and his durability, which is probably the cause of his slide from the No. 11 spot prior to the 2017-18 season.
But Paul still possesses an outstanding mid-range game, plays tenacious defense and provides veteran leadership.
Paul likely won’t be in Oklahoma City very long, but will be valuable for whatever length of time he’s a member of the Thunder.
Oklahoma City begins their training camp on October 1.
