What was OKC's problem last season?

[Kevin]

What was OKC's Problem last season? Brooks haters beware!

[shadowgrin]

We didn't realize it at the time, but the Thunder tested the Spurs in a way they wouldn't be tested during a dominating NBA Finals victory over the Heat.

Bullshite.

Dallas Mavericks.

[Andrew]

I'm inclined to agree. That's not to say the Thunder don't have issues of their own and that the players and coaching staff don't share in the responsibility, but it's an answer that we probably overlook too often: sometimes, a great team comes together and peaks at a time when an even better team is ruling the roost.

The Knicks of the 90s, the Kings of the early 2000s...injuries and other factors didn't help, but at the end of the day, they were at their best when another team was doing it even better.

[_Steve_]

OKC had Perkins but neither Ibaka nor a solid replacement for Harden. And as Andrew said, there were better teams especially the Spurs...

[[Q]]

Problems 1-5: Westbrook thinks he's as good as Durant.
Problem #6: Westbrook's wardrobe

[NovU]

The Spurs were just superior team. Iirc I posted an article before stating that they have been historically awesome with Kawhi playing more than certain healthy minutes in last couple seasons. Kawhi's already one of the top 5 small forwards in this league. Duncan one of top 5 PFs. Parker one of top PGs. Manu one of top SGs. Then you have depth that could probably start on many teams. Ofc then you have Pop who kept them in high spirit and together as a unit with great chemistry. When you have top 5 players respectively at 4 out of 5 positions coupled with great depth and coaching staff, you'd probably have hard time beating them as one man team aka Heat and Thudner.

[Sauru]

OKC should send westbrook to boston for rondo. i mean i dont want westbrook but rondo would be a great fit for that team

[Jackal]

Totally agree with Westbrook thinking he's as good as Durant. Guy is probably the most athletic player in the league not named LeBron but shit son, that shot selection. This coming from a guy who has been watching Bryant since forever.

[[Q]]

I will have no problem with it when Westbrook joins the 50/40/90 club. Until then, he needs to keep his ego in check

[shadowgrin]

when Westbrook joins the 50/40/90 club.

With his usg% at 45%-50%!

[Kevin]

Westbrook 50/40/90?

[deihatein]

We didn't realize it at the time, but the Thunder tested the Spurs in a way they wouldn't be tested during a dominating NBA Finals victory over the Heat.

Bullshite.

Dallas Mavericks.

[Murat]

OKC needs a defensive specialist shooting guard and they should keep their players healthy.

[_Steve_]

They need to get rid of Perk. OKC was a better team better when he wasn't on the floor.
Another scoring guard/wing off the bench would help too. They had to rely too much on old Fish during the last two seasons.

[NovU]

Yeah. Only reason Perkins saw any minutes as a starter was because of continuity issues. He's the loophole.

I'd like to see the Kiwi to replace him in the starting line up and McGary coming off the bench as a backup.

[[Q]]

OKC needs a defensive specialist shooting guard and they should keep their players healthy.

Uh, Thabo Sefolosha?

[Andrew]

Thabo was traded to the Hawks back in July.

[Stress Fracture]

OKC needs a defensive specialist shooting guard and they should keep their players healthy.

Uh, Thabo Sefolosha?

And Andre Roberson, too.

[[Q]]

Thabo was traded to the Hawks back in July.

I guess my point was that they had him and didn't use him

[koberulz]

We didn't realize it at the time, but the Thunder tested the Spurs in a way they wouldn't be tested during a dominating NBA Finals victory over the Heat.

Bullshite.

Dallas Mavericks.

The way I read that, it's just saying that the WCF was a more competitive series than the Finals last season. Dallas has nothing to do with it.

[Rokyn]

I would say they lacked a proper flexible offense, poor leadership from point guard and coach, and lack of a legitimate 3rd option. And lack of offensively capable big men. Should've signed Gasol to pair up with Ibaka and to mentor Adams.

[_Steve_]

It was Gasol who decided against playing for OKC, not OKC against signing Gasol.
Very umportant for OKC and Durant's further career is how KD will deal with his role as a leader. He's one of the best scorers the game has seen so far and he should be the one decisive plays are build around as far as possible. What OKC needs the least is Westbrook playing hero ball to satisfy his ego.
OKC is KD's team as much as the Lakers are Kobe's and the Bulls were MJ's and not Pip's (left aside MJ's baseball years).

[Rokyn]

Actually that is true and more correct. Gasol decided. I stand corrected on that but he would had been a decent fit in my opinion.

[Mandich]

Westbrook is the problem. He wants to be the leader and is jealous at KD. It's so obvious...Just trade him already, it's a shame that a player as good as Rus has to play behind someone, no matter the player being KD.

[Mandich]

HOU years Steve Francis at MSG. Perfect match.