2015-16 NBA Season Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

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Oklahoma City Thunder

2014-15

Offseason Roundup

• Re-signed Enes Kanter (5/$70M)
• Re-signed Kyle Singler (5/$25M)

Projected Starting 5

• PG Russell Westbrook
• SG Kyle Singler
• SF Kevin Durant
• PF Serge Ibaka
• C Enes Kanter

MVP: Kevin Durant

It's a terrifying proposition for the rest of the league, but the best of Kevin Durant is likely yet to come. After breaking into the NBA eight seasons ago, Durant has already captured an MVP, six All-Star nominations, and six All-NBA First Team selections.

And yet, Durant is just 27. He's firmly in his prime and he's making a hard charge at LeBron James' status as the world's best player.

A pesky foot injury held Durant to just 27 games last season, but the league's best scorer says that his injury woes are behind him. That clears the runway for the Slim Reaper to pick up where he left off: Durant led the league in points scored in every season between 2009 and 2014.

Durant is back, and the league is on notice.

Breakout Player: Serge Ibaka

Smallball might be taking the league by storm, but bigs are still alive and healthy in the West.

In order to run the gauntlet, the Thunder will need a defensively sound frontcourt. The Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Dallas Mavericks all feature all-star worthy bigs.

That's where Ibaka comes in.

Ibaka is already a world-class defender, but he'll need to inch closer towards Defensive Player of the Year territory in order to keep the Thunder's defense afloat. Ibaka will be counted upon to make up for Kanter's defensive shortcomings and to play center if the Thunder go small with Durant at the four.

Shot-blocking will never be an issue for Ibaka, but in order to take the next step, the Congolese forward needs to shore up his rebounding. Ibaka ranked behind players like Evan Turner and Marvin Williams in defensive rebounding percentage last season, while fairing rather poorly in contested rebounding percentage as well.

The offense will always remain strong with Westbrook and Durant on the roster. The defense needs to follow suit. It's on Ibaka to hold up his end of the bargain.

Season Expectations

It's championship or bust for the Thunder.

That has been the modus operandi for the Thunder since their Cinderella run to the Finals in 2012. They have two of the league's best players and an impressive supporting cast to boot. Barring injuries, the Thunder have everything they need to finally lift the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Basketball aside, there's also the pesky matter of Durant's impending free agency. Durant has plenty of reasons to stick around on a one-year deal, but plans could change of the Thunder somehow falter.

So again, it's really championship or bust for the Thunder.

It won't be easy. A trip through the West is fraught with peril. As good as the Thunder are, they're no sure bet to top the Spurs, Golden State Warriors, or Clippers in a playoff round, let alone teams like the Rockets and Grizzlies.

Still, the biggest challenge for the Thunder hasn't been the opposition. Health has undercut each of their last three seasons.

If they could just remain healthy – and they finally have the depth to spell their starters – the Thunder may very well emerge as the 2016 NBA champions.