Oklahoma City Thunder
May 27, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) high fives Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) after a play in action against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Reuters

The Oklahoma City Thunder are considered one of the top Western Conference teams this season and has been in title contention the past years led by the high-scoring duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant, the 2013-2015 Most Valuable Player (MVP) will miss about the first half of the new season and the Thunder will look to Westbrook and other role players like Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Reggie Jackson to step up.

Oklahoma City Thunder Roster (Projected Starters In Bold):

PG - Russell Westbrook, Reggie Jackson, Sebastian Telfair, Michael Jenkins, Semaj Christon

SG - Andre Roberson, Anthony Morrow, Jeremy Lamb,

SF - Kevin Durant*, Perry Jones, Josh Huestis, Lance Thomas

PF - Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison, Grant Jerrett, Richard Solomon, Talib Zanna

C - Steven Adams, Kendrick Perkins, Mitch McGary

*Injured - Out until December

Offseason Losses: Derek Fisher, Caron Butler (Detroit Pistons) and Thabo Sefolosha

Offseason Additions: Anthony Morrow

Season Outlook: The Thunder’s roster went relatively younger with the departure of Fisher (to New York Knicks as head coach), Butler (to Detroit Pistons) and Sefolosha (to Atlanta Hawks). For the team to be successful, especially without Durant (32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 per game in 2013-2014 regular season) initially, OKC needs to find the players who will assume the trio’s veteran presence. Vital for the Thunder will be how Jackson continue his development or if Perry Jones is ready to contribute with increased playing time. Anthony Morrow won’t replace Sefolosha’s defence or Butler’s swag and toughness but his shooting adds another dimension for OKC’s attack.

That attack will be initiated by Westbrook (21.8 PPG, 6.9 APG and 1.9 steals per game in 2013-2014 regular season) for the better part of the rest of 2014— until partner-in-crime and no. 1 option Durant comes back. This will be a crucial stretch for the Thunder for their campaign or a title. Westbrook is a great player and can be the no. 1 guy even with this OKC squad. But to have better chances at the title, Westbrook must finally give way to Durant when it matters. The partnership, especially on Westbrook’s end, will again be tested in the postseason.

(YouTube/NBAClutchTime)

(YouTube/NBA)

As true contenders go, it’s not just about the stars but also the role players. Ibaka from Spain and Adams of Australia will assume larger roles on offence and defence as Kendrick Perkins continue to struggle to contribute on both ends.

The tough Western Conference is even tougher in the upcoming new season. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers are considered the elite teams but squads like the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors are also all aiming, at least, for the top four spots— and home court advantage) in the conference. Durant’s injury is unavoidable but the Thunder have the pieces to still make it work early in the season. When KD returns to the line-up, OKC is again one of the top 3 teams in the West. Can Westbrook finally adjust this season?

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