Oklahoma City Thunder: Dynasty or Disaster?

As the 2017-18 NBA season is underway, teams are making moves to try and acquire talent in order to become championship contenders. This couldn’t be more accurate when describing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s tumultuous offseason. The 2016-17 NBA MVP, Russell Westbrook, will be accompanied by four-time all star Paul George and ten-time all star Carmelo Anthony.

When the team was brought to fruition, most NBA fans questioned the decision to bring two ball dominant players to play with the player who averaged the most touches per game this past season. Additionally, concerns over what position George and Anthony would play emerged. These concerns are not unwarranted as many “super teams” in the past have struggled in their first season together. The 2012-13 Lakers “super team” succumbed to this very problem that critics are saying will plague the Thunder, sharing the ball amongst the team’s stars. Even if sharing the ball isn’t an issue, there will surely be chemistry problems, at least at the beginning. As we saw with the formation of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ new roster in 2014, the following season was disappointing to say the least. The talent was there but it simply took time for the players to get accustomed to playing with each other. The likelihood of this same problem affecting the 2017-18 Thunder, in my opinion, is much higher than there being issues sharing the rock. The problems arise when you take a closer look at the contracts of the Thunder’s new acquisitions. To the relief of Thunder fans, Westbrook signed a 5-year supermax contract extension for $205 million, ensuring that he is going nowhere. The futures of George and Anthony, however, are not as certain. George, who has made it abundantly clear that his preferred destination in free agency is the Los Angeles Lakers, will be a free agent after this season and his departure from the Thunder can become a reality if the team does not live up to its potential. Furthermore, 33 year old Carmelo Anthony will be an unrestricted free agent in 2019 and if he feels the Thunder is not a title contender will surely leave in pursuit of a ring before he retires. This leaves the Thunder in a tough situation, where they need to win and they need to win now if they have any hopes of keeping this star studded team together.

In the case that chemistry is not an issue, the starting line up of the Thunder can rival that of the Warriors and the Cavs. Defensively they match up great with almost every team in the NBA as they have more than capable defenders at every possession. A backcourt of Westbrook and Roberson could prove troublesome even the best guards in the NBA while George, Anthony, and Adams will have no problem defending on the wing and in the low post. Offensively, this team will be second to none thanks to the amount of firepower that the “big three” can provide. Although Carmelo shot a pitiful 43% from the field and 35% from three last season, a fresh start in OKC is exactly what Melo needs to reignite his career. Additionally, when surrounded by talent, Carmelo has proven to be an efficient role player shooting 53% from the field for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. With Melo taking a back seat in the Thunder offense, he should be able to get back to the “Captain America” Melo that FIBA and Team USA fans know and love. Combining this new and improved Melo with Paul George who averaged 24 points on 46% shooting from the field as well as 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists will create a deadly forward combination. And last, but certainly not least, reigning MVP and Mr. Triple Double himself Russell Westbrook will undoubtedly takes this playoff contender and elevate it into a dynasty in the making.

The question, however, remains whether this attempt to bring Oklahoma City its first NBA Championship will be fruitful or in vain. The loaded, which at this point is an understatement, Western Conference will surely put this team to the test, but the Thunder definitely have the talent and the tools to win a ring in the near future.