OKC Thunder: Five Small Forwards Who Would Fit Well with the Thunder

Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) looks for an open man during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) looks for an open man during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next

There’s no doubt that the OKC Thunder will be active before the trade deadline; the only question is who they will be bringing in.

At this very moment the OKC Thunder are 10-8, winning two straight games against the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. They’ve looked fantastic in their last 59 minutes of game action: the defense has stepped up, the ball movement has been crisp and Russell Westbrook has been Russell Westbrook.

Even with these two performances, there is an obvious hole in Oklahoma City. You know what is and I know what it is. A starting small forward.

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre Roberson has filled the role admirably, but he is better fit playing shooting guard to better fit the Thunder’s style of play. Without a solid backup (sorry Kyle Singler), Jerami Grant has been forced to play in that role even though he is much better fit to play as a small-ball four.

Luckily for OKC fans, the Thunder have assets upon assets upon assets. They have young prospects in Cameron Payne, Alex Abrines and (please no) Domantas Sabonis. They have expiring contracts like Anthony Morrow and Nick Collison who could prove to be valuable.

But the best asset they have is Enes Kanter. Kanter is a scoring machine on a long-term contract; with the rest of the roster there isn’t a player Sam Presti couldn’t swing a deal for.

But who should the OKC Thunder consider? I have a few ideas…