Oklahoma City Thunder: Where NBA National Scribes Power Rank OKC in Week 17

In week 17 of NBA action the Oklahoma City Thunder produced a 1-1 effort as they headed into the All-Star break.

The Oklahoma City Thunder began their week playing the hottest team in the NBA on their court.  The Wizards thumped the Thunder, which may have been more a testament to the grueling schedule finally showing it’s warts.  But, the OKC Thunder bounced back with a win to even their week’s record with a big win over the reeling Knicks.

Four Oklahoma City Thunder players headed to New Orleans to participate in the All-Star weekend.  Arguably no team in the Association needed the break more than the Thunder.  Rest up gentlemen, so you can come back and move up that ladder.

As trade deadline day looms here’s the power rankings for the OKC Thunder from week 17:

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Oklahoma City Thunder Rankings:

NBA.com – John Schuhmann

John Schuhmann moves the Thunder down a spot in his rankings to tenth. Most notable in his comments is the Thunder have an easier schedule than the team directly in front of them (Grizzlies) to end the season. That said, with the move to add Lou Williams, the Rockets aren’t quite as desirable as a first round playoff match as they were one day ago.

"Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant passed to each other and we have another month before they’re in the same building again. As Westbrook aims to be the first player in 55 years to average a triple-double, the Thunder will aim to move up from seventh in the West. And they have an easier schedule than the sixth-place Grizzlies, with only eight remaining games (fewest in the league) against teams currently over .500. They’e 21-9 against teams currently under .500, but went into the break with some defensive slippage."

Sports Illustrated – Jeremy Woo

Jeremy Woo decided to join the players on their All-Star break with no submission this week

ESPN – Marc Stein

Marc Stein took an unconventional approach deciding to let fans provide the comments this week. After dropping the Oklahoma City Thunder two spots last week he bumps them back to 12th in his rankings this week.

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CBS – Matt Moore

Matt Moore holds the Oklahoma City Thunder steady in tenth in his power rankings. And drills home the obvious point; the Thunder need to add another offensive piece, but do so with an eye on the future

"They need one piece to be able to make a real playoff run. Without an offensive upgrade they’re going home early, but they also have to keep their eye on the long-term. It’s a sticky wicket."

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Coming out of the All-Star break the OKC Thunder will get in some practice team prior to hosting the Lakers and the newly formed DeMarcus Cousins – Anthony Davis Pelicans twin towers. Remember to return next  week to see how the OKC Thunder fared in the scribes rankings.