OKC Thunder: Not Your Usual End-of-Season Awards
By David Ramil
Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Best Chance to Blow Up Next Season Winner – Kevin Durant
Maybe there was a slight improvement that bodes well for next year. Or, in the case of our award winner, anger slowly brewing over the course of a lost season.
Riggs: Kevin Durant- After the most difficult year of his career, Durant will be out for blood next season. “I’m definitely pissed,” Durant said in his exit interview last week, according to the Oklahoman’s Anthony Slater. “I’ve heard a lot of stuff over this time I’ve been injured from everybody, from different people. So I can’t wait for the first game (of next season).”
Stephens: Andre Roberson – I think that he will become one of the top 5 perimeter defenders next year. He has already said that it is his goal to be one of the top defensive players in the league and he has the ability to do so. He has the speed, and length, and reaction time. He has everything needed to be just that.
Lambert: Anthony Morrow – He was great after the All-Star break this year. He’ll be even better next year with Kevin Durant healthy.
Woods: Kevin Durant – Durant will blow up next season. After only 27 games, he has a chance to actually defend his MVP award in the 2015-2016 season.
Ramil: Anthony Morrow: With Durant and Serge Ibaka back, the floor will be spread and Morrow – even in Brooks’ staggered rotations – will see more open looks than he did this season.
Van Sant: Enes Kanter – Kanter put up huge numbers towards the end of the season, but his fault was that he could not play defense to save his life. But next year, you can expect nightly 15-15 games from the Turkish big man and paired with Serge Ibaka, defense will not be as big an issue.
Next: Best Move by Sam Presti?