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OKC Thunder: Top-10 players in franchise history

By Tony Heim

Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) react at the end of the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) react at the end of the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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6. Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins comes in as the least talented, most feared, least loved, most respected player in the NBA. Basketball was never really Perkins forte; he was on the court for his physical presence.

Jan 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Thunder won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Thunder won 94-86. Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

When Oklahoma City made the trade to acquire KP, the Big Three were LIVID. Nobody in the NBA understood his “greatness” until he switched to a new team and helped lead them to the Finals. Perk was traded to OKC in 2011; a year later they found themselves in their first and only NBA Finals appearance.

Yes, he had his flaws. Namely his contract and his offense. But KD views Perk as one of the better teammates/friends in his NBA career. He was the physical threat for the young, impressionable Thunder that found themselves in the Finals; that means more than any statistic.

Towards the end of his tenure he was seen as a pariah because of his large contract, but there was a reason Sam Presti never amnestied him. The NBA is more than just what goes on in the court, and Perkins is the quintessential player to exemplify that.

Next: 5. Steven Adams

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