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OKC Thunder: Ranking the depth at each position before training camp

By Tony Heim

Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with center Steven Adams (12) after his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with center Steven Adams (12) after his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Center

If it wasn’t for the best point guard in the NBA being in Oklahoma City, center would be #1.

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) reacts to a call in action against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) reacts to a call in action against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Adams is going to dominate the minutes at the position. Here’s a secret: that’s great news. But when Adams needs a break (not sure if he will since he’s a Cyborg) the Thunder will have both Enes Kanter AND Joffrey Lauvergne to rely on.

Technically Kanter is considered a center in the NBA. He’s got the size and (lack of) speed, but he is stuck at power forward because of Adams. If Kanter starts alongside Adams than Joffrey Lauvergne is likely to be the primary backup center.

That’s great news for the Thunder!! Lauvergne averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds in about 18 minutes of play IN HIS SECOND SEASON. His unique athleticism provides yet another style of big; Oklahoma City has the ability to match any style of play down low.

That versatility will prove even more valuable once the season starts.

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