Thunderous Intentions
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The free agent who instantly makes the Thunder a better team

By Joshua Lea

Nov 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Reddick (4) reacts after making a shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Reddick (4) reacts after making a shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) controls the ball against OKC Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) controls the ball against OKC Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The OKC Thunder may not have a ton of cap space for the upcoming free agency period. However, they may have enough to sign a couple of players that could really boost their offensive scoring.

Last season the Oklahoma City Thunder made the best of their situation. They made the postseason after losing one of the NBA’s biggest stars. However, even with that playoff birth, there is more work to do. The Thunder have a chance to compete at an elite level for the next five years; that’s based on whether or not Russell Westbrook stays in Oklahoma City.

The idea of Westbrook leaving OKC gives Thunder fans anxiety. Not only would the Thunder lose a top-three point guard, they would lose an emotional leader who carried this team through a tough NBA season. Thunder GM Sam Presti clearly has a landscape laid out for keeping Westbrook and surrounding him with a team capable of competing with Golden State, San Antonio, and Houston. Within that plan, is acquiring Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers. However, there is another Clipper that would be a great pick-up for the Thunder.

Assuming the Thunder lose Andre Roberson in free agency, the Thunder could make a play for J.J. Reddick. Reddick would be a solid wingman for OKC. Last season, Reddick hit a solid 46% from the floor and 42% from three. He’s not a half bad defender either. Reddick wouldn’t come close to replacing Roberson on that end, but he wouldn’t struggle as much as Roberson does on offense.

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The Thunder have to address a few things this offseason, but three-point shooting is easily the most predominant need. Without a solid starting two-guard that can shoot the three consistently, Oklahoma City could find themselves in another first round defeat next season.

The Western Conference top teams (even San Antonio) can light it up from three. If the Thunder does not add that key component to their game, they will not succeed in the West. I understand that people like Andre Roberson – he’s an exceptional defender and a fan favorite because of it. However, his offensive woes hinder the Thunder. OKC has to add weapons capable of adding 15-20 points a night.

As free agency develops, remember it’s important the Thunder get Westbrook some help. Most people will be focused on Westbrook’s  super-max extension; I think Westbrook would rather have a chance at a title than $200 million.

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