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The 2017-18 iteration of the OKC Thunder possibly deepest ever

By Austin Sternlicht

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder cant get a shot off in time at the end of the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder cant get a shot off in time at the end of the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 04: Kevin Durant /

Comparing This Team’s Depth With Other Thunder Teams

So how deep is this Thunder team versus other recent ones? It is certainly among the best. Last year’s team was arguably one of the weakest. However, this is understandable considering the tough situation Kevin Durant left the franchise after departing in free agency. But what about the true title contending teams the past five years or so?

The Early Thunder Years 2009-2011

These teams clearly weren’t as deep because they weren’t nearly as talented. The inaugural 2009 team went 23-59. Westbrook and Kevin Durant were each just 20 years old. Jeff Green, who was 22 at the time, led the team in total starts with 78 and was second on the team in total minutes played. The roster was filled out with players you forget existed like Nenad Kristic, Desmond Mason, and Kyle Weaver. The worst team in Thunder history clearly can’t be the deepest.

The 2010 team went 50-32, making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Nick Collison and Eric Maynor were the two key veterans off the bench. They were complimented by up-and-coming rookies James Harden and Serge Ibaka. While 50 wins was impressive, it was only good enough for the eight seed in the west, as the Thunder were ousted by the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Must Read: All-Star selections reflect what former OKC Big 3 could have been

The 2011 team kept building off its momentum from the previous season. It’s major acquisition came in February when the team traded for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, shipping out Green and Kristic. This move made Ibaka the full-time starting power forward. Unfortunately, that meant only Collison, Harden and Maynor were reliable players off the bench. The team was able to get to the Western Conference finals, thanks in part to a massive 1-8 upset by the Memphis Grizzlies over the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder’s tight eight man rotation was unable to get by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks.

These young Thunder teams were incredibly fun. It was the beginning of what would become of the great Thunder teams going forward. But in terms of overall depth, there wasn’t much outside of the main superstars. But the overall youth is what makes these teams not deeper than the current roster.

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