ESPN RPM projections for OKC Thunder miss the mark

Kevin Pelton’s annual ESPN projections place OKC Thunder fifth in the West with 49.5 wins, but the argument exists for the squad to out perform projections.

Last season ESPN said the loss of Kevin Durant would result in the OKC Thunder fighting to even make the post season. OKC was projected to finish sixth with 46 .5 wins. At season end, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton’s projections proved spot on with a sixth place and 47 wins.

Using RPM again, Pelton released this season’s projections with not much change over last year. A bit shocking? Sure. Although  Pelton’s RPM projections have tended to mirror my own, this year it’s fair to say we vary on numerous projections.

Let’s dive a little deeper into Pelton’s ranking and ponder why some selections offer reason for debate.