For the OKC Thunder, it was a season of more disappointment than success. It is evident again when looking upon the NBA regular season award finalists.
Thunderous Intentions already discussed the NBA selected finalists, but were any OKC Thunder players left out? As with any sports discussion ever: arguments could certainly be made.
Obviously, there is no need to discuss Billy Donovan here, it’s a moot point he didn’t deserve Coach of the Year consideration.
Likewise, the OKC Thunder did not have a viable Rookie of the Year option in a stacked rookie class. Sorry, Terrance Ferguson.
Jerami Grant flashed the upside of a fantastic sixth man, but the most viable contender would likely have been Carmelo Anthony. Not to beat a dead horse, but Anthony has already spit on that idea even though it could earn him an individual award.
Alright, alright, so who were the snubs?
Arguments for award snubs
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Steven Adams could have been in the discussion for most improved player. The Big Kiwi has been very solid for most of his career, but teams have to actually plan for him now.
In a bit of sad irony, former OKC Thunder player Victor Oladipo will likely win the award. Sad only because Oladipo wasn’t able to bring this level of play to the court last season (even in terms of running the reserve unit).
Not sad, in that OKC Thunder will be thrilled for him if he wins. An argument could be made that Adams’ subtle step forward could put him ahead of Spencer Dinwiddie.
There was a point this season in which Paul George was drawing praise as the top two-way player in the NBA. Unfortunately, it was not sustainable and he was beat out by Joel Embiid for the nomination of DPOY. Furthermore, hindsight offers the best argument for Andre Roberson likely being a shoo-in as DPOY candidate (if not outright winner).
Perhaps the closest thing the OKC Thunder had to a snub was Russell Westbrook not being a finalist for MVP. He averaged a triple double again. C’mon, man.
Next: Russell Westbrook - the master of 'twice in a lifetime'
In the end, team success played too big a factor in the NBA’s finalist decision, leaving Russ and the OKC Thunder out in the cold.