Thunderous Intentions
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5 reason’s why OKC Thunder RPM projections fall short

By Lawrence George

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder team huddle
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 11: The Oklahoma City Thunder huddle before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Once Anthony realized his role was completely reduced to a catch and shoot player, his adverse attitude toward it took a toll on team chemistry. Thunder fans shouldn’t blame Melo entirely as he did try to change his style but a complete game overhaul in a short period of time is difficult to adjust to.

To Anthony’s credit, he remained professional throughout the season and took a LeBron James-esque approach by expressing his disdain in a passive-aggressive manner. Though this came to complete halt in his exit interview where he didn’t hold back.

However, Royce Young of ESPN made a shocking admission that Anthony’s attitude affected Russell Westbrook‘s approach to games. As Young alludes to, Russ’ tenacity and competitive aggression was diluted around the swag of a cool Carmelo Anthony (at 2.54 on-wards).

The difference with Oklahoma City this season is every player knows their role and position in the hierarchy. Adams, Dre and Pat are perfect complimentary pieces to Russ and Paul George as they understand what they need to do to help them should they be called upon.

OKC’s bench is full of complimentary players surrounding Schroder’s skill set. The Thunder are set to have an improved year purely based on the way pieces will fit well together.

Next. Offseason report card – Grading every Sam Presti move. dark

Final Thought

While Pelton’s projections are based purely on statistics, basketball is a team sport that extends beyond numbers. With a definitive hierarchy and a stronger bench unit, Thunder fans should expect OKC to win 50 games or more.

Anything less will be a disappointing season once again.

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