Depth a key strength for OKC Thunder according to The Ringer
Entering the second part of a new chapter for the OKC Thunder, we can only hope good things are still to come. But if last year taught us anything, no outcome can be ruled out.
Whatever happened to the old-school, hard-nosed basketball when opponents hated each other and would do anything to win? The answer to this question is Russell Westbrook. Regardless of the situation when Westbrook takes the floor, he hates anyone who stands in his way of winning.
Westbrook’s contagious passion takes over the entire franchise, from his teammates to the fans. It’s his competitive drive which has continued to keep the team competitive. And it’s the nature of his reckless style of play which holds national attention. In The Ringer’s latest outlook on the Thunder, no outcome can be ruled out.
After two tumultuous years, the @okcthunder head into this season with a roster that’s more complete than either of the past two iterations.@PaoloUggetti: https://t.co/MmjbIUftAd
— The Ringer (@ringer) September 1, 2018
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Since the Thunder play up and down with the performance of Westbrook, it’s no wonder the team struggled at times last season. But with Andre Roberson coming back, new faces on the team and the return on Paul George, depth is now a strength for Oklahoma City.
Between the internet and TV personalities, the Westbrook haters continue to remind us how low the Thunder go when the fearless leader isn’t making his shots. What isn’t talked about as much, however, is the other side of that coin.
Yes, there are times when Westbrook’s motor leads to unforced turnovers or bad shots. But when he’s making shots and doing everything right, the Thunder are nearly unbeatable.
If that coin happens to come up heads during a critical time in the playoffs, it could be Westbrook’s reckless abandon knocking off the Warriors. And for those who think the Warriors should just be handed the trophy now, remember the Rockets had them on the ropes before Chris Paul went down with an injury.
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I’m not saying it’s likely, I’m just saying it’s possible. When Westbrook is on, anything is possible for this team.