How OKC Thunder compare vs. adversaries- dissecting Sports Illustrated top 100 by conference, division, team

Pacific Division:

Despite housing the champions this division is the weakest in the west with the Warriors holding almost half the ranked players (6 of 13). It’s also the only division with a team (Sacramento Kings) who failed to land a single player in the top 100.

In spite of this fact, it’s also conceivable this division could be the most competitive within the next five years given the breadth of young talent on three of the squads. And, it’s impossible not to imagine LeBron’s presence on the Lakers won’t eventually add up to some of their youngsters moving into the top 100 or free agents arriving who will.  Still, at least for this season the Pacific  has ten fewer ranked players than the Northwest Division and ties the east’s Central Division with the fewest overall.

Another interesting takeaway is only one squad from the division has more than three players on the list. If you presume a team with less than four top 100 players will struggle to claim a berth in the post season that would equate to the Warriors being the only Pacific representative. And, it would mean the Lakers path will be far more difficult than many presume. Yes, LeBron James did it in Cleveland with only Kevin Love, but the West will be a far more challenging proposition for the King. To that end, don’t be surprised if the Pacific comprises more than half of the west’s lottery bound squads.

Breakdown by tier:

• three players in top 10 (no surprise here – the league’s top three players come from this division with LeBron, K.D. and Curry taking these spots)
• two player ranked 11 – 25 (again, the super team takes both these spots)
• one players in 26 to 50 range
• four  players in 51 -75 range
• three  players in 76-100 range

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Golden State Warriors :

• 2. Kevin Durant
• 3. Stephen Curry
• 13: Draymond Green
• 22: Klay Thompson
• 68: DeMarcus Cousins
• 87: Andre Iguodala

LA Clippers:

• 61: Lou Williams
• 65: Tobias Harris

LA Lakers:

• 1: LeBron James
• 75: Brandon Ingram
• 100: Lonzo Ball

Phoenix Suns:

• 50: Devin Booker
• 77: Trevor Ariza

Sacramento Kings

• only team with no players ranked in top 100

Closing:

Wrapping up, Thunderous Intentions offered our insight to the four players who made the top 100 list, the two who fell off it and one who had a strong case to knock at least Lonzo Ball off the list (no shade – just opinion).

• Dennis Schroder
• Steven Adams
• Paul George
• Russell Westbrook
• Andre Roberson snub (and why/how the list changes)

The above information should be helpful in planing your power rankings as  a handy tool to utilize when figuring out fantasy picks. Albeit, there aren’t incoming rookies listed, but still it provides a solid foundation to work with.

As for Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney ranking by player and the four OKC Thunder players check out the full listing ranking profiles and subsequent 25 snubs accompaniment.

Per usual, note these takes are one person’s opinion. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts on Thunderous Intentions twitter account,  directly to me on twitter @TTOTambz or in our comments section. We love hearing your feedback, opinions and input.