Breaking down reformulated OKC Thunder roster following trio of trades

The new Thunder vet:

With the exit of Westbrook and Roberson missing the past year and a half due to injury, Steven Adams becomes the longest serving man on the Thunder.

Although there is speculation his tenure with the club may come to an end this season that isn’t a guarantee. Much like Nick Collison before him, Adams may be the best existing player to seize the leadership reins. The value of keeping Adams is he knows the system but more importantly, he understands the culture and identity of the franchise.

The new point guards SGA and Chris Paul are sure to capitalize on Adams with ample lobs, pick and roll sets and crushing screens Adams will use to free up driving lanes for his new guards.

I’m still not sure if this past season was representative of what Adams can accomplish as the big man took a step back on some key stat categories.

His per game averages in 2019-20 were 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals. Adams free throw shooting regressed to 50 percent (the season prior he shot 55.9 percent).

Adams is still very young at 26 which gives reason to assume last season was simply an off year. Although the big men who don’t hit from the perimeter are less in demand nowadays, his age, potential as a leader and still untapped ceiling offer reasons to hope he takes another step up the ladder this season.