OKC Thunder: 3 team needs that still must be addressed

The OKC Thunder have managed to make a bevy of moves thus far this offseason, but their roster still consists of many questions that need answers.

After a surprise run to the playoffs in 2019-20, it appears that the OKC Thunder are heading back down to reality in 2020-21, where they are expected to focus more so on developing rather than chasing championships.

While this may be a difficult agenda to adjust to, what with the franchise making the postseason 10 of the last 11 seasons, it is, of course, the reality of things.

However, while this ideology heading into the season is already established, there are many aspects pertaining to this team that still need answers.

Today, we here at Thunderous Intentions will be discussing 3 areas within the roster/ rotation that still must be addressed:

Area in need of addressing No. 1) Center rotation

This offseason, the OKC Thunder managed to lose not one, but two of their most utilized centers in Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel.

In turn, the team now comes into the 2020-21 season with the likes of Al Horford, Vincent Poirier, and rookie Aleksej Pokuševski (though is seems his want is to play power forward) as the options for the pivot spot within the rotation.

In a year seen as a rebuild, the idea of trying to establish playing time for the youngsters should be at the forefront of head coach Mark Daigneault’s mind. That said, why have Horford in tow if you don’t plan on playing him?

Relative to his albatross contract, 2019-20 was an underwhelming season for the former All-Star. That said, even with this he is still coming into the year as the team’s unquestioned best option at the pivot — posted averages of 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, four assists, and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 35 percent shooting from deep.

Many are under the impression that Horford will be flipped in the coming weeks/ months for more assets to better help the team as they move into their rebuild. However, at the moment, nothing appears to be in the works, leaving us to believe that the center may in fact start the season on the active roster.

Whatever they decide to do, it’s imperative for the team to establish their recently vacated center rotation heading into the season.