OKC Thunder: 3 former stars with most to prove in 2021 NBA Playoffs

The OKC Thunder may not be participating in this year’s postseason — first time in five seasons, and only the second time during their 13-year existence — but, even still, their presence can be felt throughout.

Since their inaugural season as a franchise back in 2008-09, Oklahoma City has seen many great players don the blue and white threads.

While these talents may no longer be representing the Sooner State, they can still be found playing high-level basketball within the association, and many of whom are in a great position to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy come year’s end.

Though perhaps viewed as established stars, it’s evident that there are quite a few former OKC Thunder players who still have a ton to prove during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Today, we at TI present to you 3 former figureheads for Oklahoma City basketball that find themselves with the most at stake heading into this year’s postseason:

Former OKC Thunder star No. 2) Paul George

Early in his career, Paul George established himself as somewhat of a show-out postseason player and, in the process, anointed himself as “Playoff P.”

At first, the self-established moniker seemed just, as his first two years serving as top-dog on the Indiana Pacers saw deep and intense bouts against the Big-3 Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, where he would go on to average 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from deep.

Since these days, however, the 7x All-Star has only managed to advance out of the first round just once, losing both playoff series during his time with the OKC Thunder and, last season, played a massive role in the Los Angeles Clippers’ upset SemiFinals loss to the Denver Nuggets — posted 10 points and four boards on 25 percent shooting from the field in Game Seven.

Now in his second season with the Clippers, PG-13 has a ton of pressure on his shoulders to show up in the postseason, as he was brought in to serve as Kawhi Leonard’s right-hand man and, when you have a man like the Claw in tow, every season is seemingly viewed as “championship or bust,”

Though currently viewed as a legitimate title contender heading into the 2021 NBA Playoffs, without Paul George tapping into his superstar self, Los Angeles will absolutely find it hard to hold on to such a label.