Russell Westbrook is putting together one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history.
Through 19 games – and although not yet a quarter of the way through the season – Westbrook is average a triple double with 30 points per game. His Oklahoma City Thunder team are sitting six in the tough Western Conference standings.
After losing Kevin Durant and trading Serge Ibaka at the end of last season, many experts predicted that the Thunder would struggle to make the playoffs this season.
But Westbrook is proving them all wrong as he has stepped up his game and become the sole leader of the team.
If he is able to keep performing at such a high level there is no reason why the Thunder can’t finish as high as fourth in the West, and host a playoff series in round one.
On paper they are nowhere near as strong as the Warriors, Clippers, nor Spurs, but if a few key injuries occurred at the wrong time the Thunder could find themselves with an outside chance of advancing.
Other Thunder players, including Kiwi Steven Adams, have proven their worth since the playoffs last season while new player, Victor Oladipo, continues to learn the systems set down by coach Billy Donovan.
Donovan gained enormous respect from the near-upset of the Warriors, and having lost Durant to the Warriors, is continuing to build around Westbrook’s unique skills.
Do you think the Thunder are contenders this season?
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
You are right, the easy schedule means that we'll have to wait a few more weeks before we really know how good they are. Aside from Westbrook's intensity, the other thing that's impressed me has been how efficient Adams and Kanter have been. Both are shooting over 55% from the field and over 80% from the free throw line. Oladipo and Morrow are in a nice shooting groove, and they still have some potential for improvement with youngsters like Sabonis and Grant. I think they'll end up finishing 5th or 6th if they are able to stay healthy.
astro
Guest
I think with the injury to Mike Conley, the Grizz will really struggle, and that should see OKC definitely make the playoffs. The Rox, Jazz and Portland should all make it, along with OKC now. Big question is if the Lakers keep up their strong play and overtake Memphis, assuming they take a nose-dive. But beyond making the first round, its hard to see OKC doing much. They got off to a hot start at 6-1, but their schedule was soft. They played Philly, LA, the Suns, Minny and Miami in that stretch, so my fear is their record looks better than they really are.
Scott Pryde
Expert
There is only so much a player can do. Thunder will scrape into the playoffs and be bowled out in the second round if they can avoid GSW and SA in the first.