{"id":3517,"date":"2016-10-14T18:55:02","date_gmt":"2016-10-14T23:55:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fredsportsextra.com\/?p=3517"},"modified":"2017-01-27T15:35:17","modified_gmt":"2017-01-27T21:35:17","slug":"oklahoma-city-thunder-player-outlook-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fredsportsextra.com\/?p=3517","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma City Thunder Player Outlook 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"
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OKC\u2019s Josh Huestis dunks past Memphis\u2019 Zach Randolph during the Memphis Grizzlies-Oklahoma City Thunder preseason basketball game at the BOK Center, in Tulsa, on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. CORY YOUNG\/Tulsa World<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Player Expectations\u00a0for the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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OKC\u2019s Russell Westbrook (left) and Memphis\u2019 Marc Gasol (right) argue after shoving one another during the Grizzlies-Thunder preseason basketball game at the BOK Center, in Tulsa, on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. CORY YOUNG\/Tulsa World<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Russell Westbrook\u00a0 (starter):\u00a0 Face of the franchise and major point producer.\u00a0 Top five player in the world as Thunder point guard;\u00a0 Trade possibility-could happen;\u00a0 Minutes-30 to 34;\u00a0As Westbrook goes, so does the excitement of the Thunder.<\/p>\n

Steven Adams (starter):\u00a0 Best \u201cbig\u201d on the team; Trade Possibility-very low; Minutes-28 to 32\u00a0 As Adams becomes more of a scorer his value continues to go up. A future All-Star at center.<\/p>\n

Victor Oladipo\u00a0 (starter):\u00a0 Off guard starter and reserve point guard;\u00a0 should provide plenty of scoring and it will be needed.\u00a0 Gives the Thunder a better than average defender and his athleticism gives the team a dynamic starting backcourt;\u00a0Trade possibility-very low;\u00a0 Minutes- 30 to 34; A major cog in this Thunder team in scoring and overall play.<\/p>\n

Andre Roberson\u00a0 (Starter):\u00a0 Defense is his calling card but expect more offense this season; Expect improvement on slashing to the basket.\u00a0 A better than average rebounder; Trade possibility-low; Minutes-28-32;\u00a0Will Roberson be on the floor in crunch time?\u00a0 Only Coach knows.<\/p>\n

Alejandro Abrines (reserve):\u00a0 Rookie shooter can have a place on this team;\u00a0Will provide added depth in providing scoring but defense must improve quickly at this level;\u00a0 Very smart court presence; Trade possibility-could happen;\u00a0Minutes- 8-12 minutes;\u00a0 Could ride the bench for long stretches of the season.\u00a0 Injuries could propel him into significant minutes.\u00a0 Development is important this season. Could be a major contributor in the future.<\/p>\n

Nick Collison (reserve):\u00a0 Should see selected playing time in many games;\u00a0Still a better than average defender.\u00a0 Will not be outworked on the court and high basketball knowledge. Still an important member of the team; Trade possibility-not happening (will retire from his only franchise); Minutes-anywhere from four to twelve in any game needed.\u00a0 Could start if injuries require it.<\/p>\n

Josh Huestis\u00a0 (reserve)\u00a0 A question mark as what will happen with this player.\u00a0 Could be a player that is used extensively or not much.\u00a0 Getting better with playing time.\u00a0 Trade possibility-moderate; Minutes-not much to fifteen or more.<\/p>\n

Enes Kanter\u00a0 (reserve)\u00a0 Most important big besides Adams.\u00a0 Points and rebounds are needed but better defense keeps him off the floor in certain situations; Trade possibilities-very high; Minutes-20 to 30.\u00a0 Kanter situation in OKC is a mystery.\u00a0 My money is on a trade in the near future.<\/p>\n

Joffrey Lauvergne (reserve)\u00a0 A versatile big\u00a0that gives depth to the Thunder.\u00a0 Can score and bang if pushed.\u00a0 Will play a significant\u00a0player in the rotation.\u00a0 Trade\u00a0possibilities-moderate; Minutes-12 to 18.\u00a0 Look for good things in Joffrey.\u00a0\u00a0 Can be a scorer off the bench.<\/p>\n

Ersan Ilyasova (possible starter-reserve)\u00a0 Better long rang shooter than one would expect. Not a banger but has good offensive skills. Below average defender.\u00a0 Trade possibilities-moderate;\u00a0 Minutes-18 to 32.<\/p>\n

Anthony Morrow (reserve)\u00a0 Fighting for minutes on this team.\u00a0 3-point shooter on the down side of his career.\u00a0 Not a good defender.\u00a0 Trade possibilities-low; Minutes-few and far between.<\/p>\n

Cameron Payne\u00a0 (reserve) Back-up point guard when healthy.\u00a0 Good player will only get better in his 2nd season once his foot heals.\u00a0 Skill sets are high and can provide points.\u00a0 Trade possibilities- moderate; Minutes (when healthy, 16-20..<\/p>\n

Ronnie Price (reserve)\u00a0 Third point guard.\u00a0 Steady player with experience.\u00a0 Trade possibilities-you never know; Minutes-0 to four to eight when Payne is healthy.<\/p>\n

Domantas Sabonis (possible starter-reserve)\u00a0 Some might think he will start but I am not a believer.\u00a0 A future big time player in OKC and will see significant minutes in various games, High skill set and if he can hit the three he will get more playing time.\u00a0 Trade possibilities-low; Minutes 12 to 18.<\/p>\n

Kyle Singler (reserve)\u00a0 Has his three point shot working in pre-season which could give him significant playing time early in the season.\u00a0 Lacks foot speed and is not a good defender but plays as hard as any on the team not named Westbrook.\u00a0 The coaches like Singler as much as the fans do not.\u00a0 Trade possibilities-only a throw away player in a trade;\u00a0 Minutes-none to 12 (if he is hitting the three he can play some.<\/p>\n

Mitch McGary (reserve)\u00a0 Talented player that won\u2019t be in OKC long.\u00a0 Playing for the Thunder would be a surprise;\u00a0 Trade possibilities-very high; Minutes- 0 in OKC.<\/p>\n

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Feature Photo:\u00a0 OKC\u2019s Alex Abrines (8) is guarded by Memphis\u2019 DJ Stephens (20 and Vince Hunter (32) during the Memphis Grizzlies-Oklahoma City Thunder preseason basketball game at the BOK Center, in Tulsa, on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. CORY YOUNG\/Tulsa World<\/p>\n

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Player Expectations\u00a0for the Oklahoma City Thunder \u00a0 Russell Westbrook\u00a0 (starter):\u00a0 Face of the franchise and…<\/p>\n

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