Same Thing, New Big 3

Okay, so we are here now. Super teams, while not new, are the new trend and everyone is looking to hook up with another Olympian and pursue a title. Teams are now attempting to jump the line in pursuit of Larry O'Brien. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the newest edition after winning this off-season and acquiring two top 30 players to join Russell Westbrook via trade. The Thunder locked up their MVP for another five years at 233 million dollars and acquired Carmelo Anthony to accompany Paul George rounding out the starting five. On paper, this is a team that should challenge the Warriors and contend for a Western Conference title. The last time the Thunder had a big 3 like this, they made it to the NBA Finals. An interesting fact, since Lebron left Cleveland for Miami in 2010, “super teams” are 3-4 in NBA Finals. What does that say about this phenomenon? Nothing is guaranteed. Injuries happen, players do not gel, etc. You still must play the games.

The question for this team is, how will Russell Westbrook embrace his new role? We have seen him as a one half of a lethal one-two punch during his time with Kevin Durant, but this is different. Kevin was comfortable sharing touches down the stretch and even deferring to Russell at times. This time around he will be playing with two alphas. Two guys that are capable of being the face of a franchise. Two players that will demand the ball in key scenarios in which Russell is used to having the ball. He led the league in player usage last season at 41%, the next guard James Harden coming in 4th. For this to work, Russell will have to take a reduced role and become a distributor or Carmelo and Paul George will have to be content with fewer touches. How the relationship between the new big three develops will, of course, determine the win count. In an era where player mobility is shifting the landscape what seems to be every summer now, personalities are more important than ever.

This will be a top heavy Thunder roster with the capability of scoring with anyone. Defensively in the backcourt they can guard with All-NBA caliber performers, in that respect, with Andre Roberson and Paul George. Offensively, they have the capability of going small by placing Carmelo at the four spot. Carmelo is still a match-up nightmare at power forward with the ability physically to defend other power forwards as well as pull them out offensively as a true stretch four. Dependent on which Melo shows up this season, this team could be dangerous. If we get Olympic/Hoodie Melo this season and a few surprises from the Thunder bench, this team could be a true championship contender. What will ultimately hold them back is their lack of a bench.

Trading Enes Kanter and Domantas Sabonis depleted an already staggering bench. Development will be key for this squad. The addition of Raymond Felton and remaining young players such as Alex Abrines and Semaj Christon will need to prove to be viable options to spell Russell and Paul at the guard/forward spots. Realistically, this team is a year away. Sam Presti pulled off the power moves and acquired the major pieces for contention but they still need to flesh the roster out. Jerian Grant and Terrance Ferguson will need to show that they can play meaningful minutes against the power players in the Western Conference.

The final piece, Paul George. Paul George, arguably, has the potential to be the most expensive 3 and D player in the NBA. Russell, given his ball-dominant nature, took an average of 24 shots per game last season. Paul George and Carmelo both took an average of 18. How this works, someone must defer. Paul George is a 3 and D guy knocking down the jumpers that Andre Roberson is incapable of and Carmelo is becoming a knock down spot up shooter. Dominating his match up when he has the advantage and Russell’s ability to recognize that. Finding a way to acclimate his new teammates in a new situation as the alpha is how this team gets to the finals.

Part of me feels that the clock will run out on the Thunder. Russell is here and Carmelo is as well for years to come. But Paul George’s future with the team remains uncertain. George has given every indication that he will leave this summer for Los Angeles. Understanding that, this team is built for this season. Sam Presti put everything on line. Acquiring Paul George to appease Russell Westbrook was a key move. Solidifying that by trading for Carmelo Anthony assured the expectations for this season. With that, he traded away a key sixth man in Enes Kanter and promising young players in Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo. The Thunder are all in. We will have to wait and see if it is enough to keep Paul George in OKC and the big three intact.