OKC Thunder: Ranking Oklahoma City's most impressive players of the 18/19 NBA season

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

Oklahoma City's 18/19 NBA season has been one filled with ups and downs. After beginning the season with a terrible 0-4 record, the Thunder embarked on a fantastic run, climbing to 3rd in the standings ahead of All-Star weekend. Nevertheless, Billy Donovan's team struggled throughout March, losing ten matches, and the team has subsequently fallen to sixth in the Western Conference standings.

OKC's slide down the West standings has left them facing a potential unwanted first-round matchup with the Golden State Warriors, however, the recent slump shouldn't overshadow a promising season for the Thunder. After all, it has been a season in which the organization secured Paul George to a new long-term deal, whereas a number of exciting talents such as Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo have also emerged.

On their way to securing a playoff spot, The Thunder have collectively functioned well as a team, although a few individuals have stood out. So, as we approach the playoffs, here are OKC's most impressive performers of the 18/19 season.

#3 Dennis Schroder

The Thunder were not looking to add another point guard during the 2018 offseason, however, the team acquired Dennis Schroder in a cost-cutting move that resulted in Carmelo Anthony exiting the team after just one season.

Schroder joined the Thunder as someone who had a reputation for being somewhat disruptive, and there were concerns over how the German would react to playing as Russell Westbrook's backup. Nevertheless, Schroder's attitude has been excellent all season long, and the 25-year-old has made a great impact as part of the Thunder's reserve unit.

Despite appearing primarily from the bench, Schroder has been the Thunder's third-highest source for points (15.3), and he has also been a regular on the court during crunch time. A major role in the playoffs beckons, and the Thunder would be wise to keep him around next year.

#2 Terrance Ferguson

Terrance Ferguson was selected by the Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and the Oklahoma native has continued his rapid development during his second season. After starting just 12 times last year, Ferguson has taken advantage of the long term injury to Andre Roberson, starting 73 times for Billy Donovan's team this season.

After struggling for consistency in the early months of the season, Ferguson has grown in confidence, averaging 6.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. The 20-year-old has also found a shot from beyond the arc (36%), and his energy and hustle is a boost to OKC's shaky defense.

Highlights have included a career-high 24 points in a 133–96 win over the Lakers, and with Andre Roberson set to miss the playoffs, Ferguson can look forward to his first playoff appearance as a first team regular.

#1 Paul George

Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Lakers

Paul George's performances this season have been so impressive that many have labeled him as the Thunder's most important player ahead of Russell Westbrook. Until sustaining an injury shortly after the All-Star break, the 28-year-old was firmly in the race to be named MVP, and while Westbrook has struggled for form throughout the season, George has been able to step up, sealing a number of Thunder victories with monstrous performances.

Highlights have included a 43 point performance against the Heat, in which he hit 10 three-pointers, 45 points and a game-winning floater against the Jazz, and a 47 point triple-double game against the Trail Blazers.

For the season as a whole, PG13 has averaged 28.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, and he also leads the NBA in steals. Ultimately, the Thunder's playoff chances hinge on George's form and fitness, and if the All-Star hits top form, OKC will be dark horses in the West.