2018-19 NBA Season Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Team strengths

OKC's defense and Adams' offensive rebounds were crucial last year

One of the things OKC showed consistently through most of the previous season was defense. Until the injury that prematurely ended the season of defensive anchor, Andre Roberson, the Thunder had the fifth best defensive rating in the league. They also held their opponents to just 101.8 points per game, fourth lowest in the NBA. Roberson's rehabilitation is going well and he should be back before the end of 2018.

Additionally, OKC made a living off scoring in the fast break. The Thunder were ranked fourth in the league in fast-break points with 15.2 a night. With the addition of some fast-paced players and removal of Carmelo Anthony, OKC should continue to enjoy fast break scoring this year as well.

Another crucial feature to the Thunder is offensive rebounds and second-chance points. OKC led the league in both categories last year, mostly thanks to Steven Adams, who averaged 5.1 offensive rebounds per game. The Big Kiwi is constantly improving and his size and strength will play a big part in the Thunder's success next year.