2018-19 NBA Season Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Opportunities and Threats

Billy Donovan has a younger team, but has to find an offensive scheme that works

This summer, the Thunder rejuvenated their roster. After trading Melo, waiving Singler and the retirement of Collison, OKC added an abundance of new and young players, aged 25 or younger. Their average age dropped from 28.2 last year to around 26 before the start of this season. For a team that depends on energy and pace, this mix of young and hungry players and the veteran leadership of Westbrook and George should give them the potential to run teams to the ground.

The biggest threat to the Thunder might be the inability to score in an organized offensive possession. What characterized OKC's offense last year was the lack of strategy from Billy Donovan's side; it seemed like the Thunder improvised every time they went up the court. Donovan's entire offensive tactic was built on his defense creating easy chances the other way. Even though the team is more balanced defensively this year, it is still too little for a team to count on come game time.

If Billy Donovan could fix his problem on the offensive end, his defensive tactics will come through more efficiently.