2018-19: Western Conference playoff picture prediction

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder

Potential sixth man of the year candidate

The Thunder made some small moves that will help their team. Obviously, the biggest move was resigning Paul George. However, the additions of Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel will help the team win a few more games and possibly be the difference makers in the playoffs.

Noel did not have the best season last year, but that is a result of the reduction minutes he experienced in Dallas. A couple of years ago, he was seen as a potential defensive anchor for the Mavericks, and if he can unlock that potential this year, he will tremendously help the Thunder's defense.

Last year, the Thunder clearly faced a problem of lack of depth. By trading for Dennis Schroder, they have a quality sixth man of the year candidate, who can play alongside Westbrook and George in close games. Schroder is a good starting point guard who showed his scoring and playmaking ability last year with the Hawks after he took the reigns once Teague had left. As a scorer off the bench, he will allow Westbrook to get some rest while keeping the Thunder competitive and not losing any momentum when the starters need rest.

Losing Carmelo is a positive for the Thunder. It is not a shot at Carmelo, but it just wasn't the right situation for him. He struggled in Billy Donovan's system and to co-exist with Westbrook. Statistically speaking, the Thunder are better without Carmelo. Stats aren't everything, so we will have to see.

Andre Roberson will be healthy next year, some analysts have argued his injury in the playoffs was when the playoff tide had turned. His defensive intensity will cause havoc for other players, but he still remains a liability on offense. The Thunder have improved their depth and assuming Paul George and Russell Westbrook remain strong and play at an All-Star level, the team will improve last year.