NBA Heat check: Oklahoma City Thunder's roster problems

The defense

Oklahoma City Thunder v Sacramento Kings

This roster is constructed of long, rangy athletes that have two things: freakish athleticism and long wingspans. At each of their positions, the Thunder have gone for two things: physicality and youth. Westbrook (a force of nature himself) has Schroder as a backup: Schroder is 25 yo, can score off the dribble and has livewire speed in getting to the rim.

Steven Adams has 24 y-o Nerlens Noel as his backup, and even rookie Diallo has shown expert defensive instincts and good physicality.

The defense has been by far the best thing about this season's Thunder, even though their best defender - and starting shooting guard - Andre Roberson has been sidelined with injury since last season.

Late in games, the Thunder go with a gigantic Paul George, Jerami Grant and Steven Adams lineup, stifling opponents in the paint and blocking passing lanes. All three are big and physically imposing, but they also corral defensive rebounds at a high rate and give up less turnover points than the Sixers and Warriors.

The Thunder own a defensive rating of 102, good for second in the league with only Oladipo's Pacers better than them.