Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Weakness: A power forward-sized power forward
Shooting is an acceptable answer here, too – the team is average in both volume and frequency – but too many opposing power forwards have had their way with OKC this year. I swear they’ve played PJ Washington 20 times in the last eight months.
No non-center in the Thunder rotation cracks 6-foot-6. Despite the prodigious strength and tenacity of guys like Lu Dort and Jalen Williams, sometimes, you just need more size.
The answer might be in-house. Injured bamboo stalk Chet Holmgren should return sometime after the All-Star break, and he’ll likely play big minutes next to Isaiah Hartenstein to form a monstrous defensive duo. But that answer is still hypothetical. It remains to be seen if Holmgren truly has the foot speed or strength to keep up with the West’s barrel-chested fours like LeBron James (or Anthony Davis, depending on if the Lakers make a move for a center), Kevin Durant (or Jimmy Butler), Jaren Jackson Jr., Aaron Gordon, Kawhi Leonard, Julius Randle, etc.
I’m optimistic, but relying upon optimism is a fool’s errand. Given the Thunder’s treasure trove of assets, making a move for a defensive-minded four seems like a wise contingency plan.
