This 2019-2020 NBA Season has been filled with storylines, hype machines & drama. However, this season also has teams exceeding expectations. The Oklahoma City Thunder (#6 in the West, 39-24) lost franchise MVP Russell Westbrook last summer to the Houston Rockets in a trade that sent Chris Paul and draft picks to OKC. Thunder GM Sam Presti has stacked up draft picks and also received former Clippers Rookie Shai Gilgeous Alexander & Veteran Danilo Gallinari. This team was not expected to make a playoff run this year. However, Veteran Guard Chris Paul has successfully reinvigorated the OKC locker room in the post-Westbrook era. This current roster mixed with Rookies & Veteran Leadership has secured their Playoff Run in a Western Conference filled with Juggernauts. Luka & Porzingis in Dallas, Beard & Brodie in Houston, LeBron & AD in LA, Kawhi & PG across the hall, Dame & Melo in Portland, Zion & Zo in New Orleans, Ja Morant & Jaren Jr in Memphis.....The Western Conference is loaded from top to bottom. In my opinion, this OKC Franchise has a bright future ahead of them. Presti has secured first round draft picks for the next few years to use in trade offers to secure talent for deep playoff runs for years to come. I don’t see them winning any titles any time soon due to youth and competitio. However, OKC Fans should be able to appreciate the fact that their Front Office has been able to keep them competitive and entertaining for years to come.
