2012/13 NBA Team Rankings & Previews: #3 Oklahoma City Thunder

#3 - Oklahoma City Thunder

2011/12 Record: 47-19, lost NBA Finals

2012/13 Projected Record: 60-22, playoffs  



Key Additions:

None

Key Departures:

None


Depth Chart:

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook, Eric Maynor
Shooting Guard: James Harden, Thabo Sefolosha
Small Forward: Kevin Durant, Daequan Cook
Power Forward: Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison
Center: Kendrick Perkins, Cole Aldrich


The X Factor:

James Harden

While most of the attention goes to the Thunder's "Big Two", last year's NBA Finals showed how vital James Harden is to the success of the team.  They need Harden playing at his best - especially in the Finals - for them to have a chance at a title.


Summary:  

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  So the Thunder didn't fix much in the offseason.  The return of Eric Maynor from injury will help them in the backcourt, but other than that the big addition this season will be the additional experience the team has gained from last year's run to the Finals.  At this point (and for the next several years), it is NBA Title or bust for OKC.



NBA Preseason Power Rankings

  #4 - Los Angeles Clippers
  #5 - San Antonio Spurs
  #6 - Boston Celtics
  #7 - Indiana Pacers
  #8 - Denver Nuggets
  #9 - Brooklyn Nets
#10 - Memphis Grizzlies
#11 - Philadelphia 76ers
#12 - Minnesota Timberwolves
#13 - Dallas Mavericks
#14 - New York Knicks
#15 - Atlanta Hawks
#16 - Chicago Bulls
#17 - Utah Jazz
#18 - Golden State Warriors
#19 - Portland Trailblazers
#20 - Milwaukee Bucks
#21 - Cleveland Cavaliers
#22 - New Orleans Hornets
#23 - Washington Wizards
#24 - Toronto Raptors
#25 - Sacramento Kings
#26 - Phoenix Suns
#27 - Houston Rockets
#28 - Detroit Pistons
#29 - Orlando Magic
#30 - Charlotte Bobcats