2015-16 Finish: 52-30

Season Highlight:

It was a season to remember for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they made their first playoff appearance since the 2010/11 season. Under the guidance GM Nenjabin and his career long vision, everything finally came together last season. A +28 in the win column from the previous season and a team laden with depth that would even make the perennial leaders for depth, the 76er’s, slightly envious. Jimmy Butler’s slow and steady development as a player and leader saw a great jump last season too, leading the team in scoring at 23.4 per game and was one of the best at his position defensively, solidifying himself as one of the best 2 way players in the league.

Season Lowlight:

In what was a really positive season for the Thunder, it’s really hard to find many lowlights. Obviously the sweeping from the eventual NLL champ Lakers wasn’t enjoyed and if Valanciunas had not of gone down injured, maybe the Thunder could’ve made more of the matchup. Kidd-Gilchrist never being available hurt as well but the Thunder’s depth made up for that. I guess a couple of the young Thunder guys didn’t really pan out, Inglis and Caboclo both still look like 2 years away from being 2 years away but other than what was previously mentioned, there wasn’t too many lowlights in Oklahoma City!

Best Trade:

Thunder Receive:  Ricky Rubio
Thunder Send: Tiago Splitter, Tyler Ennis, Reggie Bullock, Indiana 2016 1^st and Pelicans 2016 1^st

This trade worked out well for both teams here, but really it was exactly what the Thunder needed. A pure point guard to control and run the offense, keeping it all in check. The Thunder gave up a handful of assets, but they have plenty and with how well Rubio fit in, it really was a great move that helped shoot the Thunder up the standings.

Worst Trade:

Thunder Receive: Bruno Caboclo and Memphis 2^nd

Thunder Send: Nik Stauskas and Indiana 2^nd

To be honest… this was clutching at straws. The Thunder had their hand in a lot of deals but didn’t actually trade much at all, a lot of cash and picks changing of hands really. The only reason this stands out is because they received a guy who still hasn’t shown much development and honestly still looks 2 years away. Stauskas, albeit not great, is still further along developed. I guess it can only be judged in about 2 years from 2 years’ time.

Other Notable Trades:

Thunder Receive: Boban Marjanovic

Thunder Send: Tibor Pleiss and Oklahoma City 1^st

They gave up a pick, but they have many and Pleiss isn’t even in the NBA anymore for one of the best per minute production bigs? Good move! Boban was a solid addition and fit in well amongst the Thunder’s big’s rotation.

Thunder Receive: Evan Fournier and Tiago Splitter

Thunder Send: Ian Mahinmi and Anthony Bennett

If it wasn’t for the great impact Rubio made, this would’ve been the best trade. Mahinmi and Splitter pretty much cancel each other out, but Fournier for Bennett? Wow. Bennett hasn’t shown any reason to believe he will live up to the potential that saw him draft 1^st overall. Fournier has become one of the better wing shooters/scorers in the league. Great deal for the Thunder here.

Thunder Receive: Tomas Satoransky

Thunder Send: Cash

This one looks better in hindsight as Tomas has made the decision to play in the NBA this season. For 10 points it wasn’t a bad investment and now the Thunder just need to find a way to fit him on the roster.

Best FA Signing:

Other than resigning returning the players, the Thunder made no new additions from free agency all season. I guess you could say locking down Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green to deals was their best piece of business in regards to free agency.


Worst FA Signing:

Again, no new free agent additions so this space is pretty bare.

Star:

Jimmy Butler

Butler continued his development into one of the best 2 way players at his position in the NLL. He asserted himself as the leader of this franchise and led by example. He was excellent with numbers of 23.4ppg 4.9rpg 2.2apg 1.3spg 0.7bpg on 47% shooting and 31% from three. His scoring sees almost a 5 point increase despite playing almost 4 less minutes. Jimmy’s leadership was much improved, holding the fort at the Thunder and embracing being the face of the franchise.
 
Surprise:

Robert Covington

2kovington as he’s better known in these parts, was one of the most improved players in the league this season. Everyone knew he had a bit about him but never really showed in seasons past. He came out this season with 16.0ppg 3.9rpg 1.7apg and 35% from three in just 27.6mpg. There are rumors that Cov is being shopped, so does Thunder management think he was a one season wonder? In spite of that, the 2015/16 season was a good and surprising season for Robert.

Goat:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Unfortunately, MKG takes the nod here. The Thunder have so much belief and high hopes in the young man and everything was lining up for him to have a much improved season. He only played 12 games. Not really what you want out of someone that was set to play a crucial role at the small forward position and even power forward in a small ball lineup. MKG has great talent and an improving jump shot but if he can’t get on the court, GM Nenjabin may lose patience with the young man.

Draft Report Card:

The Thunder had picks 23, 31, 34, 37 and 39, and made some real solid selections here. Juan Hernangomez at 23, Patrick McCaw at 31, Isaia Cordinier at 34, Zhou Qi 37 and AJ Hammons at 39(who was later sent to the Pelicans). I like Hernangomez at pick 23, he will take some time but I believe he has solid potential play a solid role on this team. McCaw at 31 is fantastic, this kid is a basketball player, plain and simple. If his off court issues weren’t a big issue and he had a bit more meat on the bones he probably would’ve been taken a lot higher. McCaw will go down as a steal at 31. Cordinier is one for the future and will spend this season at least in France. Zhou Qi is another that will spend some time overseas and hopefully get given a gym membership for Christmas. He will need to add at least 30 pounds if he ever wants to play in the NBA, but his potential is tantalizing. It was your typical draft for the Thunder, multiple draft and stashes and late 1^st round, 2^nd round sleepers. A solid draft overall.

Looking to the Future:

MKG to get healthy and see about a rule change for players on a roster, maybe 20 instead of the 15? No, but seriously, the future is bright for the Thunder. They’re arguably the deepest team in the NLL and have one of the most devastating and prolific starting units in the NLL. The Thunder are contender not just in the West, but in the entire league. They probably need to add one more big, so if Valanciunas is to go down in the playoffs again, it doesn’t hurt them as bad as last season. The Thunder have a great mix of vets and players developing and they seem to be setup for now and future. The Storm is coming NLL world, batten down the hatches!

Upcoming Free Agents:

Jonas Valanciunas (RFA) - A key cog to this Thunder outfit and is expected to back with no fuss. His true value was shown when he went down in the playoffs and the Thunder fell apart.

Evan Fournier (RFA) – Evan was brought over in a trade early last season and developed nicely over the course. He’s earned himself a payday though at 17m per season and it will be up to GM Nenjabin to decide whether he is worth it or not, is 17m too much for a guy in a sixth man role? We’ll find out, He’s restricted, so him returning would be of no effort at all.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (RFA) – Despite his injury struggles, MKG is expected back with little to no fuss at all. He’s being expected to pick up where he started last season and carry on the same role. It’s a big year for MKG, he’s getting paid, so the pressure will be on, can he stay healthy and live up to the potential?

Boban Marjanovic (RFA) – The goofy man mountain Serb was a welcome addition to the Thunders already impressive rotation of big’s. He didn’t play major minutes but his production in limited time was fantastic. He won’t be cheap, but look for him to be still wearing a Thunder outfit, being restricted and all, I can’t see the Thunder letting him go for nothing.

Damien Inglis (FA) – I think GM Nenjabin has given up on Inglis. He may change his mind over the next month, but normally you give out a QO early to a player if you want him back. I don’t expect him to be back in OKC. It hasn’t really panned out for this guy unfortunately. Still, he is only 21, but there is a chance he may not even be in the league come free agency time, and if he is, it may be time for him to find a fresh start.

Joffrey Lauvergne (FA) – Joffrey has an outstanding Team Option waiting to be exercised. No fuss here, he will be back.