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Way-too-early NBA Western Conference playoff predictions

By Blake Holmes

DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Donatas Motiejunas #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a lay up against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Donatas Motiejunas #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a lay up against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- APRIL 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- APRIL 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Just like the Rockets, the Thunder made a big trade this offseason that netted them another All-Star. Unlike Los Angeles, however, this player had been in many trade rumors dating back to last season. That player was Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, giving Russell Westbrook a superstar to pair up with. The Thunder won this deal too, as they only gave up Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup:

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: Andre Roberson

SF: Paul George

PF: Steven Adams*

C: Enes Kanter*

*For the record, these guys are both listed as centers, but this is what I feel it should be.

Russell Westbrook is coming off of a historic season. He averaged a triple-double, something that only one other player had ever done (Oscar Robertson). He broke the record for most triple doubles in a season, and took home the NBA MVP award. I’m sure Nuggets Nation remembers the game-winner he made to knock them out of playoff contention too.

George is consistent, and he should be an interesting addition to the Thunder. Several stories and situations will fly around them, such as how long will George stay? Will he be in it for the long-term, or head to the Lakers after a season?

Do I think that the combination will work? Well, on the fun factor, absolutely. But on postseason success, no. I believe that they are good enough to get the fourth seed, but I’ve always said that Russell Westbrook does not play much team basketball. I can hear it now, “But he averaged a triple-double!” Taking nothing away from Russell, but he shoots the ball too much. He’s not a great shooter and he takes more shots than he should. In a game last season Russell shot 17-of-44. 44 shot attempts in a game? That’s a bit ridiculous. At least he won’t have to take quite as many now he has George’s help.

That being said, this isn’t about how far they go, just where they are in the seedings. I definitely see them being good enough to get the four, and maybe just a bit higher.

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