2009-2010 Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

2008 Record: 23-59, 5th in Western Conf. Northwest Division
Head Coach: Scott Brooks, 2nd season
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: G Earl Watson, G-F Damien Wilkins
1st Round Draft Picks: G James Harden, C B.J. Mullens
2nd Round Draft Picks: None

2008-'09 Thunder Review:

The expectations for the former Seattle Sonics weren't high last season, so the ability of interim coach Scott Brooks to steer the club under the 60-loss mark speaks highly of his credentials. The year didn't start well under longtime San Antonio assistant and former NBA head coach P.J. Carlesimo, as the Thunder proved to be punchless coming out of the gate. Just 1-16 in their first 17 games and 3-29 after 32 contests, the Thunder had to face the possibility that they could outdo (or perhaps, "under-do") the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers for the worst 82-game record in NBA history. (The '73 Sixers went 9-73.) However, the guidance of Brooks helped superstar Kevin Durant mesh with talented supporting actors such as Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. As a result, the Thunder went 20-30 after their awful 32-game start. Rarely has a 23-win season been cause for even the smallest amount of admiration.

2009-'10 Thunder Preview:

It's one step at a time for a franchise that can't expect to make the playoffs this season, but can certainly position itself to become a factor in 2011 and then set its sights on becoming a major player in the Association come 2012. The 2010 Thunder are young in a good way... at least at the present moment. 20-year-old Kevin Durant is a star, and is primed to improve even more. Russell Westbrook was a fine performer for Coach Scott Brooks last season, and the UCLA product is only 20 himself. Jeff Green, a delightfully well-rounded player with a high basketball IQ, is only 22 after last year's high-impact season in Oklahoma City. New draftee James Harden is 19, but shows a world of ability as a penetrator, helper, and scorer. Fellow draftee B.J. Mullens is a project at 20 years of age, but a very enticing one. This year is all about player development for Brooks and his staff; with good teaching from a coach who won the trust of his players last season, the people of Oklahoma might leave 2010 with the awareness that their team is headed for better days.

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By Matthew Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer

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