Oklahoma City Thunder Looking to NBA Draft for Championship Pieces

The Oklahoma City Thunder took the defending champion, Los Angeles Lakers to game six in the NBA Western Conference playoffs. Their coach received the coach of the year award, and their best player, Kevin Durant, became the youngest player to win the NBA scoring title. It's clear with their 50 win season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are much improved, and only a few pieces away from being a championship team.

In their match up against Los Angeles, the Thunder's front court couldn't keep up with the Lakers team of, Gasol, and Bynum. To be fair to the Thunder, there aren't many teams that will be able to match up against a healthy Los Angles Lakers front court, but Oklahoma City has to play better basketball inside. For the series, Gasol finished with 73 rebounds, and Bynum with 54. It would be hard for any team to overcome that kind of inside dominance. The Thunder need a tough inside player who'll play defense, rebound, and collect points in the paint.

In addition to their inside game, Oklahoma City desperately needs another outside shooter. If they have a player who can hit jump shots, it'll open up the floor, and the inside game. In the draft, the Thunder will try to address these needs, but the highly regarded big men will be gone before Oklahoma City picks at #21. One possibility for the Thunder is, Solomon Alabi, the center from Florida State. He has weaknesses in his game, like rebounding, Alabi's 6.2 rebounds per game during his collegiate career is lower then other big men in the draft, but his 7-1 frame, and defensive ability will provide a much needed low post presence for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City also needs to find a dependable shooter. Some possibilities for the Thunder, are Jordan Crawford from Xavier, or Terrico White from Ole Miss. With a another shooter, and a much needed big man, the Thunder will be closer to contending for the championship.

The Thunder surprised the NBA with their play this season including an impressive postseason. The young Thunder will have experience next year to add to the pieces from the draft. With the growth of the current players and addition of new players, the Thunder will have high hopes of not only making the playoffs, but playing for a championship.

Sources:

http://www.nbadraftdepot.com/2009/03/draft-profile-fsu-c-solomon-alabi.html
http://www.nba.com/lakers/stats/2009/conf_quarter_stats.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/23/AR2010042304755.html?nav=emailpage