Thunder Player Power Rankings

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This is something that Royce Young has been doing for a couple years at Daily Thunder, I thought it'd be a fun thing to follow and discuss throughout the season. Young updates them weekly so we'll be able to follow his and compare them to our own throughout the season.

Here's the most recent:

A recap: Win against the Clippers, loss at the Celtics, win at the 76ers.

Being realistic and using common sports sense , wouldn’t you say that’s a pretty good week? It’s one of those weeks where if I told you in August when the schedule came out that the Thunder would go 2-1, you’d probably have said, “cool.”

One thing though: The defense has very clearly slipped. In OKC’s first eight games, it only allowed one team to score more than 95 points. In the last six, the Thunder have allowed 95 or more in all of them. Five of those games they allowed more than 100. They went from a top five defensive team per 100 possessions to now in the bottom half of the league. Or look at it this way: First eight games points allowed per 100 possessions, 94.7. Last six, 109.1. The offense is clicking along extremely well in terms of points per 100 possessions (third currently), but the defensive slide has been a bit concerning.

Anyway, let’s numerically order the roster. (Note: There weren’t any rankings last week so the “last week” rankings are actually from two weeks ago.)


1. Kevin Durant (Last week: 1)

Remember how early on in the season KD was playing a little passive and not looking for his own scoring much? Where he went the first five games without scoring 25 and the first eight without scoring 30?

Well, he’s scoring again.

Durant’s average over the six games: 31.2 points per game. And he hasn’t really sacrificed his playmaking all that much, or his efficiency. In the first eight games he had 31 assists (3.9 a game). Over the last six, 32 (5.3). He’s still rebounding extremely well, he’s cut his turnovers down some and his shooting percentage are sparkling (49-43-89).

Let’s say KD averages 28.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 4.0 apg on 50-40-90 averages. That’s one of the best seasons in NBA history, right?

2. Russell Westbrook (Last week 3)

The early theme to Westbrook’s season is that he’s back to assisting. He’s averaging 8.4 a game and has had four games with double-digit assists this season (four all of last season). So what’s the deal? Was Westbrook just selfish last season and looking for his own? Or was last season more of a outlier based on the fact the Thunder changed their offense a bit to be more isolation heavy?

Pretty sure you know my answer there already. Westbrook’s assists by season: 5.3 apg, 8.0, 8.4, 5.5, 8.4.

The Thunder as a team are assisting more and Westbrook has a lot to do with it. Look where his assists are coming at: He’s averaging 4.1 a game with assists leading to a basket at the rim (up from 2.2 last season) and 1.9 a game from 16-23 feet (up from 1.2 last season). Everywhere else, it’s mostly the same. Which tells me that Westbrook is back on the ball more as a creator. Plus, having a legit pick-and-pop option like Serge Ibaka helps a ton.

Another thing: KD’s being assisted on 61.3 percent of his baskets. That’s up from 48.1 percent last season and closer to what it was the seasons where Westbrook averaged eight assists per game. Westbrook is creating more looks for Durant while the Thunder are relying a bit less on isolation. I think his assist numbers are a bit misleading because Westbrook isn’t a ball mover. His assists come mostly as an isolated event, an explosive play where he set someone up. What I mean is, you notice when Westbrook gets an assist. It’s not like CP3 or Rondo where you glance at the box score and are shocked he had seven in a quarter because it only felt like three. But that’s the kind of player Westbrook is. He’s a hybrid guard that scores and creates. He’s not looking to pass, and he’s not really looking to score. He’s looking to make sure his team comes away with two or three points, one way or the other.

One other thing to touch on: Hopefully you read Henry Abbott’s super piece on Westbrook and hero ball. I don’t disagree with Henry really, but I do think there’s a certain addendum to Westbrook and hero ball. Because while he goes go rogue on his own, one thing that drives me crazy is this idea that Westbrook needs to pass.

My question is why would you have one of the most explosive scorers in the league trying to pass all the time? It would be like buying a greyhound and having a tiny backyard. Making the right play aside, the thought that Westbrook should be a point guard that just distributes is wrong. You can’t handcuff a talent like that. Does he call his own number too much? Yeah, probably. Does he ignore open teammates sometimes? Absolutely. But it’s not on an account of selfishness. Westbrook’s no ball hog. He just believes in Russell more than anyone else.

3. Serge Ibaka (Last week: 4)

Did you know: After scoring in single digits the first two games of the season, Ibaka has ripped off 12 straight in double-figures? His best career streak prior was six.

He’s obviously assuming a lot of the scoring load and has his average up to 15.1 ppg. That’s just 1.4 behind what James Harden averaged last season for OKC. If Ibaka can maintain his 15-7-3 averages, he’d join some pretty great names for players to have done that like Shaq, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Kareem. David Robinson and others.

http://www.dailythunder.com/2012/11/...sell-the-hero/

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Israel Gutierrez, ESPN.com: Kevin Durant. Quietly, KD is showing off a complete game in Oklahoma City, helping the Thunder easily adjust to the loss of James Harden. He's scoring a bit less than he's used to, but he's averaging career highs in shooting percentage, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. That gives him a slight edge over super-efficient LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Patrick Hayes, Piston Powered: Kevin Durant. Durant was already a top-three player heading into the season. Although his scoring is down just a bit, he's putting up career highs in field goal and 3-point percentage, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks. He has also been great defensively. He's the MVP so far.

Danny Nowell, Portland Roundball: LeBron James. Until the Clippers hit their recent skid, I would have said Chris Paul for orchestrating their leap to seeming completion. But he let up on the reins a little bit and all of a sudden Miami is near the top of the league standings and LeBron is playing the league's best two-way ball. Yawn.

J.M. Poulard, Warriors World: LeBron James. He was the best player in the league last year, and all he has done this season is improve his 3-point shooting and cut down on his turnovers. And just in case that wasn't enough, late in games he looks as though he has mastered the Matrix, bending defenses to his will and setting up teammates for open jumpers.

Darius Soriano, Forum Blue And Gold: Kevin Durant. He's averaging 26 points and nine rebounds, has taken on a greater playmaking responsibility with James Harden in Houston and is doing it all while flirting with 50/40/90 percentages from the field, behind the arc and at the free throw line. Plus, he remains the most dangerous scorer in the league. Oh yeah, and he's only 24.

Three of the five analysts have KD as the best player so far this season. Not bad.

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The Thunder have put one full month in the books, winning 13 games in November, the most in the month since the team moved to Oklahoma City. (The franchise record for wins in a month is 14.)

I mentioned it after the game against the Jazz, but considering the situation, that’s nothing short of impressive. Or outstanding.

It was just two days before OKC’s first game of the season when the Thunder shook the roster up entirely by trading James Harden to Houston. The fears, the worries, the questions all poured in. Especially after the Thunder’s shaky 1-2 start.

Now they’ve won 13 of 15. Some perspective though: It’s been with one of the easier schedules in the league, yes. But again, think back to a month ago and the anxiety that came with dealing Harden. People knew the Thunder would remain good, but the amount of time to sort through things was the question. And evidently, it took three games.

Consider: Last season the Thunder finished second in offensive efficiency, scoring 107.1 points per 100 possessions. After 18 games this season, the Thunder are third in the league, scoring 110.1 per 100. OKC’s effective field goal percentage is up, true shooting percentage is up and the assist rate is way up (by 4.6!). It’s only a month of data, but by virtually every measurement, the Thunder’s offense better this season than last.

Four big reasons: 1) Kevin Durant is playing at another level right now in terms of offensive efficiency; 2) Russell Westbrook is distributing and creating better than ever; 3) Serge Ibaka is a legit offensive weapon and 4) Kevin Martin has fit in gorgeously. Now, I think the Thunder probably would be in a similar situation statistically with Harden simply because Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka’s growth were natural and to be expected. But that’s the point — the Thunder have grown organically as we expected them to, and have reached a new level.

On to the player rankings:

1. Russell Westbrook (Last week 3)

It’s early, of course, but there’s some light MVP buzz building around Westbrook. Mainly for this reason: When people assume one thing is one way and a player proves them wrong by exceeding that expectation, it becomes a narrative. And the narrative with Westbrook has been about his supposed selfishness, except he’s blowing that noise completely apart right now.

He’s averaging a career-high assist number, but not just that, he’s clearly understanding and running offense better than ever. He still forces up some bad ones and has some wild turnovers, but it’s all becoming more and more forgivable.

Check out Westbrook’s week: Four games, 16.8 ppg, 9.5 apg, 6.3 rpg, 3.6 spg. (And 5.0 turnovers per game, which obviously isn’t ideal.)

I’ve said it before, but I think the best measure of Westbrook isn’t actually his individual stats. But the team’s. Because everyone understands that raw talent and power of Oklahoma City’s roster. With two of the league’s most efficient and gifted scorers on the roster in Durant and Martin, the Thunder are built to succeed. And the only thing that could potentially hold the Thunder back from scoring effectively would be Bad Russell. So as long as the Thunder are chugging along offensively — which again, they are, better than ever — then you’ve got to tip your cap to Westbrook and say job well done.

He’s had to take on more of an offensive responsibility without Harden and has responded exceptionally well. That was the big fear of the Harden trade. No one questions Westbrook’s desire, competitiveness and ability, but sometimes it’s all a bit misguided. And with more of a burden falling on him to make the Thunder engine run, there was nail-biting as to if he’d handle that well. So far, so outstanding.

Is he an early MVP candidate? Absolutely. No question. Not ahead of Kevin Durant quite yet, but he should be in the conversation.

2. Kevin Durant (Last week: 1)

KD’s week was a less than his usual ridiculously impressive self simply by default. His stupid team kept blowing people out and taking away his minutes and thereby, stats. He still managed to average 25 ppg on 60.7 percent shooting (34-56). How? Because he’s Kevin Durant and that’s just what he does. He scored 12 points on 4-6 shooting while I was writing that last sentence.

(Also, take note of KD’s turnovers recently. They were an early blemish on Durant, but he’s got them under control. Since the Clipper game on Nov. 21 where he turned it over six times, KD hasn’t turned it over more than three times in a game. He’s averaging just 2.2 over his last six games.)

Take note of this though: With Durant on the floor this season, the Thunder are averaging 114.2 points per 100 possessions and 102.1 with him off. That’s a +12.1 difference. (For reference, the Heat are averaging 116.1 with LeBron on the floor versus 106.7 off, for a difference of +9.4.) But bigger than that, with Durant on the floor the Thunder’s defense is considerably better. As in a 103.2 defensive efficiency with KD compared to a 114.5 without him. No player this season is making as big a difference overall in terms of points per 100 possessions as Durant is.

Want to mention this too: The Thunder were expected to use KD a lot more at power forward this season with smallball lineups. How’s that gone? With 67 percent of his minutes coming at small forward, his PER is 23.1. With the 14 percent that have come at power forward, he has a PER of 45.9. I’ll email Hollinger and ask, but that seems pretty good.

3. Kevin Martin (Last week: 2)

After a few dodgy outings, Martin responded by averaging 16.8 a game this week on 46.8 percent shooting. And more than that, especially over the last two games, Martin appeared to have a lot more confidence and comfort in his role. He attacked more, looked for his own a bit and seemed to be finding a little of that natural scoring touch outside of just spotting up for 3s.

The Thunder really weren’t close in their four games this week, so the major question about his involvement went unanswered. But the more he’s involved — and involves himself — the more he’s likely to be part of crunchtime. Martin is very clearly a “flow” player. A guy that needs to be included and get touches if he’s to remain effective.

Martin’s actually been a pretty terrific clutch player statistically speaking for OKC this season (per 36 in the clutch, he’s shooting 80 percent from the floor, 4.2-of-5.3, including 100 percent from 3), he just hasn’t had much opportunity.

For instance, his usage rate is a respectable 21.1 percent. But in the clutch, that drops all the way to 9.0 percent. (Compare that to last season in Houston where his usage in the clutch was 25.8 percent.) KD’s usage in the clutch this year is 36.2 percent. Westbrook’s is 34.2 percent. Heck, Serge Ibaka’s is 12.3 percent. Point is, Martin has to be involved more in those crunchtime situations.

http://www.dailythunder.com/2012/12/...el/#more-23144

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The Thunder’s progression of the first quarter of the season year over year:

After 21 games in 2008-09: 2-19
After 21 games in 2009-10: 12-9
After 21 games in 2010-11: 14-7
After 21 games in 2011-12: 17-4
After 21 games this season: 17-4
And here’s what looms this week: Home games against the Hornets and Kings. There’s a very good chance the Thunder are headed for their best start in Oklahoma City history.

The schedule this year hasn’t been exceedingly difficult, but there’s nothing you can do about that. You play the games in front of you. And on the surface, this week was supposed to be validation material for the Thunder. A road game in Brooklyn, a home game against the Lakers and a follow-up against the Pacers. A tight win against the Nets, a pretty convincing win over LA and a gritty win over Indiana.

Any time you win eight straight games, you’re doing something right. And the Thunder have that look about them that not only are they rolling, but there’s still more to come. Remember those games early in the season where they were winning but it felt like they weren’t playing all that well? Well, they’re definitely playing better now — they’ve scored at least 100 points in 12 straight games for crying out loud — but they aren’t playing great.

At least not to that standard that Sam Presti has said was set against the Spurs last postseason. That’s the goal, and it definitely seems they’re trending in a direction where they’ll hit it at some point again.

Let’s rank:

1. Kevin Durant (Last week: 2)

The Lakers game was an incredible example of the wonderful difference between Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Westbrook completely exploded in the first half, lighting up arena with one of those jaw-dropping bursts of scoring. Durant unassumingly did his thing, scoring quietly and taking what the defense gave him.

In the end, Westbrook scored a loud 33. Durant had a quiet 36, on seven fewer shots. That’s the thing. Westbrook scores with a clatter, a whole bunch of noise. Durant’s like a thief in the night. You wake up and your whole living room is cleared out, and it only took him three trips to the car to do it.

Side thing: KD hasn’t had a double-double in 10 games. Last one he had was the triple-double against the Warriors. Coincidental, or is there something to it?

2. Russell Westbrook (Last week 1)

I find myself saying a lot, “THAT play was so Russell Westbrook.” The and-1 3 against the Lakers, the block on Hibbert, the steal one possession later. Down the line you go, week to week, there are plays that you just say, “That was so Russ.”

I came to the conclusion watching his 27-point first half outburst against the Lakers that Westbrook might be the single most entertaining player in the league. In terms of watchability, Westbrook is just fun. Durant is pure, LeBron is unreal, Blake Griffin can dunk, Kobe is cold-blooded and on and on. But Westbrook just has a look to him, a certain undefinable swagger in his game that makes him so fun to watch.

3. Nick Collison (Last week: 5)

I have this dream. In English soccer, when a player plays with a team for 10 seasons they do this thing called a “testimonial” where they play an exhibition game in the player’s honor. Essentially, the game is all about that player. A Player Appreciation Night, if you will.

Collison is in his ninth year with the Thunder. You can see where I’m going with this. My dream would be that sometime late in the season, maybe a meaningless game in April after seeding and all that is pretty much sorted, to let Collison be the alpha. Run everything through him, give him the most touches, try to get him to 30 points. He does the thankless dirty work job every night of setting screens, taking charges and tipping rebounds. Let’s give Nick Collison a testimonial.

An aside: Collison’s averaging the fewest number of minutes since his rookie year. The Thunder are better when he’s playing than when he’s not. So… why?

http://www.dailythunder.com/2012/12/...ng/#more-23200

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1. Kevin Durant (Last week: 1)

Durant’s scoring by quarter: 6.0, 6.5, 7.7, 8.1. Somehow, Durant has that ability to sort of coast for a game and awaken at the push of a button. It’s like the Durantula signal goes into the sky and he appears late in the game to rescue the Thunder. He took four shots in the first half against the Hornets scoring 10 points. In the second, he took 16 and scored 25, most of it in the fourth quarter. It’s just a sick ability to have, to be able to flip a switch and takeover. And I think it intimidates the hell out of opponents.

2. Russell Westbrook (Last week 2)

There’s a little bit of chatter about Westbrook making an All-Defense team. Still early, but it’s true: Westbrook’s defense is better this season. It’s still not elite by any means though.

Point guard is probably the hardest defensive position to play because you’re forced to guard pretty much every single possession. You have an attacking threat coming out you every time down the floor. Per Synergy, Westbrook is allowing 0.84 points per possession, a pretty solid mark for point guard (for comparison, Chris Paul, a respected defender, is allowing 0.89). Where Westbrook is elite, is in defending isolation. He ranks 13th in the league in points allowed per possession at just 0.55. Where he struggles is in spot-up situations, allowing 1.17 points per possession. The reason for it is Westbrook’s still a gambler, jumping passing lanes and trying to wreak havoc on an offense by flying around the court.

Still, opponents are shooting under 40 percent against him and opposing point guards have a PER of just 14.8 per 48 minutes when guarded by him

He’s better this season. It’s an area he’s improved in and I think part of it is due to his energy management. He’s understanding more how to play both ends of the floor with even energy, instead of putting so much in at different times. He’s a little less emotional and doesn’t seem to be letting bad offensive possessions affect him as much on the defensive end.

Westbrook has the ability to be an elite, lockdown defender. He was in college and a big part of his draft status was based around that. He’s blossomed into an offensive weapon that no one saw coming. But it appears that defense might finally be catching up a bit.

3. Kevin Martin (Last week: 5)

There’s been a lot of talk about KD going 50-40-90, but watch out for Martin who is 46.4-46.8-93.3 right now. Think about that: The Thunder have two guys flirting with 50-40-90 through the first quarter of the season. That’s ridiculous.

It’s no coincidence that Martin is shooting career-highs from everywhere though. He’s getting better looks than ever and while he’s taking about five shots fewer per game than he has throughout his career, his scoring is still on track. I can’t shake one thing about Martin: It’s a shame he came to the Thunder were he was 29, not 25.

4. Serge Ibaka (Last week: 4)

Question: Say it was Ibaka, not Harden, that held out for the max deal and wanted an alpha role. Say he got it. What do you think his numbers would look like this season?

My opinion: I don’t think they’d be as good. He might be averaging a point or two more a game, but it’s obvious to me that Ibaka flourishes as an outlet option. He’s not really a guy you run plays for. More of a guy you find open within the flow. And with Westbrook and Durant drawing so much attention, it has helped Ibaka blossom into a terrific scoring weapon.

Check Ibaka’s percentages by area: 78.7 percent at the rim, 50.0 percent 3-9 feet, 66.7 percent 10-15 feet, 48.0 percent 16-23 feet. He’s fifth in the league in field goal percentage but the four guys in front of him — Chandler, Splitter, McGee and Jordan — barely ever step outside the paint. There isn’t a player in the league has the kind of percentages Ibaka does right now.

5. Nick Collison (Last week: 3)

I couldn’t think of anything to write this week about Collison and yet here he sits No. 5. I think that says it all.

http://www.dailythunder.com/2012/12/...ngs-moving-on/