The OKC Thunder are looking to make it back to the playoffs after missing out last season and having Kevin Durant healthy could be the key to returning. The team has Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter as their core players on the roster and new head coach Billy Donovan is expecting improvement from last year.
Durant's injury was the main issue with the Thunder last season and even with him out, Russell Westbrook nearly led the team to the playoffs. Durant had foot surgery and was limited to just 27 games and that put Oklahoma City in a tough situation. Durant averaged 25 points, 6.6 rebounds and four assists in those games and now he is coming back and looking to stay healthy for the duration this year.
Durant could not really defend his MVP title and now he will get the chance after Stephen Curry won it last year for the Warriors. Westbrook made a case for it down the stretch, as he basically averaged near a triple double over the final run of the season and he received some consideration in the voting. Westbrook finished averaging 28 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists in 67 games last season and while his numbers could take a slight hit with Durant back, he should be primed for another big year.
Ibaka also missed time with injuries and he played in 64 games last season while averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Having the main trio of players healthy is key for Donovan and the Thunder and coming into the season the team is considered to be a playoff contender in the west. The team signed back Enes Kanter and they also have Steven Adams coming in after a solid season, while Dion Waiters has fit in nicely after his trade to the team.
Donovan said that he likes the makeup of the roster and the depth the team has, including with rookie Cameron Payne as well as Josh Huestis and Kyle Singler. The west is always a tough conference to get out of and this season the Thunder have the chance to get back to the playoffs after missing out last year. Durant and his health will be one of the main storylines to watch in the NBA this season.