2013-14 NBA Preview: 10 Teams Best Suited To Play Small Ball
By John Kim
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
April 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The City Thunder defeated the Warriors 116-97. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Thunder have a freakish talent in Kevin Durant. Durant is the second best player in the NBA and has the ability to score the ball from nearly any position. This allows him to move freely from small forward to power forward.
Serge Ibaka is one of the most physically imposing players in the league. If the Thunder want to play small, sliding Ibaka over to center and Durant to power forward gives Oklahoma City two frontcourt players that can score, defend and rebound effectively.
Add in Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha and the Thunder have one of the youngest and most athletic lineups in the league. They can score, defend, and jump with the best of them. Unfortunately, their lack of depth will prevent them from playing this lineup often.