The Oklahoma City Thunder: Legitimate Title Contenders?
Since their bitter defeat in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most highly scrutinized franchises in the NBA. The organization has undergone many changes over the course of the past few years, both in on-the-court personnel, as well as at the helm. After failing to agree on a contract extension in the 2012 off-season, James Harden, NBA Sixth Man of the Year, was shipped to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a plethora of young talent. While the trade quickly thrust Harden firmly into the spotlight, and he has since become a foundational piece in the southeast region of Texas, it left the Oklahoma City franchise with many unanswered questions. Following second and third-round exits in the 2013 and 2014 postseasons respectively, the Thunder missed the playoffs entirely in 2015 for the first time in six seasons. As injuries and frustrations continued to mount, it was 2009-2010 Head Coach of the Year, Scott Brooks