Contenders?

[TheHottestHand]

As an avid Thunder fan I truly believe they are a threat every year. Do you think they have a chance for the title this season? In my opinion, it will take about 2 years, and then they will be even greater than the force Miami have built. KD at that point will be 23 years old and even silkier than he is now. Westbrook, Harden, Aldrich, Green, Ibaka and Sefolosha will have developed into a formidable group focused on the defensive end. The reason that they will be the greatest is because of chemistry. This team has more potential than any other team in the league. What do you think?

[rordog]

They'll make playoffs.. and continue to, but they won't be the Western Conference Champs because of the power house in the Lakers. Obviously there going to continue to develop and KD I think will get an MVP real soon unless LBJ is dropping triple-doubles.. Hopefully Aldrich develops into one of the young studs in this team because there lineup would be dominant. It's still going to be a couple of years though...

[Clangus]

My heart tells me we can win everygame.
My head tells me that we aren't a true contender.

We need Aldrich to be very solid. We need Green to shoot better. We need KD and Westbrook to turn it over alot less. We need Ibaka to continue to develop at the amazing rate he currently is. We need Harden to be a consistant threat off the bench. We need Thabo to learn to hit open 3's. If all tht happens we're a "true contender",

[Ontario]

Two years ago I said this would be the year. The team is still a work in progress and certainly no the favourite to win the title, but that is beside the point. The Oklahoma City Thunder have a roster that can and will seriously compete for the title starting now, the window is open for at least 5 seasons barring serious injury, let's hope the guys can push something through it.

[dan_atko97]

As a Heat fan the Thunder are the only team including the Lakers the legitametly scare me. They already know how to play together and their team has been built awesomely. I think you can win it all this year because last year you took the champions to 7 games. Your team was the most competitive with them and if you got through them inn the first round I could see you winning last year. With another year of experience and a defensive center i could see OKC as legit contenders

[wiff]

I think the Thunder will make the playoffs this coming season. Contenders????????

That's a tough call. I think they have a shot at the 4 seed. But to be a true contender I think the Thunder are a year away.

This team still needs to learn how to play in a half court set.

How many times last year did you see 5 seconds left on the clock, Thunder down by one and the best look they get is Durant iso'd 27ft out taking a contested three. And that's if he doesn't manage to get the ball picked.

This team is loaded with young talent but they still have question marks at three of their positions.
Only Durant and Westbrook are locks to be starting next season. That's a lot of unanswered questions on the players role whether it's starting or coming in off the bench.

The team is still young, and even though they have some playoff experience (6 games with the Lakers) it's hard to see them make it all the way to the WCF. Possible just unlikly.

So I think they will improve, and who knows maybe they catch lightning in a bottle, but realistically I think they are two years away from being a legit contender.

[Gotta_B_KD35]

In 2-3 years if Thunder have most of their core and a high quality bench, I see them making it out of the Western Conference. I feel if Thunder weren't matched up with Lakers in the 1st round last year, there's a high possibility of pushing to the 2nd round as they held their own against Lakers and would've pushed for a game 7 if not for the last second Gasol putback. The Thunder is a young team and the chemistry will get better while Lakers are getting older year by year. And our only potential threat in the near future is Portland or Lakers (attracts free agents).

[The Franchise_]

I think OKC is an exciting young team, but to be honest as a Houston fan, if we're healthy, I would love to see you guys in the playoffs.

[wiff]

I think OKC is an exciting young team, but to be honest as a Houston fan, if we're healthy, I would love to see you guys in the playoffs.

Be careful for what you wish for.

[Rick45]

My heart tells me we can win everygame.
My head tells me that we aren't a true contender.

We need Aldrich to be very solid. We need Green to shoot better. We need KD and Westbrook to turn it over alot less. We need Ibaka to continue to develop at the amazing rate he currently is. We need Harden to be a consistant threat off the bench. We need Thabo to learn to hit open 3's. If all tht happens we're a "true contender",

The TRUE CONTENDERS

Lakers
Boston
Miami
Orlando

The title will come from one of those teams.
The 2nd tier is

Chicago
Dallas

After that it's(3rd Tier)

OKC
Blazers(if healthy)
Utah
ATL
Bucks

There is a 0.0000000000001% chance ANYONE else wins it all. IMO

[re49gb_2gho32fp]

Imo, okc is a true contender starting this season if it learns to utilize Krstic (very good on both ends) and Ibaka.

The title will come from one of those teams.
The 2nd tier is

Chicago
Dallas

After that it's(3rd Tier)

OKC
Blazers(if healthy)
Utah
ATL
Bucks

this is way out of bounds. dallas and chicago r 4th and 3tier respectively. Blazers and okc 2nd.