Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook badly needs some help. After an MVP-season, averaging a triple-double on the year, the Thunder only finished in sixth place in the West and lost in the first round to the Rockets.
As great as Westbrook was, he could only carry them so far. Oladipo was supposed to be Westbrook’s sidekick and give the Thunder another scoring option. However, in the playoff series with the Rockets, Oladipo did not play up to expectations, averaging 10.7 points on a measly 34% field goal percentage in five games.
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The playoff series only further argued that Westbrook needs more help. To help out Westbrook, the Thunder have just announced a trade that will bring them Paul George for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. The trade automatically pushes the Thunder to the top as one of the best teams in the West.
Now with George, the Thunder will have to continue adding pieces to the bench and find a replacement for Oladipo. This is where Nick Young comes in. His play brings much-needed scoring and shooting for the Thunder and he could fill as a replacement for Oladipo.
Young could slide into the starting lineup or be the leading scorer for the bench unit.
The Thunder’s free agents this year are Andre Roberson, Taj Gibson, and Nick Collison. Roberson is a restricted free agent, while Gibson and Collison are unrestricted. Young isn’t nearly as great as Roberson on defense but Young’s offense could benefit more for the team. Teams are willing to leave Roberson open for three as he is career 26% three-point shooter. Bringing in Young would keep teams in check defensively and open more space inside for the team.
Young would be a nice addition for the Thunder and offer an extra scoring punch to help out Westbrook and George.