5 reasons Oklahoma City Thunder can win NBA Finals without Kevin Durant

3. The Thunder have the size

As mentioned, three point shots are tougher than lay ups. The Thunder now have a roster where lay ups will be the premium. That is because the talent and depth of their size could be unmatched by any team in the NBA.

In trading Serge Ibaka they lost a former piece of their core. However, what they really lost was a player who averaged just 12 points and 6.8 boards in the regular season. He began to focus solely on shooting outside of the paint, and even his defense as a rim protector fell off.

In terms of rim protecting, the Thunder have realized that Steve Adams is the better option anyways. Adams is strong and athletic, and does not mind throwing elbows or his hips around to protect the paint.

As far as the offense goes, the Thunder essentially replaced that strictly with Ersan Ilyasova. Ilyasova has always been looked at as a stretch four, and is probably a better shooter than Ibaka. Therefore in losing Ibaka, they already have rim defense and his offensive contributions covered.

That now goes without mention of the rest of the Thunder’s big men. Enes Kanter, Nick Collison, Mitch McGary, and Domantas Sabonis all will rotate and get playing time this season. Collison and McGary have been prided off of being hustle players off of the bench who will do the little things. Kanter is a major scoring threat.

Then there is Sabonis, the rookie who should be able to jump right into the rotation. Sabonis has underrated foot work, and with already having the size to play in the NBA, he could be a factor immediately. There is a possibility that Sabonis could average the 12 and six next year that Ibaka gave them.

Having this much talent, size, and experience in the front court can go a long way. They will massacre a team like the Warriors when it comes to the big men, and guys like McGary, Kanter and Adams have the athleticism to run with them. They will have to force their will on teams, and avoid having to go small, but in big situations, the Thunder still should be the most prepared in the league.

Next: 2. Warriors lose depth