NBA Season Preview 2017-18: Oklahoma City Thunder roster has balance

Center

Starter – Steven Adams

Depth – Dakari Johnson

Life was miserable for Steven Adams last year. After being heavily hyped in the offseason following great playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors, Adams looked like he regressed, especially on the defensive end.

No one, not even Westbrook, will benefit more from the arrival of George, Anthony, and Patterson more than Adams. Those bunnies and lobs that were taken away last year should return, but more importantly, his defense should return to playoff form.

It was evident last season just how much Adams missed Serge Ibaka on defense. Oklahoma City still managed to field a top 10 defense, but anyone who watched Adams play saw that something was missing. Playing alongside Domantas Sabonis for the majority of the season, Adams was oftentimes doing the work of two men. That took a toll on his game and body. That could still be an issue with Anthony at power forward, but Adams can rest easier when Patterson is his paint partern.

Behind Adams is…no one.

Dakari Johnson is an intriguing prospect, but like Heustis and Ferguson, he’s unlikely to see much valuable playing time.

Next: Five big questions for the NBA's rookie class

What used to be a strength of the organization is now their biggest weakest. Except, given the way the NBA is trending, it’s hard to call it a real weakness. Even though Oklahoma City doesn’t have a true back-up center behind Adams, Patterson should see time at center and never rule out Sam Presti making a move to add depth.