Utah Jazz: The J-Notes’ Western Conference composite power rankings, September edition
By Ryan Aston
4) Oklahoma City Thunder
Avg: 3.6, Hi: 2, Low: 4, Aston: 4
Even if it ends up being a one-year loaner until he bolts for the Lakers, OKC’s move to bring in Paul George was a dandy. Clearly, they’re pulling out all the stops to get back to the top of the conference and make a strong pitch to keep Russell Westbrook with the Thunder.
Couple that with bringing in veterans Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton (who will either flop out of the league or be one of the game’s best backup guards) and a strong presence on the sidelines in Billy Donovan and the Thunder have officially re-inserted themselves into the short list of legit contenders.
Long-term, I don’t think this ends well for Oklahoma City (and maybe that’s karma for what went down in Seattle). In the meantime, the Thunder are going to produce some exciting basketball.