In '09-'10 Season, The Thunder Could Make Some Noise (Pun Intended).

 On April 7th, espn.com reported that Blake Griffin would be declaring for the 2009 NBA Draft. Wow. What a surprise. But that did get me thinking... Blake Griffin is an Oklahoman. Not only was he born in Oklahoma, he has also spent all of his basketball career up to this point in the Sooner State. Why not spend the rest of his career there?

 Yes, I know I'm getting ahead of myself. The Draft is still a few months away, and the Thunder will not end this year with the NBA's worst record. But the lottery system gives OKC a solid chance at landing the number one pick, a year after bagging the 4th overall pick (Russell Westbrook), and two years after grabbing the 2nd overall pick (Kevin Durant - Reigning ROY). Clearly, the Thunder lose. A lot. But all of this losing has helped them put together a young core of players, who one day may turn the former Seattle SuperSonics (am I even allowed to type that?) into playoff contenders again.

 If you don't think KD is going to be one of the top players in this league (Yes, up there with LBJ and Wade), then you're probably like everyone else out there. Which is fine. Because when I say "I told you so, " you'll know why. Russell Westbrook is having a phenomenal rookie season, even though guys like Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo are sharing the rookie spotlight. I had the pleasure of watching Nenad Krstic when he played for the Nets (thank you, YES Network), and the seasons preceding his injury were solid. If he stays healthy, and plays for an entire season, his numbers are sure to match the one's he put up while playing in New Jersey. Jeff Green went only a few spots after Durant in the '07 Draft, and after an All-Rookie season, is putting up even better numbers (16.8, 6.7, and 2 as of April 9th) in his sophomore year.

 And sorry Thabo, but if the Thunder have it my way, you'll be contributing off the bench while Mr. Griffin holds down this spot. Clearly he has yet to make the jump into the L, but if he does what most of us believe he is capable of doing, then this is quite the young and talented starting five. One that starts three forwards, but one that can also run and score.

 Unfortunately, their bench doesn't look as promising, and as of right now is especially guard heavy. The entire team needs to work on its defense. Also, it will be difficult for this young squad to break into the group of  competitive Western Conference teams (not every young team can be as successful as the current 50 Win Blazers). If the Mavericks finish the '08-'09 season strong, it will be the second year in a row that all 8 West teams in the playoffs will have finished the season with at least 50 wins. The Thunder are not winning 50 games next year, so unless Mr. Stern throws them in the east (which would be hilarious), don't expect an 83rd game for the Thunder. However, with a starting lineup like the one previously mentioned, OKC will definitely shock some of the more elite teams in the L, and take a giant step towards becoming more intimidating than their name.