There was reason to be enthusiastic at the start of the 2017-18 OKC Thunder season. Afterall, Russell Westbrook was returning having signed a super max deal and sporting MVP league honors. GM Sam Presti pulled more rabbits out of his magician’s hat to land two-way player Paul George and later convinced Carmelo Anthony to waive his no trade clause to form a new OK3.
In hindsight, perhaps the latter move was destined for failure given an opposing style to how Anthony best produces. By December the squad seemingly found their rhythm and began to resemble a team destined to make a charge for the Larry O’Brien trophy.