A Questionable Roster Is Oklahoma City Thunder's Biggest Issue

The Oklahoma City Thunder are not a good team right now. Some of it can be attributed to the unexpected injuries of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, but a high percentage of it can be traced back to the inexperienced, less talented bunch of role players that surround the dynamic duo.

The fact is the Thunder don’t have any chance of winning games without Durant or Westbrook going off. Serge Ibaka has shown that he’s not capable of carrying a team to any success by himself, which was most evident in the absence of the two superstars. Ibaka’s game has grown exponentially since he broke onto the scene in 2009. His extended shooting range (mid-range to three-point range) is impressive and his defensive effort is always there, but it’s just not enough.

Aside from Ibaka, the Thunder are hard pressed to find additional consistent threats to make a difference night in and night out. The frontcourt is less than average with Steven Adams being their brightest light. Kendrick Perkins has long passed his prime and just looks lost at times on the floor.

Nick Collison’s 10 years of NBA experience makes him important, but he is a banger that can only provide limited offense and fouls on the defensive due to a lack of athleticism. And why has Collison attempted 35 three-pointers already? That is 18 more than all of last season and there are still 63 games to play.

The Thunder’s backcourt is reasonable to a degree with Reggie Jackson back there, but the jury is still out on Anthony Morrow and Jeremy Lamb. They can score in bunches and have the athleticism to be great defenders, but they aren’t focused on getting stops; neither is the team collectively.

With Durant and Westbrook back, the Thunder may have a chance to climb out of the hole they’re in and make something of the season. The more concerning issue is the potential of the current roster and the type of players that two of the best players in the NBA have to work with. The Thunder simply need more.

Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.