Surge of the Thunder

Not many Western Conference perennial playoff contenders will realize this, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the rise. With a young group of players such as Kevin Durant leading the way, there is a reason why Western Conference foes should fear these Thunder. The way this team plays hard behind its leading scorer in Durant and their toughness to stick out to win tight games. With a supporting cast of young NBA stars in Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, this is a core that will give the Lakers, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Spurs a run for their money. Their surprising start and a playoff berth, no higher than a sixth or seventh seed will be considered a big achievement in the history of the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder. I can't see the Thunder winning immediately, but the process to eventually win an NBA championship will eventually show on these young Thunder. As Durant grows with his basketball game, his supporting cast will get better over the years. If you ask me, if one of the top West teams falters in the playoffs because of better basketball talent, don't be surprised if the Thunder make it to the second round.