HOOPSAHOLIC

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2014-15 season with their sights set on one goal, an NBA Championship. The young franchise has been at the brink of winning a title over the last five seasons, but OKC hasn't been able to put on the finishing touches. After losing in the NBA Finals to the Heat three seasons ago, the Thunder suffered injuries to Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka in back to back postseasons to derail all hope of winning that illustrious championship. Now with two seasons left on Kevin Durant's contract, the Thunder are all of the sudden in "desperation mode" to win a title before his contract expires. If KD is still empty handed at that point, who knows what decision he'll make about his future. 

Kevin Durant is the reigning NBA MVP, and no one can argue with the fact that the guy is incredible on and off the court. Last year Durant averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game to lead the Thunder to the second best record in the Western Conference. His shooting ability at his size is truly phenomenal and the guy seems to get better every season while adding a new weapon to his arsenal. Durant is constantly making his teammates better, and you can tell his "Thunder Buddies" love to play with him. Even though he'll miss the first six weeks of the season with a Jones Fracture in his foot, I still expect the superstar to return better than ever and get back on his MVP pace. 

With the Durant injury, point guard Russell Westbrook will take on more of the offensive load for the Thunder. Last year Westbrook averaged 22 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game in a season slowed down by injury. Westrook is the most athletic player in the NBA, and opposing point guards have nightmares about guarding the monster. In Durant's absence, Westbrook must find away to become a better facilitator and get his teammates involved. Russ is a guy who's confident enough to take on an entire team by himself, but he must realize he can't do that and he must involve the role players if the Thunder have any chance of keeping their head above water during Durant's recovery period. I know Westbrook is capable of doing that, and in my opinion he's the best point guard in the league. He will finally have a team of his own to lead during these next six weeks, and I look forward to seeing how he handles it. 

Serge Ibaka is entering this season with a lot to prove. Last year he was very vocal that he wanted to be an all star and wanted to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, and neither of those things happened. He did averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds. Ibaka is the best rim protector in the business, and with an increased role early in the season I'm expecting the best year of Ibaka's career in 2014-15. He has elite athleticism and can knock down the mid-range jumper with ease. He's even added the corner three-ball to his bag of tricks, so expect Ibaka to average at least 18-19 points this season. 

Reggie Jackson is another guy who has a lot to prove this season as he approaches the end of his contract. He saw the big payday that Eric Bledsoe got, so he's out to make some money this season. Jackson had a stellar season last year for the Thunder averaging 13 points and four assists a night. He stepped in nicely as the sixth man, and really gave a reliable presence for the second unit. He's been known to wave off Durant and Westbrook in the past which has led to frustration from the two super stars. In the end, he's a valuable asset who should have his best season

The Thunder have announced that Steven Adams will be the starting center over Kendrick Perkins, which should give the Thunder more offense at the start of games. Both Andre Roberson and Jeremy Lamb will see some playing time at shooting guard, but I believe Roberson has the advantage right now. He has length and will provide great wing defense. The Thunder also have Nick Collison returning, the veteran will mentor the newest Thunder player, Mitch McGary when the rookie returns from injury since the two have very similar playing styles. Anthony Morrow was also brought in over the offseason to be a sharp shooting bench player, but will also miss time to start the season. Like I said at the beginning, this is a humongous year for the Thunder. The role players will need to take on more responsibility, especially early on in Durant's absence so the Thunder will be in good position to have homecourt advantage in the playoffs.