2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season
The 2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season was the 10th season of the franchise in Oklahoma City and the 52nd in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This season was headlined by the acquisitions of All-Star players Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in trades with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks respectively, in addition to the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook signing a five-year extension worth $205 million. The trio was dubbed the "Big Three" as well as "OK3".[1] The Thunder clinched their playoff berth for the eight time in the last nine seasons with a win over the Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2012 Finals on April 9, 2018.
| 2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Billy Donovan |
| General manager | Sam Presti |
| Owners | Professional Basketball Club LLC |
| Arena | Chesapeake Energy Arena |
| Results | |
| Record | 48–34 (.585) |
| Place | Division: 2nd (Northwest) Conference: 4th (Western) |
| Playoff finish | First Round (lost to Jazz 2–4) |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | Fox Sports Oklahoma |
| Radio | |
They finished the regular season with 48–34, which clinched the 4th seed. In the playoffs, the Thunder faced the 5th seeded Utah Jazz in the First Round, a team led by rookie Donovan Mitchell, and lost in six games.
After averaging a then-career low 16.2 points per game during the season, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, ending the Thunder's Big Three experiment.[2] The season also marked the end of long-time veteran Nick Collison's career, after 14 years. Sometimes referred to as "Mr. Thunder", Collison appeared once in the finals (2012), and following his retirement, became the only player from the 2003 draft to play their entire career with the team that drafted them, and it also left Jeff Green of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors as the last remaining active players who played for the then-Seattle SuperSonics, with Mark Bryant and Sam Presti being the last remaining staff members that have been with the Thunder since the Sonics' final season in 2007–08.
Previous season
The Thunder finished the 2016–17 season 47–35 to finish in second place in the Northwest Division, sixth in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs. Last season featured Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson's record for most triple doubles in a season with 42.[3] Westbrook was later named the 2016-17 NBA Most Valuable Player. Westbrook earned MVP honors after joining Oscar Roberson as the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double. Westbrook registered a league-best 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds (10th in the NBA), 10.4 assists (third in the NBA) and 1.63 steals in 34.6 minutes per game.[4]
Offseason
Draft picks
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College/Club team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | Terrance Ferguson | SG |  United States |  Adelaide 36ers (NBL) |
The Thunder had only their own first-round pick entering the draft.[5] The Thunder traded their 2017 second-round pick in the Joffrey Lauvergne trade to the Denver Nuggets back in 2016.[6] The Thunder ended 2017 NBA draft night with Australia's NBL Terrance Ferguson.[7]
Trades
On July 6, the Thunder traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Paul George.[8] George was traded by the Pacers after rumors of George wanting to leave in free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder decided to trade and gamble that a season with George on the roster will entice him to re-sign long term.[9] George came to the Thunder as a four-time All Star, winner of the 2012–13 season Most Improved Player Award, All-NBA Third team honors three times, NBA All-Defensive First Team once and All-Defensive Second team twice.
On September 25, the Thunder traded Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round pick via CHI to the New York Knicks in exchange for Carmelo Anthony.[10] Anthony had been the focal point of intense trade speculation throughout the offseason while owning a no-trade clause in his contract.[11] Both Russell Westbrook and Paul George "played an immense part" in convincing Anthony to waive his no-trade clause to join the Thunder.[12] Anthony came to the Thunder as a 10-time All Star, All-NBA Second team honors two times, All-NBA Third team honors four times and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
Free agency
For this offseason, free agency began on July 1, 2017, while the July moratorium ended on July 6. Norris Cole, Nick Collison and Taj Gibson were set to hit unrestricted free agency while Andre Roberson was set to hit restricted free agency. On July 2, it was reported that Taj Gibson agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which he later signed on July 10.[13][14] On July 5, it was reported that Andre Roberson agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract extension to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 14.[15][16] On July 21, Nick Collison agreed to a new contract to stay with the Thunder. Sam Presti called Collison "one of the founding members of our organization and culture, it goes without saying that he has helped set internal standards and built a legacy that Thunder fans will remain indebted to for years to come."[17] Cole, who was not re-signed, signed a one-year deal with the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv of the EuroLeague.[18]
On July 7, it was reported that Raymond Felton agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 10.[19][20] Felton spent the 2016–17 season with the LA Clippers. A day after losing Taj Gibson, on July 4, it was reported that Patrick Patterson agreed to a three-year, $16.4 million deal with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 10.[21][22] Patterson spent the 2016–17 season with the Toronto Raptors.
On July 22, Dakari Johnson signed a deal with the Thunder. Johnson was originally selected 48th overall in the 2015 NBA draft but did not a sign a contract in the 2015–16 season, instead playing two seasons with the Oklahoma City Blue.[23]
Starting in the 2017–18 season, each team is allowed two players on two-way contracts, in addition to the standard 15 players on the roster. On August 3, Daniel Hamilton signed a two-way contract with the Thunder, splitting time with the Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue. Hamilton spent the 2016-17 season season with the Blue.[24] To fill in the other slot, PJ Dozier signed a two-way contract with the Thunder on October 17. Dozier came undrafted out of South Carolina.[25]
On October 14, Semaj Christon was waived by the Thunder as his $1.3 million salary would have become fully guaranteed for the season. The Thunder opted for 14 guaranteed roster spots rather than 15.[26][27]
On September 29, Russell Westbrook agreed to a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder.[28] Westbrook's deal was the biggest guaranteed contract at the time in 2017.[29]
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City. I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue my career here with the Thunder. From day one the support that Mr. Bennett, Sam, Troy and the entire organization have given me and my family has been incredible, and we are so grateful. When you play in Oklahoma City you play in front of the best fans in the world, I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve got, for them, this city and for this organization. WHY NOT?[30]
— Russell Westbrook
Front office and coaching changes
On May 15, Thunder assistant Anthony Grant was hired as the head coach of the Dayton Flyers. Coming over when Billy Donovan was hired, Grant served as an assistant coach for the Thunder for two seasons.[31]
On October 2, the Thunder announced Rob Hennigan as Vice President of Insight & Foresight. Hennigan rejoins the Thunder after serving as the general manager of the Orlando Magic for five seasons.[32]
Roster
| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Roster |
Standings
Division
| Northwest Division | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y – Portland Trail Blazers | 49 | 33 | .598 | – | 28–13 | 21–20 | 9–7 | 82 |
| x – Oklahoma City Thunder | 48 | 34 | .585 | 1.0 | 27–14 | 21–20 | 5–11 | 82 |
| x – Utah Jazz | 48 | 34 | .585 | 1.0 | 28–13 | 20–21 | 7–9 | 82 |
| x – Minnesota Timberwolves | 47 | 35 | .573 | 2.0 | 30–11 | 17–24 | 10–6 | 82 |
| Denver Nuggets | 46 | 36 | .561 | 3.0 | 31–10 | 15–26 | 9–7 | 82 |
Game log
Preseason
| 2017 pre-season game log Total: 3–1 (home: 2–1; road: 1–0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pre-season: 3–1 (home: 2–1; road: 1–0)
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| 2017–18 season schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Regular season
Playoffs
| 2018 playoff game log Total: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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First Round: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3)
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| 2018 playoff schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Player statistics
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Regular season
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Abrines | 75 | 8 | 15.1 | 39.5% | 38.0% | 84.8% | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 4.7 |
| Steven Adams | 76 | 76 | 32.7 | 62.9% | 0.0% | 55.9% | 9.0 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 13.9 |
| Carmelo Anthony | 78 | 78 | 32.1 | 40.4% | 35.7% | 76.7% | 5.8 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 16.2 |
| Corey Brewer ≠ | 18 | 16 | 28.6 | 44.4% | 34.3% | 79.5% | 3.4 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 10.1 |
| Nick Collison | 15 | 0 | 5.0 | 68.4% | - | 38.5% | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| PJ Dozier | 2 | 0 | 1.5 | 50.0% | - | - | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| Raymond Felton | 82 | 2 | 16.6 | 40.6% | 35.2% | 81.8% | 1.9 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 6.9 |
| Terrance Ferguson | 61 | 12 | 12.5 | 41.4% | 33.3% | 90.0% | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 3.1 |
| Paul George | 79 | 79 | 36.6 | 43.0% | 40.1% | 82.2% | 5.7 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 21.9 |
| Jerami Grant | 81 | 1 | 20.3 | 53.5% | 29.1% | 67.5% | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 8.4 |
| Daniel Hamilton | 6 | 0 | 4.7 | 45.5% | 40.0% | - | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| Josh Huestis | 69 | 10 | 14.2 | 33.0% | 28.7% | 30.0% | 2.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.3 |
| Dakari Johnson | 31 | 6 | 5.2 | 56.4% | - | 55.0% | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 1.8 |
| Patrick Patterson | 82 | 3 | 15.5 | 39.8% | 38.6% | 87.0% | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 3.9 |
| Andre Roberson | 39 | 39 | 26.6 | 53.7% | 22.2% | 31.6% | 4.7 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 5.0 |
| Kyle Singler | 12 | 0 | 4.9 | 33.3% | 40.0% | 53.8% | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 1.9 |
| Russell Westbrook | 80 | 80 | 36.4 | 44.9% | 29.8% | 73.7% | 10.1 | 10.3 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 25.4 |
- Led team in statistic
After all games.[33]
‡ Waived during the season
† Traded during the season
≠ Acquired during the season
Playoffs
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Abrines | 6 | 0 | 18.3 | 40.0% | 46.2% | 100% | 2.7 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 4.0 |
| Steven Adams | 6 | 6 | 33.3 | 58.7% | - | 69.2% | 7.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 10.5 |
| Carmelo Anthony | 6 | 6 | 32.3 | 37.5% | 21.4% | 73.3% | 5.7 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 11.8 |
| Corey Brewer | 6 | 6 | 25.2 | 52.0% | 45.5% | 100% | 2.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 6.2 |
| Raymond Felton | 6 | 0 | 13.2 | 38.7% | 50.0% | 0.0% | 2.2 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 5.2 |
| Terrance Ferguson | 3 | 0 | 2.0 | 100% | 100% | - | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| Paul George | 6 | 6 | 41.8 | 40.8% | 36.5% | 86.1% | 6.0 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 24.7 |
| Jerami Grant | 6 | 0 | 22.2 | 51.4% | 25.0% | 45.5% | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 7.2 |
| Josh Huestis | 4 | 0 | 4.8 | 50.0% | - | 50.0% | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
| Dakari Johnson | 2 | 0 | 1.5 | - | - | - | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Patrick Patterson | 6 | 0 | 9.7 | 50.0% | 50.0% | - | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
| Russell Westbrook | 6 | 6 | 39.2 | 39.8% | 35.7% | 82.5% | 12.0 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 29.3 |
- Led team in statistic
After all games.[34]
Individual game highs
| Category | Player | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | Russell Westbrook Paul George | 19 vs Wizards on January 25, 2018 19 vs Nuggets on February 1, 2018 |
| Threes Made | Paul George | 8 vs Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 |
| Free Throws Made | Paul George Russell Westbrook | 12 vs Clippers on November 10, 2017 12 vs Mavericks on November 12, 2017 |
| Double-Doubles | Russell Westbrook | 59 |
| Triple-Doubles | Russell Westbrook | 25 |
Awards and records
Awards
| Date | Player | Award |
|---|---|---|
| December 26, 2017 | Russell Westbrook (1/2)[35] | December 18–24 Player of the Week[a] |
| January 4, 2018 | Russell Westbrook (1/1)[36] | December Player of the Month[b] |
| January 23, 2018 | Russell Westbrook[37] | All-Star[c] |
| January 27, 2018 | Paul George[38] | All-Star[d] |
| March 19, 2018 | Russell Westbrook (1/2)[39] | March 12–18 Player of the Week[e] |
| May 24, 2018 | Russell Westbrook[40] | All-NBA Second Team[f] |
| May 24, 2018 | Paul George[41] | All-NBA Third Team[g] |
Transactions
Overview
| Players Added Via draft Via trade Via free agency | Players Lost Via trade Via free agency Waived |
Trades
| July 6, 2017[42] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Paul George | To Indiana Pacers Victor Oladipo Domantas Sabonis |
| September 25, 2017[43] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Carmelo Anthony | To New York Knicks Doug McDermott Enes Kanter 2018 second-round pick |
Free agency
Re-signed
| Date | Player | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2017 | Andre Roberson[44] | Multi-Year Extension |
| July 21, 2017 | Nick Collison[45] | Standard |
| September 29, 2017 | Russell Westbrook[46] | Multi-Year Extension |
Additions
| Date | Player | Contract | Former team | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2017 | Raymond Felton[47] | Standard | LA Clippers | ||
| July 10, 2017 | Patrick Patterson[48] | Standard | Toronto Raptors | ||
| July 22, 2017 | Dakari Johnson[49] | Standard | Oklahoma City Blue (D-League) | ||
| August 3, 2017 | Daniel Hamilton[50] | Two-Way | Oklahoma City Blue (D-League) | ||
| October 17, 2017 | PJ Dozier[51] | Two-Way |  South Carolina (NCAA) | ||
| In-Season Additions | |||||
| March 3, 2018 | Corey Brewer[52] | Standard | Los Angeles Lakers | ||
Subtractions
| Date | Player | Reason left | New team |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2017 | Taj Gibson[53] | Free Agent | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| August 15, 2017 | Norris Cole[54] | Free Agent |  Maccabi Tel Aviv |
| October 14, 2017 | Semaj Christon[55] | Waived |  Guangzhou Long-Lions |