The Oklahoma City Thunder's Olympic triad of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden is no more. OKC hasn't had a problem with that so far, but the story could be different come the postseason.
Though the Thunder have cruised to the top of the West even after jettisoning Harden, they are unlikely to find the sailing as smooth after April 20. The competition will be tougher, and the reigning Western Conference champs have a target on their backs.
Over 20 games in the 2012 playoffs, Harden averaged 16.3 points on 43.5 percent shooting, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. That brand of all-around contribution is nearly impossible to replace.
Though it seemed Harden still suffered aftereffects from the elbow Metta World Peace delivered to his temple late last season, his value in attracting defenders was nearly as valuable as his tremendous production.
Ultimately, OKC does not have any one player who can supplement Durant and Westbrook like Harden did; no one can completely replace his dynamism. Therefore, the Thunder will have to rely on something akin to a bullpen-by-committee.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Sean Hojnacki
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April 6th, 2013 by Sean Hojnacki Leave a reply »
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