NBA Talent Rankings: How the Timberwolves stack up against other young teams (Part One)
9. Oklahoma City Thunder
Big Time: Serge Ibaka
Risin’ Up: Reggie Jackson, Steven Adams
Other Dudes: Jeremy Lamb, Mitch McGary, Perry Jones, Andre Roberson
If I were to break my rule and allow 25 year olds born in 1988 to make the list, then OKC would be ranked a lot higher.
Who am I kidding? If Durant and Westbrook were allowed then the Thunder would be the best 25-and-under team and it wouldn’t really be all that close. The fact that they made managed to claim the 9th place ranking despite the handicap just goes to show how amazingly talented they are from top to bottom in terms of depth.
OKC’s 25-and-under group is headlined by Serge Ibaka (24). Ibaka has established himself as a premier defender in his first five seasons, and he’s brought home First Team All NBA Defensive honors for the last three. This beast of a man swats shots like a madmen and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint. His offense is nothing to sneeze at either. Last season he averaged 15 points on 53% shooting. He can stroke it all the way to the three-point line, too.
After Ibaka,it’s gotta be Reggie Jackson. If there were any doubts about Jackson last season, he answered them with his massive 32 point playoff performance against the Grizzlies last spring time. Jackson, a terrific athlete, can get to the basket whenever he wants. And while he’s more of scoring guard, he’s proven that he can run the show while filling in for Russell Westbrook over the last few seasons.
Don’t forget about Steven Adams, either. His statistical numbers don’t pop out at you, but his true impact lies in his ability to piss off the opposition. I’m not saying Adams is dirty, but the guy’s definitely tougher than your run of the mill NBA big man, and he’s already an expert at getting under the skin of his opponents. Check this out: