2012-13 Result: 60-22, 1st in the Western Conference, lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 1-4 in the Western Conference Semifinals

Key Additions: Ryan Gomes, Diante Garrett, Steven Adams

Key Departures: Kevin Martin, Ronnie Brewer, assistant coach Maurice Cheeks

The Thunder kept the majority of its roster intact and made clear to everyone that the team is Kevin Durant's to lead. They lost shooting Kevin Martin in the off-season in a three-team trade and assistant coach Maurice Cheeks, who took the head coaching job at the Detroit Pistons

Probably the biggest knock on the Thunder, despite their stellar regular-season record in the 2012-13 season, is their tendency to wilt in games against defense-oriented teams. The most glaring example is the Western Conference Semifinals where they lost 1-4 to the Memphis Grizzlies which had the best defense in the league. After winning Game One at home, they fell to the Grizzlies in four straight games, not being able to score more than 100 points in a single game.

In contrast, their first-round match-up against the Houston Rockets was a offense-oriented one, pitting James Harden against Kevin Durant. It showed that the Thunder cannot be beaten in a shootout.

During the offseason, the Thunder worked to address those limitations. With Kendrick Perkins recovering from surgery on his hand and groin, they drafted New Zealand national player Steven Adams, who averaged 2 blocks as a freshman at Pittsburgh. Adams teams up with Serge Ibaka, the NBA's leading shot blocker with 3 per game, and Durant, who averages one, to form a terrible trio that can intimidate all but the league's most elite slashers. When Perkins does recover, he brings in one more shot block per game.

The Thunder also returned Russell Westbrook, who had a banner year in 2012-13, averaging 23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists. Derek Fisher played spot minutes, something that was not noticeable until Westbrook came down with a knee injury, forcing him out of the playoffs. Westbrook's absence will be more than felt at the start of the 2013-14 season, especially since he had another surgery a few weeks before October.

As it is, Kevin Durant will have to produce more offensively. He already averaged 28 points a game in the past season, but with Westbrook's loss leading to 23 less points for the Thunder, support is scant for the rangy scorer.

Season Prediction: Russell Westbrook's injury will be crucial for the Thunder. While he is not yet 100 per cent, the Thunder will continue to welt under pressure. Kevin Durant will reach a plateau as he finds himself trying to do more on both sides of the court. But if and when Westbrook returns, Oklahoma City's offense will pick up and the Thunder will find themselves back in the playoffs once again. From there, it's anyone's guess.