National Basketball Association

Is the Oklahoma City Thunder's frontcourt underrated?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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For many, the equation is simple for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season: Backcourt success equals team success. But will their big men be more influential than many think?

With Russell Wesbrook tipped for MVP glory and Victor Oladipo only getting better year-on-year, it’s looking increasingly likely that Oklahoma City Thunder’s backcourt will propel them to success this season.

Oklahoma’s newest star duo already seem to be firm friends off the court. On-court they will be pushing for the title of the NBA’s strongest guard partnership this year.

But what about their front-court?

Even with Serge Ibaka having left to join the Orlando Magic, the Thunder boast more men in the four spot this year than they did in the year just gone.

But it isn’t just quantity over quality.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ersan Ilyasova will with partner Steven Adams this season, combining experience with a mature young head.

The former has made over 500 regular-season appearances in the NBA since being drafted in 2006. Adams meanwhile has continued to grow under the radar, and is finally be recognized as one of the league’s best young centers.

Meanwhile Domantas Sabonis was a sharp shooter with an impressive conversion rate during college. Across two seasons, he shot over 60 percent of his field attempts while also converting nearly 75 percent of all free-throws.

The Oregon-born Lithuanian will add another dimension in the paint for the Thunder; his versatility will be key.

Finally Joffrey Lauvergne, Enes Kanter and Andre Roberson complete Thunder’s front-court, with all three set to play varying roles.

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Andre Robertson will act as a defensive linchpin in small forward this season, which in turn could make Enes Kanter’s job a little easier.

It’s common knowledge that Kanter’s maturity and discipline on defense is lacking, but going forward, the Turk can be lethal.

When given the minutes, the 24-year-old has produced returns of up to 33 points, and will continue to be a vital asset off the bench.

So are they underrated?

Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) poses for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In short, it seems so.

Russell Westbrook is in the limelight this year. Therefore it seems like Kanter and co. have gone under the radar.

Adams’ performances during the playoffs drew plenty of attention, but his defensive work ethic will never be a headline maker.

Also, none of the Thunder’s main front-court besides Ersan are older than 24. All of the OKC’s big men have plenty of room to improve both their game and their on-court maturity, making the future seem very bright indeed.

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