NBA 2018-19: Analyzing how each of the 3 OKC Thunder point guards has performed this season

The Oklahoma City Thunder had an extremely poor bench last season, although Raymond Felton was able to keep the offense ticking while Russell Westbrook was resting. The veteran point guard joined the Thunder on a one-year deal last year, and he immediately solved OKC's long-term issue of finding a backup guard for their 2017 MVP.

In light of Felton's successful season, the Thunder re-signed the point guard to a new one-year deal in July. However, less than two weeks later, the team traded Carmelo Anthony in exchange for Dennis Schroder.

The trade left the Thunder with three capable point guards on the roster, although head coach Billy Donovan has struggled to incorporate all three individuals into his plans.

The Thunder's incredible depth at the point guard position has rarely been seen before. Here, we take a look at how each guard has performed this season, and what the future may hold for each of them.

Raymond Felton

Oklahoma City Thunder v Utah Jazz - Game Three

During the 17-18 season, Felton appeared in all 82 of the Thunder's games, averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per contest. The 34-year-old had previously played in the post-season with the Mavericks, Knicks, Clippers and Nuggets, and his experience was vital to a young reserve unit.

At the start of the 18-19 season, Felton continued to play as the Thunder's back up point guard due to Westbrook's injury. But the veteran has barely featured since the 30-year-old returned.

Felton has the ability to be a reliable backup point guard, and a number of playoff-chasing teams will be happy to take on his veteran's minimum deal. He has been unfortunate to find himself marginalized by the Thunder, and could find himself traded to a rival team before the February trade deadline.

Dennis Schroder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were not seeking a point guard this summer. However, taking Dennis Schroder on board was the only way that the franchise could get rid of Carmelo Anthony's overvalued contract for the 18-19 season.

The Atlanta Hawks were keen to trade away Schroder in order to make room for their latest draft pick, Trae Young. And the team also wanted to rid themselves of the German's four-year, $70 million contract.

Schroder made an excellent start to life with the Thunder, as the point guard recorded 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals on his debut against the Warriors. However, his impact has dipped since Westbrook's return.

It was speculated that the 25-year-old could start alongside Westbrook, but Billy Donovan has preferred both Jerami Grant and Terrance Ferguson.

Schroder is the best back-up point guard in the league, although his long-term future remains in doubt due to the Thunder's lack of cap space. The former Hawks man will likely stick around for the remainder of the season, but don't be surprised if he leaves in the summer.

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder v Sacramento Kings

Despite the Thunder being stacked at the point guard position, Russell Westbrook's role was never in doubt. The 7-time All-Star has recovered from his early-season injury issues to help the Thunder towards the top of the Western Conference standings.

In recent weeks however, Westbrook has taken a back seat to Paul George. The 30-year-old is averaging a seven-year low of 20.2 points per game, although he is on course to average a triple-double for a third consecutive season.

In the times that Westbrook has shared the court with Dennis Schroder, the 2017 MVP has been willing to let Schroder make his own shots. But his ability to function alongside the German is still in doubt, as the two player's skillsets are incredibly similar.

Ultimately, Westbrook will remain OKC's main point guard for the foreseeable future, but it remains to be seen who the Thunder's long term backup will be.