NBA 2019-20 Western Conference: 5 underrated teams to watch this year

New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Yes, All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George are no longer with the Oklahoma City Thunder after two blockbuster trades by the team but they still have talent on their roster. Not only did they receive draft picks with the trades, they got players as well. Most notably, they received point guard Chris Paul from the Westbrook trade and got up-and-coming point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and small forward Danila Gallinari with the trade for George.

With the starting five likely being Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander, Gallinari, center Steven Adams, and forward Andre Roberson, the Thunder should not be slept on. The organization retained head coach Billy Donovan, who has taken the team to the playoffs since he joined the team in 2015. While it will be a different scenario for him without two key star players on his team, he should be able to use what he has and push for another playoff run.

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