Championship-contending teams in the NBA can never have enough depth.
The Oklahoma City Thunder boast plenty of it, which is why they have the best record in the league. However, they can use a power forward, as FanSided predicts that the organization will sign Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. in the offseason.
It might not be the same splash that acquiring a former Thunder forward would be, but Nance can provide a well-rounded skillset on both ends of the floor to a team that has the best net rating in NBA history.
The Wyoming product is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and provide a solid mix of playmaking, three-point shooting, and scoring near the rim.
Nance would be behind Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein at the big man position, but inserting him into the lineup in favor of the latter could help OKC go small to push the pace in transition and spread the floor.
Some teams tend to go smaller during the playoffs because of the fast-paced nature of the game and desire to space the floor. Because OKC doesn’t currently have a big man who can help do just that outside of Holmgren, this could be a move worth considering.
Holmgren also has a shaky injury history, so in the unfortunate event he goes down, Nance can slide right in and offer quality minutes without having to contribute much in the scoring department because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the Thunder well covered in that department.
Nance’s leadership would also be a welcomed addition to an already strong locker room environment.
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