Potential Thunder players who could become fan favorites

This offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder made many changes to their roster, as over half the team from last season will not be playing for the Thunder this season.

Some key players that the Thunder traded were Steven Adams, Chris Paul, and Dennis Schoder. Also, Danilo Gallinari and Nerlens Noel left the team during free agency.

Now, after the offseason roster turnover, the Thunder need some new fan favorites. Just like Luguentz Dort last season, let’s see who can emerge as a fan favorite this season.

Al Horford

Assuming Al Horford is still on the roster when the season begins, he will become a fan favorite. Just like Adams, Horford is willing to do all the dirty work to win.

Horford is also a true professional and a veteran that can provide leadership for this young Thunder team. Expect Horford to take over the role Paul had last season by being an extension of the court’s coach.

Not to mention, Horford is liable to have some breakout offense games next season.

Horford has never averaged less than double digits in his career and scored over 20 points multiple times in a reduced role with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

Aleksej Pokusevski

The final and most likely fan favorite to emerge next season is Aleksej Pokusevski. Oklahoma City drafted Pokusevski with the 17th pick in this year’s NBA Draft after trading up to get him.

Pokusevski is officially the first of many first-round drafts picks the Thunder will be using during their rebuilding process. The center from Olympiacos is just 18 years old and won’t turn 19 until after Christmas.

Being so young, Pokusevski will get the chance to grow up as both a player and a person in Oklahoma City.

If Pokusevski can develop into a star, he will become a fan favorite like another former tall and lanky Thunder first round pick named Kevin Durant.