Whilst Derrick Rose's trade to the New York Knicks was the standout deal on draft night, arguably the most interesting move surrounded the Thunder's decision to trade away Serge Ibaka. Despite receiving three players in return, the move was still criticized by some fans of OKC, but with the dust having settled, the move looks more and more in favor of Oklahoma.

Victor Oladipo fills a big void in the starting five

Whilst the Thunder are blessed with great depth at shooting guard, there's no denial that it's still the weakest spot in their lineup. Starting guard Andre Robertson averaged just 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds over the course of last season, despite averaging over 20 minutes of play. From 27.6 minutes on average, reserve guard Anthony Morrow grabbed just 5.6, nearly half what he achieved in the season before last (10.7).

Oklahoma's most prolific guard, Dion Waiters, did score an average 9.8 points per game last season, but that was a career-low, and he is now heading for free agency.

In Victor Oladipo, the Thunder now have a two-way guard who can bring some serious firepower to the starting five. For the Magic, the 24-year-old averaged around 15 points per game from three years of NBA experience, whilst also adding around four rebounds and assists. In his last campaign with the Eastern Conference side, he ended with a career-high in shot conversion.

With the potential to get even better, Oladipo fills a huge void in the OKC's lineup, adding more balance to the side. His ability to play at point guard adds another dimension to the Thunder's offense, and will leave them less vulnerable in any absences of Russell Westbrook.

Emergence of Enes Kanter

Billy Donovan (right) has often deployed Enes Kanter (left) as a substitute center this season. But could he become a starting power forward? (Credit: Christian Peterson/NBAE/Getty Images

There was much debate last season as to who Oklahoma's starting center should be, with both Steven Adams and Enes Kanter bringing different things to the table. Coach Billy Donovan preferred the former as his starter, bring the 24-year-old Kanter off the bench.

Traded from the Utah Jazz just last year, Kanter's shooting in the paint, combined with good post-play and naturally attacking style, could see the Turk make the switch to power forward in the absence of Serge Ibaka.

Still only 24, Kanter is yet to reach his true potential, but last year gave OKC fans of glimpse of what could be. He grabbed returns of 33 and 28 either side of the regular season's conclusion, and could thrive off a starting spot at power forward.

It would mean the consistent and defensively-stellar Steven Adams would hold the ship in center giving him more minutes too, and the opportunity to grow that much more.

Ilyasova, Sabonis adding great depth

The Thunder were praised prior to the season just gone for their squad depth, but time-and-time again, the Thunder were reliant on the points of Kevin Durant and Westbrook. Whilst the likes of Waiters, and obviously Kanter, could grab points off the bench, the Thunder were still weak on scoring without their star men, something which let them down over the course of the season.

In Ersan Ilyasova, Oklahoma have an experienced big man who is used to being an impact substitute. Whilst his career is peppered with appearances in the D-Leagues and overseas, he has still played in the NBA since 2006, averaging 10.6 points per game from just 24.1 minutes of play. 

Meanwhile, Oklahoma were just one of four teams to not draft anyone this week, having given away draft picks in previous trades. Last year the Thunder drafted in Cameron Payne, who enjoyed a slow debut season at the top flight. In Domantas Sabonis, OKC get a talented young big man and add more youth to their talented roster.

In Sabonis, the Thunder have will have good rotation available for the power forward and center spot, with the Lithuanian boasting a classic and rugged style of play. In his second and final year with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, he averaged a double-double of 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds, whilst also being reliable with his shot and free-throw conversion.

Whilst the absence of Ibaka will certainly be missed, the Oklahoma City Thunder look to be outright winners of the trade, and could seriously challenge for the Western Conference title if they hold on to Kevin Durant.

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About the author
Chris Hughes
Chris Hughes is a third-year Sports Journalism at Southampton Solent University who is the co-editor of VAVEL USAs NBA section. He also contributes to Fansideds Thunderous Intentions.