OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (23-59)

How it ended: Winning 10 of your final 24 games is rarely cause for celebration, but given the sense of optimism that permeated through Oklahoma City down the stretch of year one as a permanent NBA city, you would have to say things ended rather well. Rookie Russell Westbrook was particularly encouraging, regularly turning in double-digit assist totals in growing into his point guard position. 

Coach: Scott Brooks coaxed improvement out of his young guys throughout his first season, taking over after P.J. Carlesimo started off 1-13. Brooks had been a trusted top assistant and developed grassroots connections with key cogs Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, so the transition was fairly seamless. He's been retained minus the interim tag.

Arrivals: G James Harden, F Serge Ibaka, C Byron Mullens, G Kevin Ollie, F-C Etan Thomas

Departures: G Earl Watson, G-F Damien Wilkins, G-F Desmond Mason, G Chucky Atkins

Projected starters: F Kevin Durant, F Jeff Green, C Nenad Krstic, G Russell Westbrook, G James Harden

Position battles: Harden looks like the real deal, a stabilizer for a team whose offense has been known to stray into disarray. Still, he'll have to fend off defensive-minded wings Thabo Sefolosha and Kyle Weaver for a starting spot. Look for his consistency this camp to be the determining factor. Rookies Mullens and Ibaka will try to climb into the rotation, but vets Thomas, Nick Collison and second-year forward D.J. White will make it difficult. Shaun Livingston continues his long road back with a solid opportunity at earning backcourt minutes.

Chemistry experiment: Fitting in Harden's talents with the established young core of Durant, Green and Westbrook will be a major theme, but don't forget that the Thunder added Krstic in January, and then spent a couple of months working on his conditioning. Provided he stays healthy, Oklahoma City has an opportunity to build the type of chemistry that ensures a 1-16 start stays in once-in-a-lifetime nightmare land. 

Best case: Durant becomes the dominant offensive force that elevates teammates, making it easier for them to find their groove without having to press. Continued defensive improvement thanks to the length and athleticism on the wing allows the Thunder to arrive as a surprise playoff contender a year early. 

Worst case: A significant injury to a regular is the easy answer here for every team, but in OKC's case, it's imperative they stay healthy. Since the nucleus is so young and this early part of their development is essential, getting quality reps is essential to progress. Anything close to a 1-16 start that sabotages the enthusiasm regarding last season's late success would be bad, too. 

Prediction: Durant pushes Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade and 'Melo for top scoring honors this season, making the Thunder a popular item on your nightly SportsCenter. The wins will come, too, though probably not enough to crack the Western Conference's top eight. That said, participating in a stretch run that actually means something would be invaluable to the organization's growth.