How would OKC have done with Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott instead? That team averaged out to a 49-33 season and the No. 5 seed, though on a few occasions they did miss the playoffs completely, as any injury to either Russell Westbrook or Paul George would doom them. That roster was unable to make it any further than the second round as well.
The conclusion from the simulation engine in “NBA 2K18” is that Anthony is worth just a single regular-season win for the Thunder. Statistically, the addition of Anthony means that he, Westbrook and George all sacrifice a few points a game. “NBA 2K18” sees Westbrook getting 24.2 points along with 10.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists this season. That’s compared to 26.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.7 assists he had prior to the trade. George and Anthony will average 24.7 and 19.9 points, respectively, while they would have put up 27.7 and 21.8 otherwise. The presence of Anthony will also prevent Westbrook from winning back-to-back MVPs. Stephen Curry and James Harden split the award nearly evenly with the current rosters in place, while Westbrook won the most times prior to the acquisition of Anthony.Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the “Press Row Podcast” and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.
