The OKC Thunder have solidified themselves as one of the top teams in the NBA, sitting in third place with a 15-7 record in a hotly contested Western Conference. Despite the teams early success, outside shooting continues to be its Achilles heel.

With a quarter of the NBA season in our rear view mirror, the OKC Thunder have propelled themselves to a 15-7 record to sit wedged in third place. Despite a slow start and multiple injuries in recent times, Oklahoma City are surging and looking to expand on its defensive identity by strengthening areas of weakness.

Outside shooting continues to be the teams Achilles heel.

Despite setting a season high in made three’s (18) in the victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the Thunder are the worst 3-point shooting team in the league converting on just 31.2 percent of its shots while attempting 32.1 per game (14th). Paul George, Alex Abrines and Patrick Patterson are three of Oklahoma City’s best 3-point marksman yet all have struggled on open looks thus far. All three are shooting well below their career averages, sitting at 35.5, 34.4 and 31.3 percent respectively.

Couple this with Russell Westbrook (4.6) and Dennis Schroder (4.2) shooting a combined 8.8 attempts per game, it’s understandable why OKC have such issues converting the long ball. Russ and Schroder are both historically bad 3-point shooters with Westbrook playing devil’s advocate most nights.

While Russ might be one of the worst volume 3-point shooters of all time, he is generating open looks for others on the roster. The Brodie leads the league in potential assists creating 19.5 per game but the Thunder simply isn’t taking advantage of his sensational passing. OKC is converting on less than half of the assists Russ is offering (9.8 on the season). Oklahoma City isn’t shy letting the ball fly and with more reliable, consistent shooting will emerge as one the leagues best offenses to complement its top ranked defense.

Kyle Korver was recently traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to divisional rival the Utah Jazz for Alec Burks and two measly second-round picks. Cleveland’s meager return for one of the greatest 3-point shooters of all time makes one wonder what Sam Presti and the Thunder were doing with Korver available.

With the trade now complete, I wonder if this was indeed an opportunity missed by OKC to significantly upgrade its perimeter shooting.

Early in the season, I compiled a list of three shooters the Thunder should target. With some options now off the board, here is a revised list of three players OKC must look at.