When the Thunder pulled the trigger on the three-team trade with Utah and Detroit, Kanter’s low post scoring skills were trumpeted as a much-needed dimension to Oklahoma City’s offensive attack. Already, it’s clear that Kanter’s agility, footwork around the basket, soft hands, feathery touch and ability to finish with both hands make him easily the best offensive center in OKC history.

More importantly, Kanter’s early chemistry with Russell Westbrook appears to be a big boost to the first five. Westbrook has assisted Kanter on six of his first 12 field goals in a Thunder uniform. The two have found a rhythm on pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop plays, as well as on drives and dump-offs.

“He’s a big fella that likes to roll, and obviously he can finish,” Westbrook said. “He can knock down the 15-footer as well so it’s a double threat for him. And we’re just going to create better chemistry as the season goes along.”

Kanter’s skills also have ushered in more balance to a starting lineup that has long featured two offensively-challenged players. Adams was an upgrade over Kendrick Perkins. Kanter now looks like a quantum leap over both. With Kanter on the floor as a legitimate offensive threat, defenses no longer can sag off the center position and dedicate more attention to Westbrook or Kevin Durant without paying a price. It could create the most potent attack we’ve ever seen from the Thunder.