Russell Westbrook predicting NBA Finals for Thunder?

Sam Amick | USA TODAY Sports

LAS VEGAS – The mercurial Russell Westbrook, per his norm, wanted nothing to do with the reporters in Las Vegas this week at Team USA minicamp.

But when the Oklahoma City Thunder star shared his latest objection to media duties, there was a notable difference from his many protests in the past: it was wrapped inside a bold prediction.

"When do the (NBA) Finals start?," the Oklahoma City Thunder star said with a wry smile as he made his way around a throng of reporters. "I'll talk to you all then."

Westbrook eventually relented on his stance, discussing all the reasons why he sees the Thunder going from their first playoff absence since 2009 to the top of the Western Conference. But rest assured, he wasn't the only one predicting big things as the 2015-16 campaign nears.

This season has epic potential when it comes to parity, with the list of would-be title contenders seemingly longer than ever. The oddsmakers pegged the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs as the favorites, mainly because LeBron James and his crew were right there at the end last time around the Spurs' acquisition of free agent forward LaMarcus Aldridge is a game-changer if ever there was one.

Meanwhile, the reigning champion Golden State Warriors managed to improve a roster that was the most dominant in the NBA land last season by adding reserve forward Jason Thompson via trade with Philadelphia. But ask any member of the Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, or even the Los Angeles Clippers, and you're bound to find a player with no fear or predicting that the Larry O'Brien trophy won't be in the Warriors' hands for long.

"I would probably be saying the same thing if I was on the other side going into another season," Warriors point guard/MVP Stephen Curry told USA TODAY Sports. "I've been saying (that) the last six years probably … I love it. That (talk from rivals) means you're doing something. You might as well relish in the challenge, understand that there's going to be some big talk from other teams that feel like they may have figured us out or what have you. But you've got to play 82 (games), and get ready for another playoff run."

Kevin Durant's health is reason enough for the Thunder to be bullish on their chances, as the former MVP returned to action this week after his right foot fracture limited him to 27 games last season. But the Oklahoma City intrigue goes well beyond that, from the coaching change that seems to be going quite smoothly so far (Scott Brooks was replaced by Billy Donovan) to the roster moves that Westbrook is sure will work.

The four-time All-Star gaves his approval of the Thunder's decision to hold on to center Enes Kanter at a steep price, as they matched the Portland Trail Blazers' four-year, $70 million offer sheet. But Durant looking like Durant, above all else, will always inspire hope.

"I like where we are as a team right now," Westbrook said. "Kevin is looking good. We're feeling good. Back to normal … I feel like we've got the best team in the NBA at this point. I think with the group of guys that we have, and the positions that we have, I think we have a good chance to win the NBA championship."

With Durant's free agency looming next summer, the dynamic between Durant and Donovan will be front and center at the start of the season because, well, there's no time to waste. But the early lay of that land looks promising, as Durant has been praising the former Florida coach at every turn and making it clear that their relationship is already headed in the right direction.

"He's all about connecting with his players, and I love that," Durant said of Donovan. "I had a great relationship with Scotty that we built over seven years, and I know what it takes to have that chemistry with your coach. We've been building that since he got here as well. I'm excited to start the season with him. Xs and Os (wise), he's one of the best. Just watching film with him and picking his brain a bit. He's eager to learn, and we're all eager to go work with him.

"I'm one of those guys who's open to anybody. I felt like I loved his energy from the beginning. I love what he said in the press conference (after he was hired), and in our individual meeting on what he wants to bring, and the type of mindset he has. I'm just trying to follow his lead man, and learn as much as I can from him and just be coach-able."