OKC Thunder: Five things to Watch Against the Grizzlies
By Tony Heim
The OKC Thunder are 1-2 midway through the preseason; they take the court tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
One thing that I’ve learned from OKC Thunder preseason is ______.
Please tweet me if you can fill in the blank, because I sure can’t. Watching the Thunder has been like listening to a song that has parts you really like and parts you really hate. Sure it gives you happiness at some points but by the end you are left wondering why you had such high expectations going.
Next: Preseason Player Grades Through Three Games
Tonight will be interesting. I have five things that particularly intrigue me.
5. Can Joffrey Lauvergne build on Tuesday night’s performance?
Lauvergne went off against Dallas, one of the few bright spots in the 114-109 loss. Lauvergne was one of four OKC players with a positive +/- rating; he finished third on the team in scoring with 15 points on 9 shots.
Domantas Sabonis appeared to be securing the starting power forward spot after the Global Games but a poor shooting outing could open up competition. Lauvergne is averaging more rebounds and points per 48 minutes and he has two years of NBA experience under his belt as well.
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Obviously tonight won’t decide the contest, a big outing from Lauvergne could be enough to start Sunday against the Timberwolves.
4. Can Russell Westbrook put together a true Russell Westbrook outing?
Look I realize the minutes are going to be down in the preseason. But I was hoping for a little more out of Russ.
Westbrook has been settling for way too many contested jumpers. He’s got to attack attack attack for Billy Donovan’s system to work. When Russ gets in the hole it creates the pockets for shooters on the perimeter.
His rebounding numbers are slightly down. I understand he might be coasting a little. All I’m asking is for a little glimpse of what could be. Pretty please?
3. Gulp…Is Kyle Singler going to keep fooling us into thinking he is a competent small forward?
I’m rooting for Kyle Singler. I hope he proves me wrong, I mean it only helps the OKC Thunder if I’m right. Singler went 4-6 from the 3-point line last night and now he’s Oklahoma City’s savior.
No news on Andre Roberson just yet, but if he’s ruled out Singler will certainly get the nod. He’s averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in his 2 appearances. Singler was signed to a 5-year contract for his 40% 3-point percentage with the Pistons in 2014. He’s only shot 33% in his 1.5 seasons with OKC.
Related Story: Should Sam Presti Consider Cutting Kyle Singler
Make your shots tonight Kyle. Continue to prove me wrong. We need it.
2. Can the post defense function without Steven Adams?
All signs point to no so far. The OKC frontcourt was spared against Barcelona, but the gaping hole was exposed when they traveled to Dallas. JJ Barea knifed through the defense with ease, and when he got to the rim he was met by no one.
Second round draft pick AJ Hammonds burned Enes Kanter with his range; Kanter was in the wrong position almost every play. The Kanter-Sabonis combination clearly is not working; hopefully Donovan experiments with the starting lineup a little tonight. I personally don’t want to watch Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph successfully score at ease.
1. Are we going to be blessed with an Alex Caruso, Mitch McGary or Chris Wright appearance?
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These three are the loan Thunder players yet to hit the hardwood this preseason. McGary is especially surprising considering he has one of the 16 guaranteed contracts.
Chris Wright is an undersized small forward who makes up his height with pure athleticism. He’s a tenacious defender but he can’t shoot. Alex Caruso is a combo guard with an above average basketball IQ. He’s always moving with or without the ball: the quintessential coaches’ player.
With only three games left it would be nice to at least a glimpse of what coaches have seen in training camp every day. But that’s why Billy Donovan is coaching and I’m typing away.
Game tips at 7 pm central time.