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Five possible rotations with the Enes Kanter injury

By Tony Heim

Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (34) watches from the bench area late during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (34) watches from the bench area late during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 94-89. Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

The Enes Kanter injury means change to Billy Donovan’s constantly-evolving rotation. What could that possibly entail?

I have a lot of questions for Enes Kanter. What were you thinking? Do you realize how important you’ve become to this team? What is Oklahoma City supposed to do now?

With Kanter out, Russell Westbrook becomes the only true scorer in OKC. Victor Oladipo is seen in that light, but in reality Kanter has been the only reliable nightly scoring option for the Thunder. Oladipo gets most of his points off catch-and-shoot opportunities; Kanter is scoring on isolation plays in the post.

The second-unit is now devoid of their offensive fulcrum. The bench started to round into form as Kanter started scoring more, but that option is off the table. The situation sounds depleting, but we thought the same thing when Oladipo went out with the sprained wrist.

Related Story: The Enes Kanter injury domino effect

Guess what? The Thunder were fine. Billy Donovan made a few adjustments, players stepped up..I expect the same thing to happen again. It’s what well-coached teams do.

So what changes are likely to occur? I think I have an idea. I also have a few extreme ideas, but hear me out. Like the Oladipo injury, I think Kanter’s stupid decision oddly could help the Thunder.

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