There was a point in time a few months ago when I wrote a 3–part series involving early speculation of the shake-up at the Shooting Guard position. It did what I wanted it to do, and managed to spark a bit of debate amongst the more passionate among the Thunder fan base.
Now, with the roster pretty much set at this stage of the game, I will be evaluating the very-deep Guard position for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Afterwards, I will give my 2 cents as to what I think is the best move in terms of rotation at the 2-spot.
Russell Westbrook: 6’3″ 200 lbs. 6 years pro.
Let’s face facts, folks. As one of the Thunder’s Big 3, Russell Westbrook will pretty much get whatever he wants from either the 1 or 2 spots. He has said before that he prefers the 1 spot, so his numbers will not be relevant to this discussion. His playing time at the 2-spot will be minimal, if it ever even happens at all.
Reggie Jackson: 6’3″ 208 lbs. 3 years pro.
He averages 11.1 points per game for his career, and he’s pulled this off as a bench player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season alone, the PPG average was 13.1, with a PIE of 11.5%. The PIE was the major reason that I called for Jackson’s promotion to the 2-spot to conclude my 3-part series. There was a very passionate Thunder fan who took issue with me on Facebook for what he perceived to be my putting far too much weight to the PIE stat, saying that Reggie’s height would hurt him if he were to try transitioning to SG. Although I blew him off initially, he did actually make a very good case in terms of Jackson’s lack of height. At 6’3″, Jackson would be at a height disadvantage against most of his opponents at the position, which could very easily have a negative impact on his shooting percentage. Like it or not, this is a factor that Scott Brooks has to take into account when he decides on the final rotation.
Jeremy Lamb: 6’5″ 185 lbs. 2 years pro.
With a PIE of 9.4%, he was easily the 3rd-best Guard for the OKC Thunder last year. He struggled mightily during the Orlando Summer League, where the Thunder were expected to repeat as champs. Although the Thunder’s inability to repeat in Orlando can’t necessarily be put on Lamb’s shoulders alone, as their meltdowns in Orlando were a total team effort (or lack of, if you are the technical-type like me). Honestly, I think this kid should see the lion’s share of the minutes at the 2 spot, even if he doesn’t start in it at the beginning of the season. Because if you ask me, he will become far more consistent as he sees more playing time. His lack of consistency is all due to the fact that he doesn’t see enough floor time as it currently stands. With Thabo Sefolosha’s departure, Brooks now has some extra minutes to throw his way.
Andre Roberson: 6’7″ 210 lbs. 1 year pro.
The man they refer to as “Thabo 2.0” managed a PIE of 4.4% while averaging 10 minutes per game. The last of the returning Thunder Guards has great length, and can be absolutely relentless on the boards. Although, he doesn’t really show you much at the offensive end. Then again, with the 3-headed scoring monster of Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Serge Ibaka, does he really need to prove anything there?
Semaj Christon: 6’3″ 190 lbs. Rookie.
The 55th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft was traded to the Thunder with cash considerations by the Hornets. Presti saw him as a low-risk/high-reward player, and Christon proved enough during the offseason to win the 15th roster spot over Hasheem Thabeet. But seeing as there are 2 other guards new to the Thunder who bring veteran experience, Christon will most likely spend his rookie season on the Injured Reserve roster.
Anthony Morrow: 6’5″ 210 lbs. 6 years pro.
A lot of analysts feel as though Morrow is the missing piece to an NBA Championship for OKC, with 2 of Thunderous Intentions’ very own staff writers, Ben Bundy, and Sam Livingston, among them. He has proven to be a solid 3-point shooter, averaging 42.8% from behind the arc over his entire 6-year career. Seeing as Brooks has this tendency to start veterans over younger players, I just have this feeling that Morrow will be starting at the 2 as the season begins. However, as Lamb is in bigger need of minutes than Morrow, I’d rather see Morrow utilized as a guy they bring off of the bench when they need some quick 3s to swing the momentum their way again. As is the case with most athletes, his effectiveness drops as fatigue sets in. With Lamb getting the bulk of the minutes at the 2-spot, that would almost guarantee that Morrow has a fresh shooting hand when the Thunder need it the most.
Sebastian Telfair: 6’0″ 170 lbs. 9 years pro.
This is Telfair’s return to the NBA after a 1-year hiatus. As easily the shortest player on the roster, I don’t see him factoring into the 2-spot rotation at all. If Jackson would have trouble against the opposition at the 2-spot at 6’3″, being 3 inches shorter would get Telfair’s lunch eaten by the opposition. How could he honestly be expected to stand a chance? Telfair at the 2-spot is not happening, and I don’t care who says otherwise.
In conclusion:
Honestly, Lamb really does need the bulk of the minutes at the 2-spot, whether he starts in it or not. While I see Morrow starting at the 2-spot when the season opens, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pushed out by Lamb as Lamb’s game picks up. Also, don’t be surprised to see Roberson in the 2-spot during big leads, as he has the defensive skills to keep his opposition from the rim, allowing the Thunder to protect said leads. So to sum it up, Morrow starts, Lamb gets the bulk of the minutes, and Roberson plays clean up once big leads are established.
That’s honestly how I see the 2-spot rotation playing out as the 2014-2015 season progresses, but only time will tell if that will be the case.