Time for OKC Thunder to Shake Up the Starting Lineup?

January 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) celebrates during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Option 2: Start Anthony Morrow at Shooting Guard

This option is fairly similar to the Jackson option in terms of strategy but it’s a slightly cleaner fit.

First, it would give the Thunder the spacing that they’ve been trying to get out of Roberson. One of the Thunder’s favorite plays revolves around someone setting a high screen for Westbrook or Durant at the elbow, creating a no-win pick-and-roll option with a three-point shooter in the weak side corner. Whether the opposing team sinks to cover the man at the basket or chases over the top of the screen, the kickout option to a three is always there. You can see this play happen beautifully at about the 0:10 second mark in the video, where Durant finds Morrow when the defender is late to his rotation:

Roberson doesn’t typically make that play. Morrow will, and that sort of weapon is devastating if executed correctly. Furthermore, Morrow allows for the ball to stay in Westbrook’s hands, something no opposing team is going to enjoy.

However, just like with Jackson, there are drawbacks. Moving Morrow into the starting lineup leaves Jackson and Waiters paired together on the bench, which, as discussed above, has been an awkward fit for both players. It would also nearly eliminate spacing possibilities for the bench unit. Between Jackson, Waiters, Roberson, Jones, Nick Collison, and Kendrick Perkins, the bench features no legitimate outside shooters. This would require Morrow, Durant, or Ibaka to be on the floor at all times.

Also like Jackson, Morrow is not a stellar defender. In fact, he’s worse than Jackson on a per 100 basis, giving up 107 points. You absolutely have to hide Morrow as a defender, otherwise guys like Klay Thompson and James Harden will absolutely shell the team.

Bottom line: The fit isn’t bad and makes a lot more sense than Jackson as a starter does. If Jackson were to get dealt for a 3-point-minded player who can play alongside Waiters off the bench, the move makes even more sense.

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