Quick Reaction: How Does OKC Deal With Steven Adams’ Injury?

Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward

(23) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Thunder defeated the Pelicans 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

OPTION #1: Insert Perkins Into the Lineup

PROS: Experienced veteran who will do what he can to help this team win and doesn’t result in a defensive mismatches.

CONS: Offense will be sluggish with Perkins on the floor and will require more iso-heavy offense to minimize his negative impact.

The likely option is that Kendrick Perkins, back from a one-game suspension, will start those nine games barring any unforeseen injury. Perkins has made one start this season, a January 25 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His performance was predictable, finishing the night with 4 points (on 2-of-4 shooting), 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in just under 27 minutes of play. He finished with an offensive rating of 75, second-lowest that night to Reggie Jackson (who rated a 38).

Perk wasn’t the trouble that night, so much as it was a poor-shooting night for the team in general (39.4 percent). Then again, was it his presence in the lineup that affected the team? Possibly, as he provides zero floor-spacing and can’t run the pick-and-roll nearly as effectively as Adams can.

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