OKC Thunder: Ranking the Most Intriguing Pick & Roll Combos
By Tony Heim
3. Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is legit. He’s a preseason candidate for my made up Steal of the Draft Award. Victor Oladipo and Sabonis were packaged together for Serge Ibaka. Little did Sam Presti realize that those two had the potential to create a deadly play for Billy Donovan.
Oladipo has been much more aggressive on the offensive end in preseason, utilizing his quickness to get to the rim. He’s shot 15-21 on two-point field goals so far, ranging from mid-range jumpers to explosive dunks.
Sabonis has flexed his offensive versatility, hitting 3-4 from behind the arc while also showcasing brute force down low. Even more impressive has been his passing ability. Sabonis has his father’s genes; Arvydas Sabonis is widely regarded as one of the best big passers in the history of the game.
A pick & roll/pop with these two would create nightmares for opponents. First off, Sabonis’ man would have to recognize if Sabonis is rolling to the basket or popping out for a jumper. If Oladipo’s man gets caught up in the screen, it forces Sabonis’ man to focus on a driving Oladipo. That gives Domantas a mismatch on block, something the OKC Thunder have tried to exploit early on this year.
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Learning each other’s tendencies will be crucial for these two to coexist. Sabonis provides a rare blend of shooting, passing and strength down low. Oladipo’s ability to gauge what Sabonis is thinking-and vice versa for that matter-will be the main reason whether or not these two can co-exist.
If it works, the NBA could be in for a real problem for years to come.