Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Shocking Similarities between 2016-17 Thunder and 1988-89 Bulls

By Eric Snyder

Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to his dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to his dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Donovan emulate Jackson instead of Collins?

It’s still too early to know if Billy Donovan is the right coach to lead the new-look OKC Thunder to a Championship.  Donovan continues to heavily rely on Westbrook and shakes in fear every time he rests him.

In fairness a look at the Thunder’s production when Westbrook sits may warrant his trepidation.  And, clearly, Pippen isn’t playing alongside Westbrook, John Paxson isn’t shooting 3’s and as good as Steven Adams has been he’s yet to gain the experience of a Bill Cartwright.

While Russ will gladly take the comparisons to Jordan, Billy the Kid does not want to become Coach Collins.  Doug Collins was only 37 at the time he coached Jordan but Billy D is 51 with much more overall coaching experience.

Donovan is doing what he has to do to keep the Thunder competitive and for the moment his only option is Mr. Triple Double. While Donovan deserves at least another season to shape this group of players into a team he must beware of becoming Doug Collins.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Moving Forward this season for Thunder:

In the interim Thunder fans sit back enjoying the Westbrook show as he separates himself from his MVP competitors en route to what could be a season highlighted by a triple-double average and crowned by an MVP award.

That said, after the last two games perhaps the typically patient Sam Presti will pull the trigger a little sooner in an effort to bolster the roster. Adding a ball handler who can create for themselves and others, tops the list of needs.

Until then, Donovan, Westbrook and his teammates will carry on in their efforts to be the best they can be.

Next: What the Thunder would look like without Westbrook

Besides, if I told you preseason this iteration of the Thunder would emulate those 88-89 Bulls (who reached the WC Finals with a shot at the NBA Finals), I’m sure you would agree – that’s a chance I’d like to have!

Home/Thunder News