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Five takeaways from the Thunder’s loss in Milwaukee

By Tony Heim

Jan 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tony Snell (21) drives for the basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tony Snell (21) drives for the basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. It’s time for Domantas Sabonis to be taken out of the starting lineup

Dec 31, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers forward Brandon Bass (30) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers forward Brandon Bass (30) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Quick disclaimer: this doesn’t mean I think Jerami Grant is ready for the starting lineup. Hence why I called him the most important prospect on the Thunder. What this means is that Domas simply isn’t ready to start in the NBA just yet.

When Sabonis is on the court with Westbrook, Oladipo and Adams he looks far too timid on the offensive end. He passes up open shots even though he’s one of the Thunder’s best shooters, and his defense hasn’t improved at the rate you’d like to see.

Related Story: What should the Thunder’s next move be?

This decision isn’t about Sabonis’ skill though. It’s about his confidence. Instead of throwing Sabonis at some of the best players in the NBA, it would be smart to allow him to play against/with second-unit caliber players. Domas would (in a perfect world) become more aggressive as he doesn’t have to worry about feeding Russ.

In 26 minutes tonight the rookie only recorded one missed field goal, two rebounds and an assist. That’s just not enough production from your starting power forward.

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Personally I’d like to see Sabonis’ spot in the rotation switched with Joffrey Lauvergne. Lauvergne brings everything to the table that Sabonis does (three-point shooting, solid basketball IQ) while also bringing a little more experience to the table.

Sabonis is going to be a very good player in this league. Before he can do that though, he needs to find his confidence that helped make him a lottery pick.

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