Five possible rotations with the Enes Kanter injury
By Tony Heim
4. Bring Domantas Sabonis off the bench
So this works for a couple different reasons, one of which that will be explained in a later slide. But for the purpose of this section we will explain how this move makes sense for Domantas Sabonis.
As of now it is a question whether or not Sabonis is going to be a power forward or center in this league. We’ve seen him at power forward; now is an opportunity to see his potential as a small-ball center.
Related Story: Looking at the potential of Domantas Sabonis
If the Lithuanian comes off the bench he will have more of an opportunity to have the ball in his hands. With Kanter out, the second unit is going to rely on each other more than ever to score; Sabonis’ high basketball IQ would fit well in that style of play.
Sabonis’ biggest downfall this season has been a pure lack of confidence. He gets afraid (and rightfully so) playing alongside the intense Westbrook and it’s affected his game. By playing in Kanter’s role he can get back to where he’s most comfortable: the post.
Domas averaged over 17 points a game by dominating down low, showing off an array moves from fadeaway hooks to up-and-unders. Homie wasn’t a shooter. And the Thunder shouldn’t try to take away the most natural part of his game.
PLUS, playing Domas as a small-ball five coincides perfectly with who should be the first big off the OKC bench!