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OKC Thunder: Matt’s Monday Musings, Edition Three

By Matthew Hallett

Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Direction For The Rest Of Season

Thanks to this trade, the rest of the season now looks really exciting for the OKC Thunder. There is flexibility that didn’t exist all season. They also have, hopefully, a couple of knock down shooters who will space the floor. Here is a look at the rotations as I see them.

The Front Court

The Oklahoma City front court now has a new dynamic. The starters, moving forward, need to be Adams and Gibson. This is a front court which will make it difficult for opposing big men to score against. Adams is a strong, versatile defender. Gibson was top ten in defensive rating two years running at the start of the decade.

Now, what happens after six or seven minutes will be a massive change for the Thunder. In my book, Gibson goes off to be replaced by Kanter. The ‘Stache Brothers’ get to play together for three or four minutes. They take all the offensive rebounds under the sun and Adams is able to hide some of Kanter’s defensive deficiencies.

After three minutes on the sidelines, Gibson would come back on for Adams. This rotation would happen throughout the game. In this manner, OKC would have a quality defender in the paint at all times. Sabonis would see his minutes decline, but would be coming in against second units with a solid defender beside him at all times. In the long run this will do wonders for his confidence.

Small Forward

The small forward position is a little more complicated. Roberson should continue to start, giving the Thunder three good defenders in the front court. He is a liability on offense but I can honestly say, Roberson’s cutting game has significantly improved.

Depending on the game situation, either Grant or McDermott would sub in when Roberson sits down. Grant is shooting at 39 percent from deep but is only taking just over one shot per game. His defensive upside, combined with his athleticism is impressive.

RELATED STORY:  Jerami Grant can be a spark off OKC Thunder bench

If any form of floor spacing is required, McDermott is the man. Gibson being on the team means that the McDermott and Kanter pairing is possible. The second unit offense should now sing. Notably, with these additions and barring multiple injuries, Kyle Singler is unlikely to be called upon to play again this season for the OKC Thunder.

The Back Court

The starting back court is a lock. Westbrook is the best point guard in the league right now.  Oladipo is the best shooting guard on the team. These two are good defenders so the starting unit is one of the best defensively in the NBA.

Westbrook is used to playing big minutes. With Payne gone, Semaj Christian comes back to run the point for a couple of minutes a quarter. Now that he has a number of scoring options, the second unit should have better ball movement and offense.

Abrines is also now the default choice for backup shooting guard. His career night against the Los Angeles Lakers is hopefully the start of something amazing.

RELATED STORY: What to expect from Alex Abrines

If required, Roberson, Grant and McDermott can also play at the two. Plus, let’s not forget OKC sent out three players and took in two creating an open roster spot. Though Presti could surprise and add another front court vet (Perkins?) it’s logical to assume he’ll look to add a veteran point guard.

The future is looking bright in Oklahoma City for the remainder of the season.

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