OKC Big 3 debut – clip Pelicans 102-91, Player Grades

Player Grades:

OKC Starting Rotation:

For his first game back Westbrook delivered more than was logically expected. There will be a learning curve as the team and more specifically Big 3 find their rhythm. But, overall you couldn’t have asked for much more.  Extrapolating his 10 minutes closer to 30 it’s conceivable Westbrook will be well over double digit assists. And, whether this is just an initial choice due to his knee he doesn’t look to be going for rebounds like he did last season. That may also be by design, so he can save energy or get the team into their offense quickly.

In the it’s only one game, BUT mode….. this scribe believes Westbrook will be much improved defensively now that he can share the heavy lifting.

Look for Westbrook to utilize the saved energy on the defensive. Everyone knows how much the Brodie likes to be challenged, so with numerous comments about his defensive deficiencies it might not be wise to bet against an improvement in this area.

The big news for Roberson is his handle has improved this offseason. If he can continue to move the ball and tally assists it’ll be a major bonus. He still needs to cut and drive more, but since he’s the fifth scoring option I guess I shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. Still, it seems the more cuts and movement he has the more the floor will open up for him.

Roberson remains a stud defensively. Looking ahead, teams should be concerned for when this iteration of the OKC Thunder find their rhythm and flow. Once they do, the team will be scary. I have visions of Roberson and George streaking down the wings, Adams running down the center of the floor directly to the basket with Westbrook running at full speed and Melo trailing to line up at the top of the arc.

Once this occurs precisely who do you cover? Adams at the rim? PG and Roberson on the wings, the trailing Melo who could get a toss back for an open three or the MVP?

The only mark on an otherwise stellar game was his 4 turnovers and zero assists. Still, George appears to be the man who’ll play a ton of minutes with the reserves when Westbrook sits. While Melo may also get spot minutes in this role, through the first 2 preseason games it’s been George leading in that role.

PG13 is the best two-way player on the team – period.  He’s still learning the system which is most evident when he hesitates which is generally followed by a turnover.

Small sample size noted – George looks well on target to have a career season. If Thunder Nation is to take anything away from body language – PG is very happy at his new address. He’s always displayed confidence and swagger, but there is an excitement exuding from him which I haven’t seen since before his injury.

A career 2.5 turnover per game indicates he’ll cough up the ball a bit, but that stat is somewhat bloated given how much he had to do in Indiana.

This outing wasn’t quite as solid as his first game, particularly his shot. That said, his 6 rebounds were a bonus and his leadership on and off the court is visible with the youngsters. Furthermore, most nights Melo won’t have to worry about facing a front court featuring two big men of Davis and Cousins’ ilk.

Like George the 4 turnovers are more a product of learning a new system. Notably, Anthony performed much better when Westbrook was on the court which is an encouraging sign.

Let the big dog eat! Facing the likes of Cousins and Davis without much backup could have been daunting for the kiwi. Instead, Adams continued to demonstrate why he’s likely to be the major beneficiary of the newly formed Big 3. To wit, Adams shot 100 percent on his four shots for 8 points. His passing and assists were a bonus and his plus 10 differential highlighted his defensive prowess facing two behemoths (impressive).

Clearly Adams also improved his game this offseason as his touches demonstrated. Rarely in the past would we have seen the big man handle the ball, dribbling into the paint. Adams did precisely that in the first quarter. In fact, the Westbrook pick and roll is going to be a major OKC Thunder weapon this season. Like Roberson his assists are a bonus.