Thunderous Intentions
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Billy Donovan’s confusing lineup rotations are main factor in OKC Thunder losses

By Tamberlyn Richardson

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder coaches against the Sacramento Kings on November 7, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder coaches against the Sacramento Kings on November 7, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Billy Donovan and his crazy rotations are at the root of OKC Thunder offensive issues and unnecessary losses?

The OKC Thunder loss to the Nets in Mexico City was frustrating, but Billy Donovan’s rotations were far more perplexing. Although it’s understandable for a coach to mix and match rotations in an effort to win games, constant tweaks and inconsistent minutes can prove to be more detrimental than helpful.  This is especially true for OKC who have yet to develop cohesion offensively.

Sure, there are moments, even full halves where the Thunder look unstoppable. Yet, the issue is extending that offensive prowess to an entire game. Or, more specifically stringing together multiple outings showcasing consistency on the offensive side of the court

OKC had seemingly turned a corner linking three wins together and this game against Brooklyn should have made it four. Granted, without Paul George (calf contusion) or Jerami Grant (hip contusion) available to play it was necessary to make alterations. However, the choices Donovan made were highly suspect.

No more Man Bun sightings please:

First of all, after one appearance for all of 2 minutes and 26 seconds in 23 games, Donovan inserted Kyle Singler.  It’s understandable Donovan would want to get Singler some minutes, but to put him in the game ahead of Josh Huestis or Patrick Patterson is illogical.

His performance did little to quell concerns. Sure he shot 3 of 9 from the field connecting on two 3-point shots. But the issue here is how often will Donovan utilize Singler in the future?  The OKC Thunder already have offensive cohesion issues. So, why use Singler when he won’t hit the court for another 20 games (barring blowouts)?

The only other logical reason for the man bun sighting is Sam Presti wants to feature him to help elicit a trade.

Increase Patrick Patterson’s minutes and make them consistent:

Furthermore, Patrick Patterson has finally hit his typical time frame of being successful. He hit all three shot attempts he made.  In his specific case, Patterson should be if not the first player off the bench then the second. He brings solid defensive acumen to the floor. But more importantly, he spaces the court.  There’s even an argument to start Patterson over Carmelo Anthony, but that’s an argument for another day.

Finally, if Sam Presti is going to sign contracts with players like Josh Huestis and Dakari Johnson how exactly does he plan on them developing if Billy Donovan isn’t going to give them consistent playing time? It’s one thing for veteran players to adjust to varying playing time, but expecting young players to adapt is far more difficult.

Players need consistent minutes allocated:

This OKC Thunder squad continue to produce solid defensive efforts that would translate into victories for more than half their opponents.  As the bench master, Donovan needs to settle in on eight to ten players and only change their minutes based on specific matchups. For example, it’s reasonable to assume the Thunder may play a bigger lineup facing the likes of New Orleans, Utah, or San Antonio. Conversely, it makes sense to play more youthful athletic lineups when dealing with the Warriors, Rockets, or Nuggets.

Donovan must step up and do this job – even if it means a starting rotation change:

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As the Thunder continues to struggle offensively at some point Billy Donovan has to bite the bullet and say “this is how we are going to play” and these are your minutes. Ultimately, the Thunder can’t afford to keep throwing away winnable games.

No matter how I slice it, I keep coming back to Patrick Patterson. His minutes need to be increased and there is a solid argument to put him in the starting unit. Make a decision on whether he replaces Roberson shifting everyone under Adams down or tell Carmelo Anthony he needs to join the reserve unit.

And if he has a problem with that, tell him to call his good friend Dwyane Wade whose team is on a current 13-game win streak – which started around the time he happily accepted coming off the bench.

There is still time to fix this wonky offense. But the longer Billy Donovan uses these highly questionable rotations and doesn’t establish consistent playing time for his players the more the spotlight on him increases as being the main reason why the OKC Thunder aren’t performing to their potential.

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