OKC Thunder in the news features the absence of small ball, an unsavory Westbrook stat and the most watchable Christmas Game.
The NBA teased fans with a precursor to the full 2018-19 schedule and the OKC Thunder were featured prominently. Not only are they among the four teams featured on opening night they are yet again participating in the marquee Christmas Day Events.
Thunder – Rockets – the best of holiday fare?
To that end Dime Magazine writer Bill Dilfilippo ranked the slate of five holiday matches placing the OKC Thunder versus the Houston Rockets game at the top.
"Additionally, this probably won’t have the same stakes that Sixers-Celtics could have in the postseason, but this might be a matchup of the two teams most well-equipped to challenge Golden State when the playoffs roll around. The Thunder, especially now that Roberson is back and Paul George is here long-term, have the perimeter defenders capable of possibly slowing down the Dubs, plus as you might know, Russell Westbrook really dislikes Golden State. The Rockets, meanwhile, pushed the Warriors to seven games last summer and might have won had Chris Paul not gotten hurt."
As much as this pairing always offers an entertaining match, I wonder if the Celtics versus 76ers might be the game which has larger implications. OKC Thunder fans are well aware of Joel Embiid’s ability and how much he enjoys the National spotlight. Based on Ben Simmons message to All-Star voters last season he also feels he’s due a position in the spotlight. With another their first taste of the postseason and another summer of growth under their belts this game will vie for match of the day.
Challenging Small Ball:
Dan Knitzer of Sir Charles In Charge examined the current trend of small ball from the opposing perspective highlighting four squads who may challenge that system. The OKC Thunder are one of the squads Knitzer suggests will rely more heavily on a more traditional big lineup.
"Let’s recount OKC’s preferred starting lineup last season by height, when healthy: Russell Westbrook (6-foot-3); Andre Roberson (6-foot-7); Paul George (6-foot-9); Carmelo Anthony (6-foot-8) and Steven Adams (7-foot). It doesn’t take advanced analytics to see this team was taller than their competition at every position, save perhaps the power forward spot (and Melo made up for height in fat)."
The other three clubs Knitzer suggests will go big are the Bucks, 76ers and Timberwolves.
Unsavory Westbrook stat
Clutch points writer Damien Peters opines on the Reddit ponderings over a Russell Westbrook stat the OKC Thunder point guard would rather not be leading the league in.
"For those that aren’t stat savvy, the statistic means per every 36 possessions, Westbrook ranks dead last in the entire league in contesting shots at an average of just 3.5 contests during that time.It’s alarmingly for the Thunder that Westbrook is determined to leave his man and collect unnecessary boards at times, especially when they have dominant big man in Steven Adams inside the paint ready to snatch everything that comes his way."
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
With a healthy Andre Roberson back on the hardwood, Steven Adams patrolling the paint, co-star Paul George re-signed and no more Carmelo Anthony to contend with will this equal a change to Westbrook’s game play?
On one hand what you see is what you get with Westbrook. And other than the Anthony being with the Rockets the starting rotation of the Thunder figures to be the same.
That said, the addition of Dennis Schroder could affect clutch lineups and there’s talk Westbrook will expand his role to include more off ball work. This should equate to the Brodie being pulled away from the basket for more attempts which would equate to fewer rebound opportunities.
Expanding on that thought — if Westbrook is closer to half court at the end of an offensive set it stands to reason he’ll be freer to defend and contest shots.
This isn’t the first time Thunder fans have heard this proposal, but it does seem to be more likely given the personnel. The best news is Thunder Nation won’t have to wait much longer to discover how true this proposition is as training camp is approximately six weeks away.