OKC Thunder: Examining 5 potential lineups Billy Donovan could utilize
Rating five possible OKC Thunder lineups Billy Donovan could employ in 2018-19
As the start of the season approaches we use The Nylon Calculus’ stats wizard Jacob Goldstein’s predictor tool to estimate projected ratings and evaluate possible OKC Thunder lineups for the upcoming season.
After three exhausting months of free agency for the OKC Thunder front office, who has worked to shore up the roster, the NBA is finally back in less than four weeks and the teams are already working to prepare for the season.
One of the most important question marks for Head Coach Billy Donovan is the rotation, fundamental in order to utilize the roster at it’s best. To that end, this article focuses examining some interesting line-up possibilities the OKC Thunder could play in season.
Lineup 1: Starting Five
- Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
- Shooting Guard: Andre Roberson
- Small Forward: Paul George
- Power Forward: Patrick Patterson
- Center: Steven Adams
Projected Offensive Rating: 113.3
Projected Defensive Rating: 103.6
Projected Net Rating: +9.6
Projected 3-Point Percent: 36.29 percent
In the new Thunder’s starting lineup, Patrick Patterson is likely to replace Carmelo Anthony as the power forward, but Billy Donovan hasn’t made a decision yet. Patterson, a three point specialist, would provide more spacing to a lineup that needs desperately outside shooting.
Patterson on playing with the Roberson/Adams/PG/Westbrook combo: “That four definitely has to be a good 3-point shooter, be able to space the floor. Whether that’s me or Jerami, as long as that person is able to knock down 3’s on a consistent basis, that’s the main focus.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) September 24, 2018
Offensively this 5 men combination can and should push the pace, the situation where Russell Westbrook is at his best creating for himself and for others and Andre Roberson can be effective as a cutter and a as a screener. Meanwhile Paul George acts as a secondary creator and will be ready to hit shots from outside, as he will provide another scoring option and will allow Russell to play off the ball.
Defensively, this lineup is very versatile with all 5 players capable of switching on every player in pick and roll situations. With a great rim protector and four excellent perimeter defenders it’s hard to imagine a better defensive starting five.