OKC Thunder 5 takeaways: Following 0-3 start, defensive effort and rotation usage are at issue

The OKC Thunder wade into foreign territory having begun the season 0-3 for the first time in franchise history. T.I.’s five takeaways punctuate the need for effort and roster usage increases.

Last night the OKC Thunder played to their character of the past two seasons. That is, they played down to a team on paper they should easily dispense of. Instead, OKC got their hats handed to them on their home court losing a third consecutive game, not to mention in embarrassing fashion.  Even when the Thunder have struggled to score fans could rely on locked in defense. With that also missing and more concerning the absence of effort panic is rising in OKC.

A look back at the loss to the Kings offers five takeaways which are punctuated by missing effort and a bench boss who seemingly didn’t change a thing from last season. Clearly his sound bites don’t match his actions.

With that let’s jump right into the five takeaways.

Donovan is failing:

If Billy Donovan sees smoke he might want to check the seat he’s perched on. I try hard not to simply adopt the running narrative. Generally my preference is to examine the dynamics seeking to find the missing half glass of water. In this situation however, it’s been a long time coming. The first season Billy D had to deal with the move from College to the Pros. His past two seasons were the transition to a post Kevin Durant era and the integration of two additional superstars.

So, this season seemed earmarked for Donovan to excel. First of all, he had a good portion of his core back in the fold. Secondly he has a number of youngsters which he should feel comfortable with given his successful college tenure.

But, the manner in which the losses have come this season all seemingly point to an absence of any type of system on either side of the hardwood. That’s a major issue especially on the defensive side of the ball.

But, the most disconcerting issue is Donovan’s rotations which takes me to point two.