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

Rotational force:

In all three games Billy D has failed to recognize matchup issues. Although there is something to be said for giving players time to get use to their roles continuing to start Terrance Ferguson makes no sense. Neither does the absence of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.

Hamidou Diallo is a revelation who might not warrant starting, but he definitely would be a better option than TFerg at this point. In that vein why put Deonte Burton on the court for a meager seven minutes, see his immediate positive contributions and then yank him off the court again?

In discussion with Lawrence George tonight we mulled over fixes which could be made in the starting rotation and I’ll admit I suggested Burton because he adds another floor spacer. George’s idea seems more logical. His suggestion is to move Paul George to shooting guard and insert Jerami Grant at the small forward position. Presumably Burton could get more run with the reserves in this scenario too.

Regardless of who starts it’s clear a change has to be made. Ferguson’s is only going to work if he brings energy and adds value defensively. Through three games he’s getting pushed around. On the few occasions his lateral speed allows him to stay in front of his defender it doesn’t result in positives because they simply use their strength to shed him. Ferguson is tentative with the ball, timid at the rim and seems to either have lost his confidence.

I know it’s only three games but Sam Presti added depth this offseason for a reason. It’s time Billy Donovan used it.