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

OKC Thunder Forward Paul George

Identity crisis?

Heading into this season there was ample talk about a revised tempo which was going to be present on both sides of the hardwood. Donovan repeatedly said the offense would bear witness to upgrades.

Although it’s the vacuum of three games the changes aren’t evident. Granted, Westbrook is only just returned. That means we may still see examples of this improving offense. Yet, if we based it on what was displayed in the Kings game I don’t recall seeing any new offensive sets. Rather, we were offered the same simplistic offense without ball movement. Pretty much what we’ve witnessed for the entirety of Donovan’s tenure.

The key however is the lack of defense. If there was one thing fans could rely on about this squad it was a strong defense. Even without Andre Roberson the personnel was in place to warrant belief that the Thunder could be a top defensive squad.

Through the first three games the OKC Thunder rank dead last offensively and 16th defensively. Again, with Westbrook back some of these issues will be addressed. But, the one nagging question I have is “Who are the OKC Thunder”?  What is the teams’ identity?

Let’s hope the Brodie will instill his aggressive, 100 percent effort onto his squad, because up to this point in the early season it’s hard to define who the OKC Thunder are.

Since I belong to the glass half full club, I’ll keep a open mind. The one wish I do have is that Paul George would assume a larger more boisterous leadership role.