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

Despite each of these areas being an issue there remains one clear and present danger. The OKC Thunder need to add scoring, particularly from the perimeter.

Ranking dead last in the Association with a perimeter efficiency of 23.9 percent is downright embarrassing. Only three teams in the Association are shooting under 30 percent. Yet the fact the Thunder are shooting almost 50 percent less than the top squad (Indiana Pacers) also points to how bad things are. And, not just because of the efficiency rate. No, because that Pacers squad is excelling and yet they only take 23.7 perimeter shot per game.

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Conversely, the OKC Thunder who can’t hit the broad side of a barn are hoisting an average of 36.3 treys per game which ranks eighth in the NBA. Here’s a hint Billy – tell your guys to stop shooting threes or make them do suicide drills for every missed triple.

Although it’s still the early going and the law of averages will shift numbers back to the mean, the same cannot be said of the Thunder. That’s because this team can’t shoot. They couldn’t hit from deep or the charity stripe last season either and apparently nothing improved over the offseason.

Adding a shooting coach would help, but it’s time for sweeping changes at this point. Billy Donovan needs to play Diallo and Burton more since they seem to be the only players on the squad to know better than to take a 3-point shot unless they’re wide open.

And, Sam Presti it’s time to reach into your magician’s hat once more. Sure, TFerg may have massive upside but despite only being three games in, the team needs a shooting guard and or power forward who can hit treys.

For now, shift Paul George to the shooting guard role, start Grant at small forward and increase Burton’s time on the floor. If Donovan has to stagger minutes, so be it.

Bottom line, the Celtics arrive on Thursday, so this next game is going to be a challenge. After witnessing the feeble efforts through three games it’s time the OKC Thunder got serious and brought some effort to the floor. To that end, perhaps Sam Presti might want to scan the following link which offers 30 options who’ll fulfill a specific need an several are shooters.

Don’t fret Thunder Nation, I know I’ve painted a bit of a bleak picture, but I still have faith in this team. The coach – not so much. But, Westbrook is back and for the moment that’s enough to give me hope.