OKC Thunder in the news: debating trade options and coaching decisions

At 9-5 the OKC Thunder still have shooting concerns and Billy Donovan is under scrutiny. In the news dives into the topical articles on these subjects.

OKC Thunder turned an 0-4 start into a 7-game winning streak, before the Mavericks decimated it. Though the Thunder is back on top with two consecutive wins, there have been some highs and some severe lows now fourteen games in, with a variety of areas to blame.

Uncertainty with Billy Donovan:

Amidst those highs and lows of the OKC Thunder season, much of the criticism has landed on head coach Billy Donovan’s shoulders. Could the controversies surrounding his coaching abilities with this team finally come crashing down?

It has always been said that Westbrook runs the momentum, energy, offense, defense, the whole nine yards, for this team. However, where he lacks control is in rotations throughout the game, and that is the one area that Donovan has faced so much scrutiny for.

For TI, Jordan Buckamneer addressed the thin ice beneath Donovan in his article. He cited the whip-lashing amount of turnovers the franchise has faced just within the first three years of Donovan’s five-year contract, but does that take away from the obvious mistakes he has made? Buckamneer says no.

"Regardless of how you feel about Donovan as a coach, there’s no debating his challenge has been steep. He’s gone through as much or more than any other coach in the league, but shouldn’t be given a free pass for his shortcomings."

He went on to analyze various aspects of the team: our off-nights on offense, our inconsistency, and even the friendship between Presti and Donovan. Check out his article to see the specific issues that could bring this franchise to a make-or-break moment within the coaching staff.

Trade options to fill the holes on the perimeter:

We have already witnessed big moments from our new additions thus far. Regardless, there are still areas in which our lineup can improve, especially with the instability of healthy players and Roberson’s enduring absence.

In his article for NBAanalysis.net, Kameron Duncan discussed 3 trade opportunities OKC Thunder could cash in on. It is no secret that sometimes we shoot ourselves in the foot more than we shoot into the basket. Duncan says the key to solidifying this team as a real contender in the Western Conference is picking up more consistent shooters.

"Despite their additions, the Thunder are missing key components that can take them to the next level. At this early portion of the season, the team ranks near the bottom of the NBA in three point attempts, field goals and percentage. As we’ve seen over the last several years, outside shooting has become paramount for success in the current NBA. The Thunder have talented players, and are a formidable opponent (especially when fully healthy), but lack of shooting could be an Achilles heel in the long run."

One of the three trade targets for Duncan is Kyle Korver from Cleveland, citing that it would be a beneficial move for both teams. Duncan also highlights trade opportunities with players from Orlando and Detroit.

Despite the benefits of any trades, the early talks of options puts instability on the horizon again for the Thunder. Another round of turnover could jeopardize any chemistry this team has developed. One wrong move and this Thunderstorm may just turn in to a drought.

Hami-Do’s and Hami-Don’ts:

Not many rookies are welcomed in with open arms like Hamidou Diallo has been this season with OKC. He has proven his abilities with quick-witted defense and the smoothest of smooth floaters in the paint. But still, his minutes haven’t mirrored his contributions. For BleacherReport.com, Jonathon Wasserman finally gave credit were it was due, highlighting five minute-worthy rookies in his article.

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Wasserman reiterates the importance of developing rookie players, while still understanding that their potential is more of a long-term commitment rather than first-season utilization. However, he says what we have all been screaming at the television screens: more minutes for Diallo.

"After a strong summer league and promising flashes during preseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s (first) second-round pick put together some quality stretches over the past month. He’s shooting 45.1 percent in 12.8 minutes per game, and that’s while only making 11.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot opportunities.He’d presumably hit more if given enough minutes to build some rhythm. Regardless, Diallo makes plays with his explosive athleticism, and he’ll need the reps to continue sharpening and expanding his shot creation, shooting and defensive IQ."

Since Wasserman’s post on Nov. 12, Diallo saw some big minutes in last night’s game with the Knicks, putting up 11 points in 19 minutes and clinching 4 rebounds. He was one of the five OKC Thunder players to end the game with double digits.

Sure he makes wild decisions and may get caught with his head in the clouds, but those are characteristics that take live-action gameplay to shed. Without minutes for himself and minutes with mentors like Adams and Russ, Diallo won’t be able to expand on the small glimpses of raw talent we’ve witnessed in just fourteen games. That just goes back to the debate of Donovan’s erratic rotations.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1062903206467026944

Maybe the defeat in Dallas was an anomaly, as OKC Thunder is back on top with the beginnings of another win-streak. Whatever the case, last night’s game was proof of the chemistry of these players, maybe the most entertaining Thunder bunch under Donovan’s supervision so far. Let’s hope it continues with what should be another attainable win on Friday with the 7-7 Hornets.