Depth:
The narrative of this iteration of the OKC Thunder has primarily revolved around shooting and floor spacing. The secondary focus is on the squad’s depth. Depending on which analyst you ask they can offer up arguments for the young reserve core being the Achilles heel of the squad or conversely it’s x-factor.
On night’s when the team manages to build double-digit early leads it offers opportunity to get more time for the youthful reserves. Don’t discount how important this factor is. Particularly since Donovan is hesitant to utilize his depth.
Against the Knicks it led to increased playing time for rookie Hamidou Diallo who benefits with every second he gets on the hardwood. It also meant Deonte Burton got some run (as brief as it was) which was happily received by perhaps his greatest advocate (me).
The latter occurred partially because Alex Abrines left the game due to an illness.
Moving forward, it’s feasible to expect this reserve unit to experience several upticks this season. Westbrook’s returns will move Schroder back to the bench. The reserve unit is comprised primarily of Alex Abrines, Hamidou Diallo, Patrick Patterson and Nerlens Noel with sprinklings of Abdel Nader and Deonte Burton.
Apparently Dennis Schröder only saw 11 of his 12 assists last night. pic.twitter.com/TS8P0BIyCF
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 15, 2018
To this point, that unit hasn’t developed much chemistry based on Russ being in and out of the lineup and Schroder being new to the team. Most egregiously is the effect Raymond Felton has made. Just as the reserves began to develop chemistry and gel Russ got hurt and Schroder went back to the starting rotation.
Don’t discount how much this hurts the reserves. Billy Donovan has yet to capitalize on Nerlens Noel’s ability beyond his paint protection and defense. I wasn’t sold on Noel preseason given his reputation, but after 14 games I’ve seen enough to declare Noel isn’t being fully utilized. His ability to catch the ball makes for easy lob plays. He’s a heady enough passer to play inside out and the Schroder-Noel pick and roll has yet to be uncovered.
The third phase of this equation will occur when Andre Roberson returns. Until that point it’s likely Thunder fans won’t see the full spectrum of who this unit can be.