Rash of OKC Thunder frontcourt injuries could force Donovan into small ball lineups
OKC Thunder Head Coach, Billy Donovan cites Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel injuries which could force his hand to play small ball lineup versus the Pelicans
The curious case of Andre Roberson continues as once again he is listed as out for Saturday’s game. All OKC Thunder Head Coach, Billy Donovan keeps saying is “no he’s out”. Considering all summer the news was Roberson was on track for season start return his continual absence doesn’t make sense.
As fans, we’re anxious to see Roberson back, first because he’s a fan favorite. More importantly, his presence could be a major factor in how this iteration of the Thunder performs. While many are okay with OKC competing in every game while also keeping their draft position high it’s equally important to get an idea of where ARob fits in the grand scheme of things.
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The main question that requires clarification is whether the All-Defensive minded wing still has the goods to fall in this same category. Has he improved offensively?
Can he still guard the top superstars? And, if he can does that mean he’ll be considered someone the team would want to keep on the roster long term? Or would Sam Presti shop him to a team desirous of adding defensive prowess for their title run?
These are the burning questions we’re all waiting to learn the answers to and with Donovan simply reiterating “no Dre won’t play” it’s not giving us much to pull from.
As for the rest of Donovan’s update, the more concerning news is both centers were unable to participate in contact at practice. Steven Adams‘ knee contusion is keeping him out of the mix which we knew.
However, something we weren’t aware of is Nerlens Noel is also dealing with an injury as someone stepped on his foot in the last game versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
If neither big man can play tomorrow that makes for a very thin frontcourt. Presumably, that would mean more time for Justin Patton but who would be the backup? Conceivably, Donovan would opt to play some small ball lineups and move Danilo Gallinari to the five.
While the Pelicans (like the OKC Thunder) have registered a single win this still isn’t a team you’d want to be short of depth up front against. Arguably the New Orleans is the deepest upfront with Derrick Favors, Jahlil Okafor, Jaxson Hayes, and Nicolò Melli. And, Brandon Ingram has been feasting so far this season. That’s a ton of big men to have to match up with.
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So the timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse as this game with a healthy Adams and Noel would likely be considered an easier victory for the Thunder.