Next man up: 5 OKC Thunder players that can benefit from Hamidou Diallo’s absence

Mix and match:

If we are to draw anything from the game versus the Warriors, Donovan will utilize a combination of Nader, Burton, and rookie Darius Bazley and presumably extend minutes to whoever has the hot hand or is serving up intangibles.

The caveat of ‘presumably’ is because Burton’s defense on LeBron James in the game at Staples was better than virtually everyone who tried to stop the King. But inexplicably Donovan pulled him out of the game in favor of players who weren’t able to remotely make any effect on James. Although Burton is 6’4″ his frame allows him to defend larger players and perhaps, more importantly, he shows no fear and isn’t intimidated by the moment

Bazley is also raw and displays glimpses of what he might become with time (remembering he is still 19-years old). Much of what the rookie brings to the hardwood will change nightly depending on the matchup and how quickly he grows. It’s unfair to expect too much of Bazley since he spent last season not playing organized ball electing to work out privately and gain business experience as an intern at  New Balance.

Where he’s excelled is helping on the glass, getting out in transition and in his limited touches has shown the potential to develop his offense into a more diversified package. Again, patience is the key since much of the improvements Bazley will make will occur when he gets a full offseason to grow his skillset.

That said, there is another option that should get consideration…