OKC Thunder: Which players are hurt most by the prolonged layoff?
Continuing the OKC Thunder 30 for 30 roundtable series the T.I. writing team ponders which players will be hurt the most by an extended layoff.
With the league hitting the third full week since suspending the season the OKC Thunder players and their opponents are exercising self-distancing like the rest of the population.
And while people are unable to live our typical lives the big difference for NBA players is that includes a regular schedule of practice and time in the gym.
That’s a big factor for players who rely on timing and constancy as many of the Association’s members don’t have access to gyms or courts. Sure, the LeBron James of the world have courts right in their homes but like Brian Windhorst recently stated on TV — for every LeBron there is the Alex Caruso‘s who is skipping rope and dribbling in his garage.
With that, I give you question 18 from the series…
Q18: Which player(s) are hurt most by the extended layoff hurt?
Shontelle Matano:
I don’t think the layoff will hurt any player in particular, but instead, it actually will help them to get 100 percent healthy. If anything it will motivate everyone to come back stronger. They’ll be driven to get back on the court and do well for their respective teams. They also would have had more time to spend with their families and to reflect, so will feel revitalized.
The only thing I could say the suspension would affect is the momentum and runs that some teams were on. If practices can commence earlier, this may help to get all rosters back on track and pick up where they left off.
Rylan Stiles:
I think almost every shooter will be impacted by this layoff. Especially catch and shoot guys that rely on timing and getting into a nice groove each game. It could take them a little bit to round into form, how long will the NBA give them prior to starting games again?
Dustin McGowen:
I think that the layoff will hurt Jimmy Butler the most. This has nothing to do with his injury status or playing style. Micky Arison Is the Governor of the Miami Heat and his wealth is tied into Carnival Cruise Lines and the Heat.
Both industries have been ground to a halt in the current crisis. This is more of a 10,000 foot take, as I think the financial situation for the Heat and the ability for them to surround Butler with elite free agents will be hampered in the long term.
Matthew Hallett:
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The layoff will hurt the likes of Hamidou Diallo, Deonte Burton, and Mike Muscala — aka — the end of the OKC Thunder bench. As all the players ahead of them in the rotation continue to get their bodies healthy through rest these guys will get less minutes at the end of the bench
Tamberlyn Richardson:
The week prior to the suspension witnessed LeBron James and Norman Powell win player of the week honors for games occurring in Week 20. Kristaps Porzingis and Giannis Antekounmpo won for week 19.
In each of their cases, there is an argument they’ll benefit from the layoff as Antetokounmpo and Powell both suffered injuries just recently. Porzingis while healthy continues to work himself back into form after a full year off.
And if you believe LeBron this layoff hurts him since his body was ready for the stretch run and the playoffs. However, James frequently took a week off when with the Cavaliers so it’s hard to buy that argument especially when the King turned 35 this year.
Ultimately the players most greatly affected will fall into three categories. Players who can’t get up shots during the hiatus. Players who typically start the season slow and improve as the season progresses. And any player who is a shooter that utilizes constancy and timing (read: getting up 100’s of shots on a daily basis).
dark. Next. 30 x 30 roundtable Q17: Player benefiting most by suspension
Friday the Thunderous Intentions writing team considers where the Thunder could finish the season if the league were to play a portion or all of the remaining schedule when/if the NBA recommences play.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy day.