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OKC Thunder: 3 players that must step up during George Hill’s absence

By Mark Nilon

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts following a play during the third quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 26, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts following a play during the third quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 26, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
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For the second-straight season, the OKC Thunder have come into the year being viewed as a likely bottom-dweller with few so-called “experts” of the sport giving them a chance at success.

Now, through 19 games, they’ve once again surprised the masses with their invigorating play.

Perhaps even more impressive of a start, as they were in possession of no star of the same caliber as Chris Paul coming in and, yet, hold the exact same record through this game-span at 8-11, Oklahoma City is simply a team that doesn’t quit.

That said, their rough spell of late — dropping two straight in blowout fashion — could begin to get even rockier, as reports surfaced stating that starting point guard George Hill will be sidelined for at least the next month as he recovers from thumb surgery.

In George Hill’s absence, there are a few OKC Thunder players that must step up

With his absence, there comes more opportunities for other players on the roster, be it to fill his position, role, or to simply log more minutes within the rotation.

Should the OKC Thunder wish to continue their successful start, they’ll need their personnel to step up to fill the Hill-sized void.

Today, we present to you the 3 players that need to take it up a notch:

Player that needs to step up on OKC Thunder No. 1) Darius Bazley

The promise that Darius Bazley possesses in his game is quite apparent, and we’ve seen glimpses of brilliance throughout his tenure with the franchise.

From his performances in the bubble where he posted 13 points and 6.3 rebounds on 46 percent shooting from deep heading into the postseason to this most recent stretch of four games where he’s averaging 14.5 points and 6.3 rebounds on 46 percent shooting from the field, the 20-year-old is seemingly a consistent jumper and a few more pounds away from stardom.

Now, without Hill in the lineup, he’ll be relied on more as both a scorer and playmaker.

Without the veteran guard, there are almost nine field-goal attempts available (on average) up for grabs. With Mark Daigneault’s obvious desire to get the sophomore forward more involved on offense of late, we expect a sizeable uptick in pick-and-rolls and isolation plays called with him as the beneficiary.

That said, it’s up to Bazley to make this potential opportunity count.

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