The Thunder need to change their offensive system if they’re ever going to get deep in the playoffs again, Zach Lowe of ESPN argues in a detailed look at the team’s scheme over the years. Their overreliance on Russell Westbrook proved to be their downfall once again in the series against the Jazz. Westbrook used up 38% of their possessions in the series, a higher rate than even LeBron James had for the Cavaliers in the first round, Lowe notes. The Thunder need their other star players to have more coherent roles as well as build a better bench, so that they can hold their own when Westbrook rests. Lowe adds.
In other Thunder-related news and musings:
- Trading Carmelo Anthony is the least likely outcome this offseason as the team tries to figure out what to do with the aging and disgruntled forward, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman writes. Not only would it be tough to trade his contract if he picks up his $27.9MM option, he also has a no-trade clause, Horne notes. A buyout or utilizing the stretch provision are more viable options, or the team could simply retain him and hope for better results, Horne adds.
- Making a decision whether to retain coach Billy Donovan ranks as the biggest issue immediately confronting the team, Sean Deveney of the Sporting News opines. Trying to hold onto impending free agent Paul George and figuring out a way to shed Anthony are two of the other major issues hanging over their head, Deveney continues. The recovery of defensive ace Andre Roberson from a knee injury is another concern, Deveney adds.
- Donovan will probably keep his job but it could be even more difficult next season, Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman argues. While the players generally respect and like Donovan, they don’t always follow his orders, Tramel continues Things could get even dicier next season if George doesn’t re-sign.However, Donovan still has two years and $12MM left on his contract, and that should work in his favor, Tramel adds.
- George is quite aware how important he is to the organization and its future, Horne writes in a separate piece. George has been impressed with the franchise during his first season in Oklahoma City but there’s no telling if he’ll return. “We’ve had the high moments where we’ve seen what we can be,” George told Horne and other media members. “That’s the consistency part of just getting an identity as a group. I think we’re close. I think we’re close to accomplishing something bigger here.”
Donovan can’t coach Westbrook, there is no way you have control of the team if Westbrook is coming up the floor jacking up ill-advised 3 pointers with 2 other all-star level talents sharing the floor with him. Donovan needs to get the ax, bring in a coach who can actually hold Westbrook accountable. It’s the same problem with Lebron, no one can coach either one of those dudes and they want to play their way and their way only.
Completely different situations. Westbrook did it all himself despite having hugely talented guys around him – and failed.
LeBron did it all himself because he has next to no one else on the team capable – and succeeded.
One has to carry the team, the other wants to be the hero.
Lebron doesn’t have to do all that he just chooses to because he does not let the Cavs run an offense. He wants to control the ball all game so he can pile up assists and points. Who gets more then 5 assists on that team that’s not Lebron? No one, because point guards can be point guards and power forwards have to be shooters.
The cavs would be the worst team in the league without lebron. He needs the ball. Westbrook just wanted his triple doubles
James tries to get his teammates involved. Makes a concerted effort every game. Just bc his team beat your group again doesn’t mean he’s a ball hog. You say he’s a ball hog yet coming out of he other side of your mouth say he can’t make a clutch shot so he gives it up. Can’t have it both both ways.
While I partially agree on your previous comments – and disclaimer, I’m not a fan of LeBron, he doesn’t have any options in Cleveland. Outside Kevin Love and his soft outside game, there’s no one else. JR Smith? That’s how bad they are. LeBron has too. Westbrook doesn’t.
It looks like he has no options because the other players can’t get in a rhythm because he holds the ball for too long. Tired of this same story, “he didn’t have enough”. Just stop with the excuses for this guy bro, he’s not that great. You don’t sit on the bench with your team down 29 with 12 minutes to play period, you are out there trying to catch up and win.
As a Knick fan, just glad they no longer have to deal with Melo and his contract. Particularly after hearing his statements a few days ago. Judgement is reserved on Perry, but this first deal was a good one. I think Kanter stays, and we have Chicago’s 2nd, but (even without either) this was win.
I’m late to the party but Melo is disgruntled again!? I’m so sick of that guy. He’s never happy. I remember being very against Boston going after him because he’s a cancer to a team and I’m very happy they didn’t. OKC should cut bait asap
What kind of employees are some of these players that can literally do what they want in/out of court!? Just ‘cause they bring the money, huh? Unreal and unprofessional to say the least…
Fat boy Melo causing trouble again. What’s new? He is over weight, over the hill, selfish and “not coming off the bench”. Choker George going to Fakers….melo makes 28 million and OKC is screwed! Fire Donovan won’t fix anything. Who can control Russ? No one. It is a team game but Russ doesn’t get it. OKC fans deserve better.
They need at least another wing shooter. I always thought they’d add someone late in the season, but they never did. Would be nice if Terrance Ferguson can fill some of that in his 2nd season. It’s easy to blame Melo, but it was a bad matchup for him and OKC from the beginning, which is why I picked Utah. He played pretty good defense most of the season. They need more ball movement to keep guys like him in rhythm. I just dont think he is the issue. It’s what they have around Westbrook, Melo, Paul George, and Steven Adam’s that is the issue. They have a couple of guys like Grant and Patterson, but that’s pretty much it. Roberson being out hurt them. When their entire starting lineup played together, they were like 21-1 or something like that. If they add the pieces they need, they’ll be fine