So far Westbrook has carried the team. In the first two games Westbrook has been at or around a triple-double, scoring 32 against Philly, and 51 against Phoenix. But like I said, both those games were close, and against two terrible teams. The thunder really need to find someone to help out Westbrook. That’s one of the reasons why they traded for Victor Oladipo in the offseason. He is supposed to be the number two guy now that Durant has left. But so far, he hasn’t really showed up. And it’s not that he can’t do it. He is a very talented player, and I think it is more of just him being a little nervous being thrust into such a big role for the first time in his career. But even with Oladipo, there are still some missing pieces for that team. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are great players who can out Rebound anyone and Kanter has a good post game so they are good down low. The biggest missing piece though is shooting. Oladipo can shoot, but he is more of a slasher like Westbrook. You need someone that can consistently hit from mid-range or at least someone who can shoot three-pointers. If no one can shoot on this team, then opponents will just sit in the box and defend the layup. Russell Westbrook can shoot the mid-range shot, but he won’t kill you with it.
The Thunder seem to lean on Kyle Singler in that department, but that is a poor option. Personally, I think Ersan Ilyasova could be that guy, but he hasn’t been getting the playing time that Singler has. The other option would be Anthony Morrow. I don’t know why, but Morrow has been on the bench since Billy Donovan took over as head coach. It’s not my place to say that Morrow should be playing, but he is the most consistent three-point shooter they have, and it would make sense to get him out there. Whoever it is, they better find someone to help soon because in a few short days the Thunder have to take on the Golden State Warriors and former teammate Kevin Durant.
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