If Russell Westbrook has been the Oklahoma City Thunder’s lightning, then D.J. Augustin is their storm chaser. Augustin is more suited to following Westbrook’s “storm” in the backup point guard role than Reggie Jackson, due to Jackson’s strong desire to be the storm and start instead of following behind it.
That is not to say Augustin wouldn’t want to start or isn’t capable—he has started 170 games in his career—but his professionalism and career experience enables him to play a reserve role and remain effective as well as engaged with the team, better than Jackson.
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The seven-year NBA veteran has now played for seven different teams in his career. After being the ninth overall pick in the draft, he played four years in Charlotte before a forgettable year with the Indiana Pacers.
Last year, Augustin began the season with the Toronto Raptors, but only lasted 10 games before being waived. The Chicago Bulls then signed him for depth at guard after Derrick Rose injured his knee a second time. Augustin had a solid year for the Bulls and earned a more lucrative two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons this past offseason.
This season, Augustin stepped into the Pistons starting role after Brandon Jennings ruptured his Achilles tendon. He played well as a starter, but was then traded at the deadline to the Thunder along with Kyle Singler for the disgruntled Jackson.
So what has Augustin brought to the Thunder thus far and how does it compare to what Jackson was doing?
Next: Nine Games In