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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 Midseason Takeaways

By Jerran Anderson

January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) blocks a shot attempt by Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) blocks a shot attempt by Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Thunder’s young rotation still searching for its identity

With Andre Roberson in the starting lineup, the Oklahoma City Thunder have an established defender. But Roberson is still figuring things out on offense.

The fourth-year swingman is averaging 6.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and a block in a career-high 31 minutes per game. But he’s still searching for his identity on offense. Roberson’s shot attempts are up, but his shooting percentage is down this season at 42.5 percent.

He shot 49.6 percent in 2015-16.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting decent production out of reserves Alex Abrines, Joffrey Lauvergne and Jerami Grant. But they’re still searching for an identity in the rotation.

Grant has pulled of his fair share of highlight reel dunks but defensively, he hasn’t given the team much. Abrines is averaging 5.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 14.2 minutes as a rookie. Lauvergne is averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in his first season with Oklahoma City, third overall.

The bench is young as well but will need to improve its play if they want to see collective success. Backup point guard Cameron Payne has appeared in just seven games since returning from a foot injury as well. Look for him to play next to Westbrook soon to give the team a different look.

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