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Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 lineups fans will want to see

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers during a game on December 20, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers during a game on December 20, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 lineups fans will want to see
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

Possible starting five

When it is all said and done, this will probably be the Thunder’s starting lineup. It will be one that fans will enjoy seeing, as it has all of their stars on the court together. Of all of the lineups on here, this is probably the most balanced offensively and defensively.

With Roberson and George on the court at the same time, the Thunder will have the ability to play Anthony at power forward, a position he is better suited for at this point in his career. It is something the Knicks were unable to commit to because of their roster build, but something the Thunder will have no problem doing.

When you have three players as talented as Westbrook, George and Anthony on the court together, you will be difficult to defend. Defensively, the Thunder should be fine as well. Again, as a power forward, Anthony’s shortcomings are hidden.

With Roberson and George, Westbrook can also take a break defensively as they are two of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA. Having Adams as an anchor helps as well.

There aren’t many better starting lineups better than this one in the NBA. Playing a defensive-minded player like Roberson won’t hurt the Thunder this year as it did last year because there is so much more offensive talent around him; it isn’t just Westbrook any longer.

Billy Donovan should no longer have to worry about Roberson’s offense hurting his playing time. As long as he is on the court with two of Westbrook, George and Anthony, he should be fine.

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