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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 credit should read DAVID MCNEW/AFP/Getty Images /

Non-Westbrook lineup

  • PG: Paul George
  • SG: Terrance Ferguson
  • SF: Andre Roberson
  • PF: Carmelo Anthony
  • C: Steven Adams

Thunder fans do not want to see Westbrook off the court. They are probably scarred after seeing how disastrous the results were whenever he was resting last season, especially in the postseason. However, he does need to get some rest eventually, and Billy Donovan should feel comfortable having more options to turn to this time around.

The Thunder did address their backup point guard spot by signing veteran Raymond Felton. Felton is a steady veteran who can provide solid backup minutes. He would struggle in some matchups though, which makes having a willing playmaker such as George so valuable.

In this lineup, the Thunder are extremely versatile 1-5. They can switch everything defensively, especially if you sub in Patrick Patterson for Steven Adams. However, Adams gives this unit a strong rim protector and someone to help Anthony in the paint. On the perimeter, the Thunder would be able to defend anyone with George, Ferguson and Roberson.

Ferguson will need to adjust to life in the NBA. He did not play college basketball, opting to play overseas last year instead. He has the tools to be a 3-and-D player, which the Thunder can use to their advantage.

Versatility is key in the NBA, and this unit provides it. This is not a lineup you will likely see much of, especially early on in Ferguson’s rookie season. Thunder fans really don’t want to see a lineup without Westbrook, which is understandable.

However, this lineup could really give opponents fits defensively, as George, Ferguson and Roberson are all much better defenders than backup point guard Raymond Felton.

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