5th Guy

[Balkman32]

The Thunder have had Westbrook, Adams, & Roberson in their starting lineup since 14-15 season. They have always had a wing player in Durant, Oladipo or now George with that group.

Ibaka was the guy with Durant, and Saboins with Oladipo then last year w/ Melo, the Thunder have never really had that 5th guy that really worked with the team. Sabonis was just so young. He worked his tail off and he will be a good NBA player one of these days. I just wonder if he might find more scusee at the 5. Ibaka would postpone ball movement and realy get the offense out of their flow. Then last year with Melo, well we all now about that one.

The question is who is the bast guy to be with the 4 starters of Westbrook, George, Adams & Roberson?

I dont think the answer is Schröder or Grant. I think its important for these two guys to come off the bench. Schröder will be able to penetrate aganist 2nd unit points using pick and rolls with ease and will be able to drive it to the bucket or kick out to a wing in the corner.

Is the answer Pattrick Patterson? I think he gets the first crack at it

Could the answer be Ferguson? I know everyone will sat he cant play the 4 which is 100% correct but Dre can. He played it in College. I also feel like his offensive game mimics a power forward rather than a shooting guard. The only reason Dre is a SG is becasue that is who he guards, well the teams best wing.

I think it has to be someone thats not on this roster at this time. The Thunder has assets to acquire this guy. They just need to identify who this guy is and how he fits in with Westbrook, George, Adams, & Roberson.

[ThunderBolt]

I don’t think Roberson will start the year. Abrines will get first shot. Patterson is the only guy that makes sense to go with the starters. I still would like us to acquire a buy low stretch four guy like Skal or Bender if it’s possible.

[OlDirtMcBert]

Grant. He doesn’t need shots/plays to score (he scores off cuts, putbacks, rim runs) clears the boards, and plays defense with hustle. He’s the anti-Melo and that’s exactly what Russ, PG, and Adams need. Another solid defender that does the dirty work and does none of the Diva defense. Plus he’s young and fit. His body is ready for the 82 game grind. Injuries will probably mean several guys get a shot at starting. But I think it’ll certainly be a grinder rather than a scorer. The 4th & 5th started really shouldn’t be getting many shots up.

[Andre Roberstan]

According to both Royce and Zach Lowe, Pat Pat's going to get the nod. I think the best fit of the guys on the team, honestly. He's a decent outside shooter (if slow and hesitant at times), an unselfish ball mover and cutter, and a smart defender.

[slick_watts]

According to both Royce and Zach Lowe, Pat Pat's going to get the nod. I think the best fit of the guys on the team, honestly. He's a decent outside shooter (if slow and hesitant at times), an unselfish ball mover and cutter, and a smart defender.

also, he's earned it with what he went through last season after presumably being offered a big role prior to the melo trade.

[OlDirtMcBert]

According to both Royce and Zach Lowe, Pat Pat's going to get the nod. I think the best fit of the guys on the team, honestly. He's a decent outside shooter (if slow and hesitant at times), an unselfish ball mover and cutter, and a smart defender.

I’m absolutely fine with this, but my only concern would be his physical readiness. If he isn’t quite fit for the 82 game grind, then I’d rather he come off the bench. The Thunder have a great chance to speed their pace back up, and that’d be a great thing. But, the Thunder do handle their business and stick to their word. If they promised Pat the job, they’ll do it. I think either will work as long as they grind and don’t Diva around like Marshmelo. Just play team ball. I think this season will be ten times more fun than the last two. Fingers crossed.

[wizkid27]

A little late to the party... don't check in here as much as I did at one point. What's up guys?

Right now, I'm saying Patterson. He is a pretty solid fit with the other 4 starters. If Grant added even a solid/consistent corner 3, he would be an even better fit - because he adds some more athleticism/length/shot blocking that 2Pat doesn't... but I don't know if that's this season.

I think when you start talking about guys other than Grant/Patterson, you could see those lineups frequently within games, but they're not going to rollout a starting lineup with Roberson at the 4 and Abrines/Ferguson/Schroder at the 2 as a nightly lineup in the regular season.

[bondom34]

Never posted here but agree with wizkid, at least to start its Patterson. They need a 2nd shooter out there and Abrines can't stay on the other end of the court.

[DreamTeam09]

Patterson isn't as good as Grant is right now. Like I understand the theory of Patterson being the better fit to go along with those other 4 guys, but he just isn't that consistent or good anymore. Pattersons 1st year with a team is always his best year, after that it's downhill. Happened in Toronto, now in OKC. Even if you wanna start Patterson, Grant should get the most minutes and finish the game. Grant can hit that corner 3 too, he's definitely the best player out of Patterson and Abrenes n Ferguson