StartersC - Chet Holmgren (2023-24)
PF - OG Anunoby (2023-24)
SF - Jaylen Brown (2023-24)
SG - Alex Caruso (2023-24)
PG - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2023-24)
BenchC - Larry Nance Jr. (2023-24)
F - Nicolas Batum (2023-24)
F/G - Trey Murphy III (2023-24)
Rotations C - Holmgren (34), Nance (14)
PF - Anunoby (34), Batum (14)
SF - Brown (24), Murphy (16), Batum (8)
SG - Caruso (20), Brown (12), Murphy (12)
PG - SGA (38), Caruso (10)
FGA Per PlayerOur foundation is the two-way excellence of OKC teammates SGA and Holmgren. Like the real-life Thunder, we've stacked our rotation with players who can both shoot and make plays off the dribble. SGA is unstoppable as a perimeter creator with this much space around him, particularly Holmgren's shooting from the 5. Brown fits in nicely alternating between second and third option, similarly to J-Dub for the Thunder. OG, Caruso, Murphy, and Batum can all hit the three and make plays when the ball is swung to them (OG/Murphy more as slashers, Caruso/Batum as passers/connectors).
Defensively, we have size and versatility on the perimeter around the dominant rim protection of Holmgren. With Caruso, OG, and Brown able to take on the toughest individual assignments, SGA can wreak havoc with his elite help instincts. Holmgren is great in drop coverage but also has the mobility and intelligence to show high if necessary. Nance off the bench gives us an even more switchable look at the 5.
Matchup- Defensive assignments will be SGA-Jrue, Caruso-Beal, OG-Kawhi, Brown-Draymond, Holmgren-Lopez. I'm don't really see a team based around Kawhi and Beal running a high ball-movement style that will force us to switch a lot, but in any case we'll have Caruso and OG fight through any off-ball screens to maintain the base matchups.
- Holmgren creates a real challenge for the slow-footed Lopez/Sabonis tandem, as he's not only a great outside shooter but can also attack a closeout by taking them off the dribble.
- In theory Jrue seems like a good cover for SGA, but it's should be noted that SGA absolutely
roasted Jrue in their one matchup this season:
- While the names may appear to favour Laimbeer, it's worth considering the level these players are at and how they're being used. Jrue has fallen off pretty hard as a primary creator, and Draymond is many years beyond being any kind of legit scoring threat. Beal is still solid but a sub-All-Star level player nowadays. He and Kawhi will be up against Caruso and OG, playing alongside two starters who provide no real scoring pressure. I think their lack of off-the-dribble creation makes them easier to defend than SGA/Brown/Holmgren plus elite spacing. Similarly, Sabonis is a flashy name off the bench, but between his poor fit with Draymond and playing half the game at the 4, I don't see him having near the impact his rep would indicate.
Good luck Laimbeer