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NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s biggest question

By Ben Ladner

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 25: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks two points during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 25: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks two points during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder: Who is the fifth starter?

Despite turning over much of its roster from last year, the Thunder exude a certain freshness going into the 2019 season. Paul George’s recent three-year commitment to the team quieted rumblings of his departure that persisted throughout his first year in Oklahoma City. Andre Roberson will return to the fold after missing more than half of last season. The additions of Dennis Schröder and Nerlens Noel will add new dynamics to the second unit. And Carmelo Anthony, who created more problems than solutions in his lone season with the Thunder, now plays in Houston.

Anthony’s absence should clarify the roles of George and Russell Westbrook – and, by extension, everyone else – and whichever player starts in his place will have a more clearly defined and effectively executed role than did Anthony. Prior to last season, the Thunder acquired Patrick Patterson, likely with the intent of starting him with Westbrook, George, Roberson and Steven Adams. But lingering troubles from offseason foot surgery and an inconsistent role significantly reduced Patterson’s effectiveness to a point of practical expendability. If healthy, he could get another opportunity to round out the starting five. Patterson doesn’t shoot often, but he hits shots at an efficient rate. On a roster starved for shooting, he could add crucial floor spacing and dependability around Westbrook’s furious drives and George’s slashing. He isn’t particularly dynamic, but Patterson’s knack for making the right play helped keep the offense humming in Toronto.

Billy Donovan could start Jerami Grant should he prefer a more athletic, defensive-minded look. With Noel soaking up backup center minutes, OKC won’t be able to play as many minutes with Grant as a small-ball five. An offense with only one credible shooter, however, is bound to struggle, especially in significant minutes. Patterson represents the conventional choice and will become more operational playing with two All Stars, something he didn’t do enough of last season. Grant is functional at either frontcourt position, and should be a central part of some unconventional bench lineups.

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