I respect your opinion, but still don’t think we have a chance without his defense and being able to drive as a second or third option and getting hot from three. He’s our best defender and one if our best shooters who can hit from deep. Sometimes that shot is all we can get against a great defense
I'd have thought this thread would have been much longer. Maybe there's another one where this is being discussed. I'm so happy he'll be back. One of the most compelling reasons for the Capela trade and going small ball was to open a lane for Russ to maximize his abilities and it's worked like crazy. So I'm excited as hell to see him back and I hope he's well enough not to re-injure himself. I also hope he's well enough to play at full speed. That's really a lot to ask, but if anyone can bounce back like that, it would be him. As for Gordon, who's come up in this thread already, in mostly negative terms... He hasn't found his 3 shot and that's a liability and it causes problems when he's on the floor with Russ because creating that lane for Russ means surrounding him with players that are legit 3 point threats. If the Thunder think they can sag off of Gordon, that really steps on Westbrook's lane. But I love the idea of Gordon coming off the bench. I think that will maximize his impact. Remember that 50 point game he had when Harden and Westbrook were out and he had to carry the load? Let him be the #1 or #2 option on offense instead of #3. I'd give him most of his minutes while Westbrook's sitting because, even though Gordon hasn't been able to hit 3's, he's been excellent at driving to the basket since he came back from his injury. Let him have that lane when Russ is sitting and I think he can be much more of an offensive threat.
Russ is going to help Gordon more than we think. Gordon is only a great 3 point shooter when he doesn’t have to create and he is already in his spot when he gets the ball. I saw flashes last game where he was on in the beginning but then had to become the ball handler after harden went out and he lost his groove. He is a rhythm player. He should finally be healthy. I still believe with the full roster he will be a big contributor when things finally click.
Also, he's far more likely to have space when he shoots. Defenses will have to account for Harden and Westbrook, and who are they going to cheat off: Gordon, Tucker or Covington? None shooting well, but still you wouldn't let any of them take an open 3.
Extremely rusty as expected. He needs a couple of weeks of consistent playing time at the very least to get back into his rhythm. Unfortunately he doesnt have that time. Also, unfortunately we need a 100% Westbrook to beat the Lakers.
He didnt have any lift. He had one layup attempt in the open court that ended up really short. That tells me everything i need to know about his status. He's trying though. Leg just isn't there.
Seems like he wasnt moving like normal simply because he his ball handling was off. He couldn't keep control because of the rust and lost his footing a few times. Nothing gets you back quicker than actual game minutes though so i think hes fine. We will need more next round for sure but i think we will step up to the challenge.
He looked like absolute dog s**t, hopefully he just needs to readjust to game action and isn't still hobbled.
