Losing reigning MVP Kevin Durant for several weeks to a Jones fracture is a major blow to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The first few weeks of the season will be challenging for the team as Scott Brooks tries to cover the nearly 40 minutes a night that used to go to Durant, a process that begins now with the core of the rotation suddenly in flux. Let's take a look at the situation.
Who's on the roster?
The Thunder were already trying to figure out their situation at shooting guard after parting ways with Thabo Sefolosha, and now both wing spots are pretty much up for grabs. The primary options are Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones III, Andre Roberson, Anthony Morrow and Lance Thomas. It's likely that Brooks will select two of those guys to join the starting lineup along with Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.
Does this mean Reggie Jackson will start?
The high-flying guard is arguably the most talented player Brooks can turn to, but the coach may not like the look of Jackson starting next to Westbrook in the backcourt. There's no question that Jackson will get his minutes now, but it's more a matter of how the team wants to restructure its rotation. Coming off a career-high 28.5 minutes per night last season, the injury pretty much ensures Jackson sets a new high mark again in 2014-15. If this is simply about getting the best guys into the lineup, however, Jackson deserves a nod as much as anyone.
If not Jackson, who starts?
The Thunder may prefer to continue deploying Jackson off the bench as a high-scoring sixth man, going for more balance with the starting lineup built around Westbrook. If that's the case, Lamb and Roberson would seem to be the logical options at shooting guard, while Perry Jones III appears to be the favorite to get the gig at small forward.
It's also possible Brooks wants to be more aggressive in spacing the floor offensively, in which case Morrow would be a strong possibility given his elite sharpshooting skills. So it really depends on what kind of style Brooks prioritizes in Durant's absence, and whether he wants to go smaller and more offensive-minded (Jackson, Morrow), or lean on the defensive end and keep some size (Roberson, Jones).
Could OKC look elsewhere?
It's unlikely. Durant won't be out for that long, and the Thunder like the young options they already have in house. Jackson, Lamb, Jones and Roberson have all seen increasingly large roles over the past couple of years, and it's possible -- if not likely -- the team views this as an opportunity for those guys to step up in the rare absence of a star player. Between those names and an experienced three-point shooter like Morrow, there's little reason for GM Sam Presti to look outside the organization.