Thunder Can Survive Durant's Injury

Fans of the NBA and more importantly the Oklahoma City Thunder woke up to startling news a few days ago- Reigning 2014 NBA MVP Kevin Durant had been injured. Not just an ankle sprain or sore back, but a fractured right foot injury that will sideline him for the first quarter of the NBA season at minimum.

Image source- http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/104/399/hi-res-3a5a7db31459dadad6615b7a0449ba13_crop_north.jpg?w=759&h=506&q=75 

It was a crushing blow to Thunder fans, who were hoping that this was finally the year their team could breakthrough and win an NBA championship. In order to do have the best chance at achieving that, any team in the loaded Western Conference must secure home court and be playing their best basketball going into the NBA's second season. This now seems like a tall task for the Thunder.

Fear not all hope is not lost. You still have Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic, athletic and talented guards this game has seen in 20 years. Yes, he has been criticized for taking too many shots when he should have deferred to Durant. Yes he has had his own injury problems (three major knee surgeries in the last two years). Yes, every team will now overload their defense to stop him, as they no longer have to commit most of their attention to covering his injured teammate. They also have Reggie Jackson, Serge Ibaka and Jeremy Lamb; players who are capable of stepping up their game during Durant's absence. But there are several things that head coach Scott Brooks and the rest of the Thunder can do to achieve success in Durant's absence.

Utilize Reggie Jackson

Scott Brooks listen to me on this one. Reggie Jackson can play. The soon-to-be fourth year point guard out of Boston College has show tremendous growth. He started 36 games while Westbrook was injured last year, and showed flashes of scoring ability and leadership. While his shooting percentages will have to improve (44% FG, 34% 3pt), Jackson's athleticism and maturity will help the Thunder on both ends of the floor. The best way to utilize Jackson would be...

2 Guard Line-ups

Speaking of Reggie Jackson. He was used alongside Westbrook later in the season and in the playoffs, with successful results. Teams now had to worry about stopping two quick guards instead of  letting the less offensive Thabo Sefolosha, in addition to Durant of course. Jackson and Westbrook are more than capable of running the offense together, as the latter is one of the highest scoring point guards in the league on a yearly basis. In fact, some critics say he isn't a true point guard, rather a hybrid combo-guard. This can and will work in OKC's favor. Both guards will be able to score, as well as run the pick and roll effectively with Ibaka, which will make it extra tough for defenses. Speaking of Ibaka...

Growth From Ibaka

The sixth-year power forward out of the Congo will need to show more improvement in his scoring to keep the Thunder afloat during the first two months of the season. His defense will always be there (career 2.6 blocks per game), and his points per game has gone up each of the last three seasons (career-high 15.1 ppg). However, the 6'10'' big man will have to show more improvement in his post up game to be considered a real offensive threat, so Westbrook does not get double teamed as often. The good news is he is very capable of making this leap. Ibaka's mid-range jumper is very reliable and his athleticism will help him in scoring down low.

Final Thoughts

Thunders fans have no need to fear. Even with a tough schedule in the Western Conference, and the injury to Durant, OKC will be able to post a respectable record in his absence. Scott Brooks and his staff are among the best in the NBA, and will make the proper adjustments to their rotation. Expect Westbrook to shine, and averaged around 25-27 points, seven assists and six rebounds per game while Durant is sidelined.  The Thunder open their season on Wednesday, Oct. 29 on the road against the Portland Trailblazers, followed by a contest in Los Angeles against the Clippers the following night.

Westbrook is not only one of the most athletic players in the league, but one of the best finishers at the rim.

*All stats and measurements courtesy of Basketball Reference
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