21/12/11
Bargnani pushing for starting spot after run of good form
In the 11 games he's played with Oklahoma City since his move from Toronto, Andrea Bargnani has been one of the Thunder's best contributors.
The mobile seven footer has been an integral part of the Thunder's bench rotation lately, along with fellow new arrival George Hill.
He's beginning to realise the potential that saw Toronto draft him with the top pick of the 2006 NBA draft. He's scoring on a consistent basis.
The man keeping him out of the Thunder's starting line-up is former Minnesota forward Kevin Love. However he hasn't been playing at his peak level this season.
Love was signed as a free agent earlier this season and was seen as an answer to Oklahoma City's rebounding shortcomings. It hasn't quite worked out though.
He is so far only managing to grab about half the number of rebounds per game that the Thunder coaching staff would have expected to see from him.
Many media commentators were somewhat negative in their assessment of the deal which also saw Kendrick Perkins and Corey Brewer join the Raptors.
They said that the Thunder had weakened themselves at the center and small forward positions. But Kevin Durant has blossomed since the trade.
He's revelling in his extra playing time. He's averaging 28 points per game since the deal, including 41 in the loss against the Raptors.
Brook Lopez has also improved. He's averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in the 11 games. Both are above his average for the season so far.Statistic comparison of the 11 games since the trade:
Andrea Bargnani (1 start)
20.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 BPG, 1.6 TPG
84-156 FGM/A (54%)
Kevin Love (10 starts)
11.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 BPG, 2.8 TPG
50-91 FGM/A (55%)
It could be argued that Love has to compete with Lopez, Durant, Harden and Westbrook for scoring opportunities, whilst Bargnani is first choice.
With Brewer gone Durant has been playing over 90% game time and shares the court with Bargnani, Brown, Hill and Ibaka whilst his fellow starters rest.
When asked if Bargnani could become a start Thunder coach Scott Brooks had this to say:"Andrea has been brilliant for us since he's arrived, but we don't feel anything needs changing whilst we are playing as well as we are currently.
We think our balance is good at the moment. Kevin [Love] offers a great defensive presence which helps guys like Durant focus more on offense.
Plus putting all of our offensive leaders in one rotation could upset their rhythms. Also, if they fail to fire we have less coming off the bench to help."
So it would seem that, for the moment at least, Love will retain his starting position and Bargnani will remain a super-sub.
Andrew wrote:I'd be inclined to keep him on the bench for now as it really seems to be working out for him with your current rotation, while still allowing Love to be productive as the starter.
badreligionau wrote:I agree with Andrew. I know things are different in NBA Live 10, but having Brook Lopez and Andrea Bargnani starting... where are the rebounds going to go?
badreligionau wrote:That replay of Love blocking Frye is probably the best I've seen in NBA Live 10.
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