Chet Holmgren’s harm places Oklahoma City in a serious, and apparent, predicament.
Holmgren lacking his total rookie season isn’t useful for the Thunder who had appeared to be on the quick observe of ending the rebuild course of.
Also regardless of having loads of listed depth within the publish, the depth is probably not sustainable. It begins with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, a promising younger participant who noticed a number of beginning time on the 5 in 2021-22.
With Holmgren now on the mend the blanket reply is Robinson-Earl takes over the chunk of Holmgren’s leftover minutes.
However, whereas a fast repair, Robinson-Earl isn’t constructed to be a full time NBA middle. It’s not his fault, however he’s undersized for the position. He can nonetheless make an affect on OKC, however doubtlessly in a ahead capability.
Robinson-Earl is 6-foot-9 and 230 kilos. Which, for perspective, is only one inch and 20-pounds heavier than Josh Giddey.
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Robinson-Earl confirmed promise at occasions final season. He averaged 7.5 factors and 5.6 rebounds per sport in his 49 appearances. The promise shined via with Robinson-Earl ready to maintain his personal at occasions towards a few of the league’s finest facilities. However, at different occasions it was apparent he wasn’t the long run resolution for OKC at middle.
Robinson-Earl has the flexibility to be a bit for OKC for the longer term however middle is probably not the perfect spot to play him to set him up for achievement.
With Holmgren out, Robinson-Earl will most likely see a slight minute improve, however will increase also needs to be anticipated for the opposite large males together with Derrick Favors and Aleksej Pokusevski.
With Favors and Pokusevski returning to the rotation and Jaylen Williams coming into his rookie 12 months, it’s extra probably for these three to see extra of a big taking part in enhance on the 5 than for Robinson-Earl.
While Robinson-Earl will probably see a great chunk of labor it could be extra as a ahead than a middle to higher go well with his dimension and ability set.
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