Oklahoma City has put together one of the deepest frontcourts in the league with the draft and free agency. Over the summer they added Cole Aldrich to a lineup that already features Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic, Nick Collison, and super-energy block machine Serge Ibaka. And it’s a good thing they did.
The Daily Oklahoman reports today that Collison could miss as much as three weeks due to continuing problems with his left leg which has kept him out the preseason with a stress fracture. Collison says he could play through it but wants to take his time.
Collison plays a very specific role on the Thunder, and one they need. Ibaka can play with too much emotion and has trouble with awareness. Krstic is limited with mobility and sticks to mostly 18 foot jumpers. Collison brings a veteran awareness and a great offensive rebounding ability, snatching up 11.5% of all available offensive boards (up there with Anderson Varejao, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol). Having him available as the Thunder look to advance in the playoffs will be more important than having him now. Think of him as the Thunder’s version of Andrew Bynum, if Bynum had actually accomplished anything on his own and managed to stay on the floor. (Joke! It’s a joke!)