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Anthony Slater: Kevin Martin now OKC's best scorer coming off the bench

NewsOK.com Sports Blogger Anthony Slater stood in for Darnell Mayberry and took questions from readers in today's Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports.

Published: October 30, 2012 Comment on this article

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Article Gallery: Anthony Slater: Kevin Martin now OKC's best scorer coming off the bench

How will Kevin Martin be used by the Thunder?

Similar to James Harden. He becomes the best scorer OKC has coming off the bench, playing somewhere around 25 minutes a game and expected to shoulder an offensive load in the lulls of the game. Problem is, he's not the same playmaker as Harden. He can't create his own shot. Think of him like a poor man's Ray Allen. He'll be coming off screens and getting set plays. Eric Maynor will be his best friend, feeding him when the second unit is on the floor.

The more I think about the Harden trade, the more I like it. KD and Russ will bring the most out of PJIII and Lamb. Future starting 5: Russ, Lamb, KD, PJIII, Ibaka. Thoughts?

The Thunder certainly like both young players (PJIII and Lamb), but it's a little early to pencil them into a future starting lineup. Let's see how they develop in their first year in the league. But the way the NBA is moving, with stretch fours and position-less lineups, that's an intriguing starting five, provided those two rookies become impact NBA players.

Ten years from now, who regrets the trade more, Harden or the Thunder?

Only time will tell. My guess, it'll be James Harden. Oklahoma City still remains title contenders and will into the future, with two legitimate stars, an improving big man and young role players and draft picks to continually build. Harden, meanwhile, will get his wish for a bigger role, but Houston's title hopes are nonexistent. He could be sitting there at 30, with a more All-Star appearances than playoff appearances. Similar to a Tracy McGrady career path.

Does Serge Ibaka still play for the Thunder? Seems like people are forgetting about him when talking about the Harden trade. I believe he will win most improved player. Do you?

Most improved player of the league? Doubt it. That's usually reserved for players who come out of nowhere. Ibaka made a name for himself last season. But I certainly do think he will substantially improved, especially on the offensive end. He was confident and smooth in the preseason, showing longer range on the jumpshot and better touch on his post moves. He even jacked up a couple threes, although Scott Brooks likely hopes that's a preseason aberration, not a regular season trend.

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