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John Rohde: The Thunder needs to get more players in double-figures than just Westbrook, Durant

The Oklahoman's John Rohde took questions from readers in today's OKC Thunder/NBA Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports.

By John Rohde | Published: February 18, 2013 Comment on this article

The Oklahoman's John Rohde took questions from readers in today's OKC Thunder/NBA Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports. Here's a recap of the Q&A.

Larry B 11:03 a.m. What's the latest on whether the Thunder trades before the deadline?

John Rohde 11:09 a.m. Nothing yet, at least not from what I've been able to find out. Then again, Sam Presti is not exactly full disclosure on these things -- or much else for that matter. I don't anticipate anything happening. The Thunder is right at the tax level.

Osupuckhead 11:09 a.m. How many players are on the active roster? I thought it was 12 but a few games ago thunder played 13.

John Rohde 11:11 a.m. Teams can have anywhere from 12-15 players on the roster and 13 is the active limit per game. The Thunder has 14 players on its current roster. The five who have played with the 66ers this season are Orton, Liggins, Lamb, Jones and Jackson, and they are all on the Thunder roster.

Guest 11:11 a.m. I think the Thunder have to start moving Kevin Martin off more screens and pin downs to maximize his effectiveness. He's just been underwhelming as a iso player.

John Rohde 11:14 a.m. Agreed, but I think the Thunder has to get EVERYONE not named Durant or Westbrook more involved. When the starters sat out the fourth quarter for four straight games, everybody was in the offensive flow. That's why the starters were able to sit. Get Ibaka points. Get Martin points. Get Sefolosha points. Get Collison points. They've all proven they can score. Get five players in double-figures.

Carey 11:14 a.m. I think the 2 keys to the Thunder getting back to the Finals are 1. getting Kevin Martin going on offense off the ball 2. Finding 1 or 2 more comfortable offensive players for the end of the rotation, inexpensive guys like the list you and DM did

John Rohde 11:16 a.m. The one I'm most curious about is Jeremy Lamb. We know what Jackson can do, and he has shined at moments. But let's find out what Lamb offers. He has shot lights-out with the 66ers and he fightinig a back injury right now, but when he is healthy again, throw him out there and see what happens.

Bobby 11:18 a.m. KD should have been mvp last night

John Rohde 11:21 a.m. No he shouldn't have. The right guy won. Chris Paul had 20 points, shot 4 for 5 from 3-point range and had 15 assists in 27 minutes. KD scored 30, took 24 shots and played more minutes than anybody. Nice volume, but not nearly as impressive as Paul. Plus, KD had seven dunks, which means he shot 6 for 17 from the field.

William 11:21 a.m. Do you see the similarities between OU football and the Thunder? Both have pretty, up-tempo offenses, but can't get it down "in the trenches" vs teams like the Heat. The Heat set up their outside game by winning on the blocks, and the Thunder just continue to launch. With the current personnel, can you interject hope into my fading Title hopes for this year?

John Rohde 11:25 a.m. Never thought of it that way. At least the Sooners can score down close to the goal with the Belldozer. The Thunder needs an offensive presence near the goal, somebody who can post up and is at least a threat to score. Love Perk's defense, but ... Hey, didn't Westbrook promise he would post up more down low this season?

Steven 11:26 a.m. OKC must trade. It can't beat the Heat with what they have.

John Rohde 11:29 a.m. You're right, the Thunder needs an inside presence against the Heat. This is why Boston took Miami to seven games last season and why New York has drilled the Heat twice this season. It's a Catch-22. OKC is still in good shape to repeat as Western champions, but might not be as well-suited if it tweaked itself to beat the Heat. In order to face Miami, you have to win the West. It can't be the other way around.

Mickel 11:30 a.m. Will Martin be traded?

John Rohde 11:34 a.m. Interesting question. Does OKC trade someone who frequently has excelled and has made life much easier without James Harden? Martin is an unrestricted free agent making around $12.5 million this season. No way OKC can afford to offer him that on a new deal, with Serge Ibaka's $12.25 million salary kicking in next season. I say keep Martin and pray he's willing to play for $8-9 million annually on a new deal.

William 11:34 a.m. Without an inside presence to get a defense to sag down, how can the Thunder create open outside shots other than in transition?

John Rohde 11:38 a.m. Right now, the only way OKC scores inside is either on the break or hitting an open cutter when the opponents slides over to stop penetrating drives. That doesn't happen nearly enough. I'm serious when I say the Thunder should post Westbrook on the block and spread four players near the 3-point arc. When somebody doubles down, Westbrook finds the open man. If nobody doubles, Westbrook should destroy whoever is defending him.

John Rohde 11:39 a.m. Time to go. Thanks for all the questions. Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry will have a Power Chat session on Thursday at 11 a.m.