John Rohde: Kendrick Perkins could average double-double with Thunder

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA beat writer John Rohde answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA beat writer John Rohde answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.com/sports

photo - Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins talks to the media at the the Thunder practice facility, Saturday, Feb, 26, 2011, in Oklahoma City.Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins talks to the media at the the Thunder practice facility, Saturday, Feb, 26, 2011, in Oklahoma City.Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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On the Thunder scoring fewer points without Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic:

If you play better defense, you don't need to score as many points. Though [Kendrick] Perkins is averaging roughly 6.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in his career, I'm thinking he could average a double-double just by mopping up everything underneath. Also, Nazr Mohammed was very productive in Charlotte for the minutes he played (7.3 ppg; 4.9 rpg in 16.7 mpg), plus Robinson can score.

On new guard Nate Robinson's role with the Thunder:

Robinson brings tremendous energy, and great energy helps a ton when playing defense when it's channeled properly. His 5-foot-9 frame has been talked about at great length, but the guy is still in the league and signed through next season. Would be in the NBA if he wasn't worthy.

On guard James Harden starting for Oklahoma City in the future: There's no disgrace in being a quality sixth man on a good team, which is what Harden has been (at times). I'm a big Thabo [Sefolosha] guy. I'd start Thabo as long as he's healthy and hasn't lost a step. I'd rather have instant offense coming off the bench than a perimeter defender capable of scoring from time to time.