2018-19 NBA Season: 3 problems Oklahoma City Thunder are facing

#3 Growing pains

Sacramento Kings v Oklahoma City Thunder

The absence of Russ in the first 2 games was obviously a factor, but the Thunder's perimeter defense has been way below expectations thus far. With Roberson unlikely to return till the turn of the year, the Thunder have thus far been unable to find a replacement for him on the defensive end.

Summer trade acquisition Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has barely been able to crack the rotation due to his lack of offense. Sophomore Terrance Ferguson has been inconsequential at that end as well, despite his ridiculous athleticism - he needs to time his cuts better.

While rookie Hamidou Diallo has been the best of this trio on offense, he is still finding his feet in the NBA and is a fair way away from deserving heavy minutes.