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08:06 AM ET 12.14 | The Bench Mob, they are not. The Thunder has had only minimal minutes to offer first- and second-year players since becoming a league heavyweight. But [Scott Brooks'] reluctance to award even those minutes to his younger players through the years, dating to D.J. White four seasons ago, continues to raise two popular questions: what does the Thunder have buried on its bench and why exactly aren't those players playing outside of garbage time? ... [Brooks] on Thursday spoke candidly about his philosophy regarding his rotations, providing details and insight into the decisions he's made since 2008. "I don't believe you play young players just to play them," Brooks told The Oklahoman. "I believe you play players that earn minutes."

Kevin Durant, Icon Sports

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December 14, 2012 08:40 AM ET

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D.J. White is doing well in China

JIGSAW

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December 14, 2012 08:53 AM ET

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It doesn't look like Lamb will contribute at all this year -- I think he is in DLeague.

Chrisgar

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December 14, 2012 08:55 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:46 AM ET 12.14 by G-B

The philosophy is great but you have to play these bench players when it's a blowout. How will they ever get better if they won't even get a chance to prove themselves? It's a win-win in a blowout game. You get to rest your starters and get to see your bench improve.

Good morning G-B. Scott Brooks does play his bench in "mop up" minutes. I do agree that he needs to play the bench more, but what point differential do you use to determine "mop up" minutes? You and I may have a different number in mind from Mr. Brooks. Hope your Friday is a good one.

SoonerThunder

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December 14, 2012 08:56 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:53 AM ET 12.14 by Chrisgar

It doesn't look like Lamb will contribute at all this year -- I think he is in DLeague.

Lamb can be called up at anytime from the Tulsa D-League team. He has been called up twice since being sent there so far.

SoonerThunder

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December 14, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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Here is the actual article this FN thread is based on:

http://newsok.com/players-on-the-thunder-bench-are-developing/article/3737 324

SoonerThunder

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December 14, 2012 10:09 AM ET

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If You Pay Them Then Play Them, Bro.

I Love LA

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December 14, 2012 02:06 PM ET

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Poor coaching IMO. Regular season means NOTHING, esp when you are burning out stars like OKC has been. If you can't develop a bench (aka Pop), you have no where to go to in case one of the big-4 has to be out for some time.
I thought OKC did GREAT with the drafts and Harden trade, show us something?

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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December 14, 2012 03:54 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:40 AM ET 12.14 by jgb

He should start reducing okcs minutes, cause though the core are barely out of diapers, these season is long and you need to pace them

Scott is a young coach. He still has some lessons to learn. This may be one of them...