OKC Thunder Add to Growing Core with Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City possesses one of the most unique cores in the league.
It’s headlined by superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Fresh off an All-NBA first team selection, the 25-year-old Canadian has cemented himself as one of the very best players in the NBA. After averaging a gaudy stat line of 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, it’s clear that the Thunder have a top option capable of leading them to the promise land.
To flank the 6-foot-5 point guard, Oklahoma City selected Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams in the 2021 and 2022 draft classes, respectively.
Giddey, a 6-foot-8 point guard out of Australia, is a wizard with the ball in his hands. He continually crafts passes which leave Paycom Center’s fans in awe.
Williams, a 6-foot-5 point guard out of Santa Clara, just had a surprisingly incredible rookie season. He was the biggest challenger to Paolo Banchero for the Rookie of the Year award due to his burgeoning off-the-dribble slashing prowess.
With Oklahoma City’s successful investments in Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey and Williams, they have built a core built on the foundation of ball handlers with size. These “jumbo-creators” provide matchup nightmares for other teams, are able to dictate the pace of the game due to their ability to see over the defense, and bring far less defensive concerns than their smaller counterparts.
Additionally, the Thunder spent the second overall pick in last year’s draft on Chet Holmgren. The 7-foot-1 unicorn center is the perfect compliment to these guards with his multi-level play finishing and smothering interior defense.
To perhaps fill the last spot in their starting lineup, Oklahoma City spent the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft on Cason Wallace out of Kentucky. The 6-foot-3 point guard isn’t necessarily huge for the position like his new teammates, but unlike them, he’s a defensive specialist. He will be the guy to lock down opposing ball handlers while his teammates handle a larger offensive role, similar to Lugentz Dort in recent years.
However, Wallace projects to be far better offensively than Dort, who isn’t an ideal scorer from any level. Wallace shot just under 35% from deep last season and also boasts some intriguing traits as a ball handler and passer.
Wallace was always seen as one of the safest prospects in the 2023 draft class. It’s easy to see how a guard that locks up on defense and provides complimentary offensive skills brings value to any team, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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