Stiles Points: Don't Let Team Success Overshadow Cason Wallace
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The Oklahoma City Thunder have notched 45 wins before reaching 20 losses. This is an incredible feat and overwhelmingly marks the Thunder as contenders according to legendary head coach Phil Jackson.
One of the contributors to the OKC Thunder's success is also one of the victims of it in the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft Cason Wallace. Against Memphis, he dominated showing again why you should not overlook the Kentucky product.
Against the Grizzlies, Wallace posted a career-high 22 points, two rebounds, four assists and a block. From splashing four triples to his harassing defense, the Kentucky product showed off his two-way upside.
As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP caliber season, Jalen Wiliams and Chet Holmgren playing at All-Star levels, and the Thunder's overall record steals the show, Wallace has had a fantastic rookie season.
There is no law against the guard developing into a high-level player and adding to the embarrassment of riches that the Thunder have. In fact, it seems like the most likely case scenario.
It would be shocking if Wallace is not an elite defender sooner rather than later, and offensively the bones are there to be a highly impactful and efficient player. Sure, given he has so many teammates worthy of accolades it might tough to crack something like an All-Star game, but Wallace will soon be a player that sneaks into these rising-star conversations.
With an entire summer of development to hone in on his off-ball craft while refining his playmaking chops that made him such an interesting prospect, the versatile player on both ends of the floor fits the Thunder like the perfect puzzle piece. Do not let the team's success overshadow what a great rookie season this has been for Wallace.
Stiles Points
- Josh Giddey continued his big week going for 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. His engagement level on defense and overall offensive activity uptick has led to more production.
- Jalen Williams left this game twice with an ankle injury, the last featuring him rolling his ankle falling into a camera person on the baseline. After the game, Mark Daigneault confirmed it was a right ankle sprain saying the team will get a better look at it this morning.
- Lu Dort has been fantastic on offense this season, Sunday was no different going 5-for-5 on his way to 14 points.
- This was never a contest after a 13-3 run to start the game for Oklahoma City as the Thunder cruised to a win.
- With the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves stumbling on the road against the Lakers, the Thunder's lead on first place only grows.
Song of the Day: Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis.
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