Thunder Storylines to Follow Throughout Summer League

Thunder fans are extra excited about this year's Summer League, and rightfully so. Oklahoma City has a roster full of talent on paper and exciting prospects all over the floor.

As the Thunder take the floor in Utah Monday night, here's a few things to keep an eye on moving forward.

Tre Mann’s Bounce Back

Oklahoma City guard Tre Mann didn’t have the second season he was hoping for. The microwave scorer fell out of the rotation the second half of the year and was inconsistent in limited minutes.

His talent is clear, and the potential is still there. But the Thunder are rapidly improving as a team, and their roster is already 19 deep. Cuts are on the horizon. For Mann to survive the roster crunch, a strong Summer League performance could be the leading catalyst.

In Mann’s rookie season, he averaged 10.4 points per game on 36% shooting from 3-point range. He desperately needs to show off his long-range stroke and improved efficiency to convince the Thunder brass he’s still part of the team’s future. Going into year No. 3, he’ll be a veteran on the Summer League team and have a chance to shine behind his maturity.

Chet Holmgren’s Return

Obviously, this is the big storyline for Oklahoma City. However many games Chet Holmgren suits up for, he will be the main attraction on the court. After missing the entirety of last season, he has a chance to show off his progression and added strength.

Last summer, his best game came from Salt Lake City, where he dropped 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks. Through five games, the big man averaged 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 blocks and two steals.

The Thunder experienced rapid improvement without Holmgren in the lineup last season, and the team already has arguably the brightest young core in the NBA. The pressure isn’t as high for Holmgren — especially right off the bat. Oklahoma City needs him to be an efficient offensive player and a great shot blocker. If he can be both, the Thunder’s upward trajectory has only just begun.

Ousmane Dieng’s Progression

Oklahoma City’s other lottery selection from last summer was always supposed to be a project. Ousmane Dieng ended up contributing down the stretch and showing flashes of true promise and potential over the course of his rookie season.

A wrist injury hampered his full development, but he was sharp in the G League after returning to action. In nine games with the Blue, Dieng averaged 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He took seven threes per contest and shot 34.9% from outside range. If the Thunder can unlock his full potential and the game starts to truly click, the rebuild could reach unexpected heights. He’s the type of swing player that could take the team to the next level.

In his second season of Summer League hoops, Dieng should be more comfortable and assertive on the court. He has a year of experience and knows what he’s capable of, which makes for an exciting few weeks.

Jalen Williams' Second Season Leap

Williams was the biggest rookie surprise in the NBA over the course of last season, and looking back on it, his performance in the Summer League was a strong indication. He developed strong chemistry with Josh Giddey and displayed his slashing, two-way ability before turning it up a notch against NBA competition.

After being inserted into the starting lineup during the regular season, Williams never looked back. He averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game en route to a Rookie of the Year Runner-Up campaign, finishing second behind Paolo Banchero. Williams wanted to participate in the Thunder’s Summer League run after his impressive first season, and at this point, he doesn’t have much to prove. He just wants to hoop.

He could very well be one of the most talented players on the floor in every game Oklahoma City allows him to play in. It’s unclear if he’ll suit up in both leagues, but the fact that he even wants to play speaks volumes to who he is as a competitor and the type of team player he is. Last season proved Williams has star potential, and a strong Summer League campaign would only add to the hype.

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Add us as a preferred source on Google