The offseason requires forecasting.
This week, Frank Urbina of HoopsHype printed an article rating the Top 25 level guards headed into the 2022-23 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder fetched two representatives: Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Josh Giddey
Bio:
After being chosen at Pick No. 6 by the Thunder in the 2021 NBA Draft, Josh Giddey has been cementing himself as a worthy choice in Bricktown.
Across 54 video games final season, the Melbourne-native posted averages of 12.5 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists en path to 4 Western Conference Rookie of the Month picks and an All-Rookie Second Team nod. In the guard’s rookie marketing campaign, he recorded three-consecutive triple-doubles in February, becoming a member of Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as rookies to perform such a feat.
Ranking:
Giddey climbs into HoopHype’s checklist, nabbing the twenty fourth spot in the purpose guard rankings.
The 6-foot-8 guard is wedged between Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry and Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell. The article suggests Giddey will obtain further run, in the end yielding stronger outcomes in his sophomore season.
Giddey’s greatest space of enchancment headed into subsequent season lies from distance. As a rookie, he shot 26.3% from distance. With the addition of capturing guru Chip Engelland to the teaching employees, the 19-year-old shall be practising loads of photographs from vary.
Scroll to Continue
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Bio:
Since being dealt to the Thunder in the 2019 offseason, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken vital strides on the helm of Oklahoma City’s backcourt.
Across 56 video games final season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a career-best 24.5 factors, 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists. While the 24-year-old suffered a season-ending harm in March, he returned to the hardwood in July for Team Canada. In two video games, he averaged 28.0 factors on a 62.8-percent clip.
Ranking:
Gilgeous-Alexander finds himself in the Top 10 of HoopHype’s level guard rankings, slotting in 9th.
SGA is positioned between All-Star-caliber gamers in Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving. The article notes his “herky-jerky, sudden movements” and multi-positional play as indicators of success for the upcoming season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have run their offense by way of Gilgeous-Alexander the previous two seasons, ensuing in him main the league in drives per recreation each seasons. With the addition of Chet Holmgren on the heart place, his various pick-and-roll play needs to be amplified.
Want to affix the dialogue? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to remain updated on all the most recent Thunder news. You may also meet the workforce behind the protection.
story by The Texas Tribune Source link