Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off one other large yr in Oklahoma City and the Thunder appear to be surrounding him with expertise to compete quickly.
The 24-year-old guard poured in 24.5 factors, 5.9 assists and 5 rebounds final season, enjoying 56 video games for the Thunder. Thanks to a season-opening capturing hunch, Gilgeous-Alexander’s splits dropped to 45.3% from the ground and 30% from 3-point vary. This shouldn’t be a priority, although, as SGA has been a really environment friendly scorer, in addition to a 35% profession 3-point shooter.
For the Thunder to name it wraps on the rebuild for good, there’s going to should be appreciable enchancment on the court docket. Most of it begins and ends with Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s in a singular place. Most groups which can be rebuilding don’t have a participant close to SGA’s caliber, which means if he takes one other step in the direction of stardom he alone will win video games for the Thunder. He’s that good.
There are just a few areas that come to thoughts when serious about Gilgeous-Alexander taking that subsequent step. If he can construct on his defensive instincts, enhance his outdoors capturing and develop a floater within the lane.
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Gilgeous-Alexander has proven flashes of his defensive potential, and has the size and instincts to change into elite. When he’s locked in, he generally is a nice on-ball defender and appears to all the time provide you with just a few steals a sport. The Thunder’s potential to show into an elite defensive workforce hinges on Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey changing into higher defenders.
His lengthy vary capturing isn’t a priority, however there’s room for enchancment. Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed flashes of prolonged vary final season however can change into extra constant in that division. If groups should respect him from method outdoors, it is going to open up the ground for everybody.
Lastly, Gilgeous-Alexander is likely one of the finest finishers within the league already, and may very well be even higher with a dependable floater. He’s hit a pair powerful floaters over the previous few seasons, and all the time appears to have the proper contact. If he opts to take that shot extra usually, SGA may change into deadly contained in the 3-point line.
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