The Oklahoma City Thunder are a contending team in the NBA. Indeed, the rebuild is complete and they are here to compete at the highest level. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are coming off a 57-win season.
After reaching the second round of the playoffs last season, the Thunder have real expectations for themselves. The quality of play from their role players will be crucial if Oklahoma City is to make a better playoff run than last season.
Two rotation players will have an underrated impact on the Thunder next season and help open up more scope for the team. One of those players is Cason Wallace.
Off the bench, it’s easy for the Kentucky product to get lost in the mix. In his rookie season, however, he averaged 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 82 appearances. He showed composure in the biggest moments of the season, while shooting 42 percent from three-point range.
The combination of floor space and solid defense, combined with potential growth with the ball in his hands more often off the bench, Wallace’s improvement as a 20-year-old guard could significantly increase the team’s ceiling.
A crowded guard rotation will hamper Wallace’s showing, but the young guard will be impossible to keep off the court for the Thunder.
The next player to watch in an underrated role is Jaylin Williams. He proved to be a solid energizer at the big man position behind Holmgren last season, also contributing solid minutes in the playoffs.
Williams’ efficiency from deep dropped from year one to year two, but he still converted 37 percent of his three-point shots while using his ability to draw offensive fouls to deter opposing offenses from driving.
Like Wallace, the Arkansas product will be an energizer off the bench in the minutes that follow, and he’s an overall great locker room player and will have a big impact in Oklahoma City.
Want to join the discussion? Like Thunder on SI on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the cover.
