The offseason is the time when NBA gamers have one of the best probability to alter frames and expertise. That is particularly the case for freshmen. After a chaotic first 12 months wherein they had been drafted and accustomed to the world of the NBA, the primary actual break got here after their exit interview.
Cason Wallace is a traditional instance. Study the Oklahoma Metropolis ThunderIt’s 2024-25 coaching camp rosterit was the 20-year-old who skilled essentially the most noticeable weight change. He added 12 kilos to his physique. He went from 193 to 205 kilos at this 12 months’s camp.
Throughout his Media Day 2024-25Wallace revealed he added weight to soak up extra bodily contact all through the season. Performing like a bulletproof vest, the brand new muscle will enable him to resist bodily drivers to the basket and tough display setters.
That is essential for perimeter defenders like Wallace, whose rookie season was highlighted by his face-off towards CJ McCollum in Sport 1 of the first-round collection of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He additionally highlighted joking his annoyance on the ease with which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might knock him out in follow final season.
“I simply know what it takes to play at this stage,” Wallace mentioned. “I really feel like within the final 12 months I’ve discovered so much about having the ability to maintain on if somebody hits me or if I am driving and I am thrown out of my lane. In order that’s one thing that I took it critically and labored on it this summer time.”
Given the Thunder’s depth, Wallace went unnoticed. He had an impressive freshman 12 months and was named to the All-Rookie Second Staff. He’s a top quality 3-D position participant who will begin in most conditions.
OKC enters the season as a title contender. The 20-year-old’s rapid affect is an underrated motive why. He will likely be counted on to be among the best gamers within the rotation and one of many first gamers off the bench.
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Cason Wallace explains the advantages of additional weight through the offseason
