From the start of the season until January, The Oklahoma City Thunder had an offensive rating of 104.2 in the minutes where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat, which would have ranked as the worst offense in the league.
As of April 3, that number has risen to 112.
A large contributor to this leap is the expanded role of Aaron Wiggins. Since the All-Star Break, Wiggins has been posting career highs, with a 22.6% usage rate and 14.4 points per game. The 6-foot-6 guard has achieved this while maintaining a true shooting percentage of 58.6%, one of the best marks on the team.
Wiggins has showcased his improved shot-creation abilities when given the opportunity. On one possession, he attacks Ivica Zubac in drop coverage and finishes a tough layup with his off hand.
Wiggins’ shot-making ability continues to improve as he gets more opportunities on the ball.
He has increasingly made off-the-dribble jumpers throughout the season, including pull-up threes. In this clip, after receiving a great pass from Isaiah Hartenstein, he knocks down a contested fadeaway over Ben Simmons.
Chemistry with Isaiah Hartenstein
The two-man game between Hartenstein and Wiggins created that opportunity, and their connection in both pick-and-roll and dribble handoff situations has improved significantly. When they share the floor, Wiggins posts a true shooting percentage of 65.2%, as compared to 57.4% without Hartenstein on the floor.
Hartenstein’s screening and passing ability have helped put Wiggins in advantageous scoring positions. On this possession, Hartenstein’s ability to screen opens up space for Wiggins to attack Zach Edey. With the space created, he is able to showcase his shot-making ability and knock down the mid-range jumper.
One of the Thunder’s main concerns heading into the postseason is how they will generate offense outside of Gilgeous-Alexander. However, as the season has progressed, they may have found their answer.
Aaron Wiggins has missed the last five games with left Achilles tendinitis but has not been ruled out for Friday, April 4, against the Rockets.
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