Nearing the end of a historically amazing Oklahoma City Thunder team, it’s time to look at how good each of OKC’s rotational players has been.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander: A+
The MVP favorite has had a nearly perfect season. After back-to-back First-Team All-NBAs, it’s hard to believe he still had room to grow. SGA has recorded 70 straight games of 20+ points this season, the third-longest streak in NBA history. SGA also leads the league in 30+ point games (48), 40+ point games (12), and 50+ point games (4) this season.
It’s safe to say SGA has put up one of the most productive scoring seasons ever. Along with his scoring, he has also been a great defender. SGA is second in total steals (131) and tied for first in total blocks from guards (76). SGA has done no wrong this season and has put OKC in the driver’s seat of a historical Western Conference.
Jalen Williams: A
In Chet Holmgren’s absence, Jalen Williams has answered the call.
After becoming a first-time All-Star this year, he is on his way to an All-Defensive spot. J-Dub has caused chaos this year, being a force in transition and a surgeon in his mid-range pull-ups. Hartenstein’s chemistry with the team is a big thanks to Williams. He has created a phenomenal pick-and-roll game with Hartenstein that has enhanced the offense.
In Chet’s absence, J-Dub’s defensive responsibilities grew exponentially. J-Dub had significant paint responsibility along with his usual perimeter duties. He excelled at this, being a 100th-percentile versatility rating (98.7), meaning no defender is more versatile than him.
Lastly, Williams’ paint presence has been exceptional this season. Players shot 10.6% worse at the rim when he was defending the paint.
Luguentz Dort: A
The lockdown defense has always been Dort’s game, but he has become an elite three-point shooter this season. Shooting 41.7% from deep on 5.8 attempts, Dort has made defenses regret leaving him open. Dort has been a vital part of this historic OKC defense, so much so that he is making a late-season push for Defensive Player of the Year (third in odds).
Dort will be one of OKC’s most essential players in the playoffs. He is responsible for guarding each team’s best perimeter players, including Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, James Harden, and Jamal Murray.
Isaiah Hartenstein: A
One of the most significant free agent acquisitions of last offseason, Hartenstein, has exceeded expectations.
He has given the team one of their most needed attributes: rebounding, averaging 10.6 boards per game. Along with his terrific rebounding, he has been a great paint defender, having a 103.7 defensive rating and 1.1 blocks per game.
Hartenstein’s paint touch is unmatched. He shoots 72.2% at the rim and 50.9% in the non-rim paint. This has been key for OKC, allowing them to run an unguardable short pick-and-roll with him. Hartenstein has gotten great chemistry with Chet, with big-to-big lobs and pick-and-rolls with each other.
Chet Holmgren: B+
Continuing to be one of the best defenders in the league, Chet has lived up to the expectations despite his season-altering hip injury, which has put his offensive growth on pause. Although he has spent most of this season on the sidelines or trying to get himself back into game shape, he has been a phenomenal player.
Despite his injury, Chet is averaging 14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting 38.6% from three. When J-Dub is out, Chet steps up big time, averaging 18.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest, shooting 55% from the field and 50% from three. Chet will have a more significant workload come playoff time, and seeing what he has done with J-Dub out, he’ll be precisely what OKC was missing last year.
Cason Wallace: A-
In just his second year, Wallace has solidified himself as a key role player for a contender. Wallace did get off to a slow start, shooting 41.8% from the field and 29.2% from three. Since then (37 games), Wallace has been incredible, shooting 50.3% from the field and 39.5% from three while maintaining his lockdown defense.
Wallace has accepted his role no matter how big or small, whether starting and playing 25+ minutes or closer to 15 minutes off the bench. His defense has continued to be the story of his playstyle, with him third in steals per game among qualified players (1.8) and assigned one of the primary ballhandlers.
Alex Caruso: B+
After a scary shooting start, Caruso has been everything he was advertised to be when they traded Josh Giddey for him. Caruso has had lousy luck with injuries this year, playing 52 games and just 995 minutes. Caruso would add another All-Defense team to his resume if not for these injuries.
Caruso’s offense will be a concern in the playoffs if he plays like he did in the first 20 games this season, where he shot 37.5% from the field and 26.2% from three. This is unlikely, as he is a career 37.5% shooter from deep and has shot 41.3% from deep in his past 25 games. Caruso’s bench success will be a determining factor for how far OKC goes in the playoffs.
Aaron Wiggins: A
Wiggins is the other shot creator OKC needed. Outside of SGA and J-Dub, OKC desperately needed someone to create their own shot off the dribble, and Wiggins does precisely that. Wiggins has been exceptionally efficient this season, shooting 43% on non-corner threes, 45% on long mid-ranges, and 70% at the rim.
Wiggins will likely be the fifth starter when Hartenstein is on the bench and Chet is at center. A lineup with this level of shot creation will make OKC nearly unguardable.
Isaiah Joe: A
After another elite shooting season, Joe has proven to be one of the best sharpshooters in the league. The 25-year-old shoots 41% (6.2 attempts) from three, including 56% on corner threes. Along with this elite shooting, Joe has a great touch around the rim, shooting 77%.
Joe’s shooting will be imperative for OKC. He is considered the team’s consistent shooter, helping create a great offense that exhausts the defense.
Kenrich Williams: B+
Kenny Hustle has been OKC’s glue guy. Kenrich has been a solid stretch big who can occasionally create his own shot. Like many OKC players, Kenrich has been efficient on offense, shooting 39% from three and 54% on long mid-ranges. Although he likely has a minimal role in the playoffs, he always stepped up for injured players and kept the OKC bench afloat.
Jaylin Williams: B-
After a disappointing sophomore season, J-Will has surprised everyone this year. He has become an improved defender, allowing OKC to feel confident with him at center and being the primary paint defender. J-Will still has plenty of places to improve, such as being more efficient on offense and becoming an even better defender. Because of these setbacks, he will also have a limited playoff role.
Ajay Mitchell: A
OKC’s second-round rookie has been a pleasant surprise this year. Before his rookie season got ruined by a toe injury, Mitchell had 50.6/43.2/84.8 shooting splits. He plays like a veteran and has excellent court vision. Mitchell battled his way into rotation minutes and has added himself to OKC’s arsenal of young talent.
Dillon Jones: C-
Jones is the only disappointment on the roster. He has had difficulty finding his game, with shooting splits of 35.9/22.4/57.7. Jones always seems uncomfortable with the ball, still adjusting to NBA basketball. There is still plenty of time for him to figure it out, but Jones is now the afterthought of this OKC roster.
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