As of Feb. 15, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit at 44-10 with a net rating of +12.9, the second-highest net rating ever. During a historic season, it is time to grade each player’s performance leading up to the All-Star break.
Disclaimer: Only players who have played more than 400 minutes this season will be graded.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A+
Leading the MVP race and keeping the Thunder atop the Western Conference despite injuries is more than enough to earn Gilgeous-Alexander an A+. He has been unstoppable as a scorer and has continued to improve his ability to make reads. Defensively, he disrupts opposing offenses as a help defender.
Jalen Williams: B
Williams has been a nightmare for opposing teams on defense, providing versatility and shutting down players on drives all season. Offensively, his efficiency has wavered compared to last season, with his true shooting percentage down to 56%, but it has begun trending upward in February.
Luguentz Dort: B+
For the second straight season, Dort is shooting above 39% from 3-point range on five attempts per game. Dort has been an elite release valve in an offense that thrives on driving and kicking the ball out to the perimeter. Defensively, he has maintained his elite play, hounding guards and forcing illegal screens when screeners are not set.
Alex Caruso: C+
Caruso has struggled offensively in his early Thunder tenure, posting near career lows in 3-point and field-goal percentage. Despite this, he has been one of the best defensive guards in the league this season. He has been all over the court on defense, whether blocking shots from the weak side or intercepting passes.
Aaron Wiggins: B+
In an expanded offensive role this season, Wiggins is thriving. He remains efficient despite playing more minutes and handling the ball much more, which has led to scoring outbursts. Through eight games in February, he is averaging 20 points per game on 67% true shooting, including a 41-point eruption against the Kings on Feb. 1.
Isaiah Hartenstein: A-
Hartenstein is doing an incredible job connecting the offense through his screening, passing and dribble hand-off skills. He has been everything the Thunder needed and more, providing much-needed rebounding for a team heavily composed of guards.
Hartenstein’s ability to connect the offense is apparent on possessions like these, where he slips the screen perfectly and dishes an interior pass to Caruso.
Isaiah Joe: B
Joe began the season struggling for beyond the arc, shooting just 35% through Dec. 31. However, he has been on fire in the new year, knocking down 46% of his attempts from deep. His ability to score from anywhere inside the half-court provides valuable spacing.
Joe has been able to connect on various jumpers lately, whether on the catch or off the bounce, as shown in the video below.
Cason Wallace: B
Wallace has become a do-it-all guard for the Thunder, serving as a perimeter spacer, cutting to the basket, and even initiating actions at times. He has built on his defensive prowess and contributed to an already elite Thunder defense. However, he has struggled from outside, shooting just 33% from deep.
Ajay Mitchell: B+
The second-round pick from UC Santa Barbara has been the biggest surprise for the Thunder this season. Providing meaningful minutes for a contending Thunder team, Mitchell has shot the ball well and played within the flow of the offense. A high basketball IQ player, Mitchell has been missed over the past month while sidelined with a toe injury.
Jaylin Williams: C-
Williams has played the fewest minutes of the players being rated, but he has struggled in that time. His biggest strength on offense through his career has been his shooting ability, but he currently shoots 31% from distance this season. He still provides connective passing and is an elite charge-taker, and his 3-point percentage is likely to improve.
Leave a comment