Predicting OKC Thunder Players’ Seasons/Averages… Continued
A ton of players on this OKC squad will see opportunity to improve this season. It’s tough to see who’s going to be the best on this squad, but we can see who will improve. This article will provide more depth on who will improve and predictions on stats.
Predicting OKC Thunder Players’ Seasons/Averages – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Robinson-Earl was the most consistent player on the OKC Summer League squad. He averaged a very healthy 12 points, 7.4 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals and .8 blocks a game. He also shot efficiently, shooting 50% from the field, 33% from three-point land and 67% from the line (granted on very low volume). His defense was very annoying and excellent all throughout OKC’s run in the Summer League. Not only was his defense outstanding, he showed some skill shooting the ball. He made 1.2 out of 3.6 threes a game and he showed much promise on his drives and mid-range game. His game is so much fun to watch and he looks very NBA-ready compared to a lot of rookies. It’s going to be difficult to get a consistent role with the big boy club since there are so many mouths to feed, but he should be getting minutes and production as the season goes on. Stat Predictions: 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, .6 steals, 1.0 block a game. 54% FG, 34% 3-PT, 69% FT.
Predicting OKC Thunder Players’ Seasons/Averages – Darius Bazley
Bazley is an electrifying athlete who is not afraid to look for his own shots. His averages were pretty okay, putting up 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, .5 steals, .5 blocks a game in his second campaign. He still needs to improve his efficiency in a huge way as he only shot 39.6% from the field, 29% from three and 70% from the line. He also averaged 2.2 TO’s compared to only 1.8 assists a game. Despite the poor percentages and lack of peripheral stats, Bazley is going to get all the opportunity in the world to improve on last year. Locked in as the starting PF for the Thunder, Bazley could be in for a breakout year. Be prepared for some high-scoring games from Bazley. Stat Predictions: 19.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, .5 steals, .6 blocks a game. 41% FG, 31% 3-PT, 76% FT.
Predicting OKC Thunder Players’ Seasons/Averages – Luguentz Dort
Dort will have an insane opportunity in front of him just like Bazley. Dort was one of the more exciting players to watch last year in terms of development and growth. His defense is a major part of his game but his offense was also gaining traction before he got “injured” last year. He averaged career-highs across the board, putting up averages of 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, .4 blocks and 2.2 threes a game. His efficiency wasn’t the greatest, shooting just 39% from the field, 34% from three and 74% from the line. Nonetheless, Dort will have another major opportunity to produce this year as his development will be OKC’s priority. He’ll have to fight for touches in an all-of-a-sudden crowded rotation consisting of Shai Gilgeous, Bazley, Giddey, Mann and others. Still, Dort could be in for another awesome season as one of the leaders of this young and talented team. Due to having more playmakers on the team, he could be in for a more efficient season. Stat Predictions: 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, .6 blocks a game. 42% FG, 37% 3-PT, 79% FT.