The Oklahoma City Thunder look to continue their hot start on Monday when they host the new look Miami Heat at Chesepeake Energy Arena.
Besides the Russell Westbrook–Steven Adams show, the main reason we should all tune in on Monday night is because it’s the return of Dion Waiters. Waiters spent a season and a half in Oklahoma City and was scrutinized just about every time he stepped on the court.
For good reason, mind you. There were very few instances, if any at all, where Waiters was any good for the Thunder during the regular season. Whether he was bricking stepback jumper after stepback jumper, dribbling into the screen setter, blowing fastbreak lay-ups, or begging for the ball whenever he had a centimeter of room; there weren’t many positives during the Dion Waiters Era in Oklahoma City.
But then, the playoffs happened. And Waiters played well. He wasn’t great, but he was a solid supporting player. His defense in the San Antonio series was outstanding. On offense, he attacked the basket and knocked down his open shots. And we can’t forget about the peoples elbow on Manu Ginobli. It looked like Waiters finally found his role in a Thunder uniform.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see whether or not Dion could build on a solid playoff performance and take the next step in Oklahoma City. Sam Presti traded for Victor Oladipo, Kevin Durant left, and Waiters was essentially released to make room for the new contract of Russell Westbrook.
With Dwyane Wade departing to Chicago, Miami suddenly had a big need at shooting guard. Enter: Kobe Waiters.
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Waiters has been up and down in the early season for Miami. His shooting numbers aren’t good (11 points per game on 35%), but his assist (3.4) and rebound (4.2) numbers are the highest of his career. Waiters will likely be guarded by Oladipo and should be out to prove that the OKC organization made a mistake by letting him go.
Miami presents a tricky match-up for the Thunder, at least defensively. Hassan Whiteside is the best defensive center in the league. Against a team that loves to get into the paint and restricted area, expect Whiteside to greet them every single time. On the perimeter, they have long-armed athletes, not unlike OKC, and who do a good job of shutting down drives and getting into passing lanes. Miami’s 100.0 defensive rating is good enough for seventh in the league.
Offensively is a slightly different story. While the Thunder have a poor 97.1 offensive rating, they still have the most dynamic point guard in the league who can takeover games on the offensive end. Coming off a 112-point performance against an athletic and well-coached Minnesota Timberwolves, the confidence level of Westbrook and the offense should be high.
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The Miami offense, is, well, not good. Whiteside gets his points in the paint, but they don’t shoot the ball particularly well, which is a problem against an OKC team loaded with strong perimeter defenders. Expect Westbrook, Oladipo, and Roberson to shut down any potential driving lane, leaving Waiters and company to be forced into stepbacks and bad shots.
If you’re going to the game, or even if you’re watching at home, make sure to give Dion Waiters a hand for his time in OKC. 95% of his OKC days weren’t good, but no one can deny the entertainment level he brought to the team. And he’s said nothing but nice things about the organization and the fans. Shoot your shot on Monday, Dion. Shoot your shot.
Game tips off at 7PM central time.