Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

#4 – Current Thunder Player – Dion Waiters

Jake’s Historic Counterpart – Jerry Reynolds

Stats per 36 minutes:

Who? I actually struggled quite a bit finding a counterpart for Dion. The guy is oozing with talent, having been one of the nation’s most highly regard recruits during his prep days before he signed on with Syracuse. However, his two years with the Orange were largely underwhelming, to the point that Jim Boeheim was forced to relegate him to a 6th man role. Nonetheless, Waiters’ potential was still to scintillating to pass up and he ended up going top-five in the 2012 draft. Coming into his third season in the NBA, Waiters still hasn’t made good on his physical tools. The shot selection is terrible and the effort isn’t consistent.

So where does he stack up? I found my answer in former journeyman Jerry Reynolds. Reynolds occupied a sixth man role for the entirety of his 11 year NBA career, enjoyed 41%/22%/76% shooting splits and yet somehow enjoyed the nickname of “Ice”. In fact, Reynolds is even credited as coining the phrase “24/7” when describing how “automatic” his 22% jump shot was. A streak-shooting, oddly-confident player who has no track record upon which to base his unwavering confidence? Seems like a winner to me!

(Note: This seemed to come across as harsh. I’m actually a proud property owner on Dion Waiters Island and think that Billy Donovan will coax some helpful habits out of him.)

Next: #3 - The Defensive Master