Despite inconsistent playing time to start the season, Alex Abrines was a key bench player for the OKC Thunder by the playoffs.
2016 marked the year that would forever change the Oklahoma City Thunder – Alex Abrines signed a 3 year, $17 million deal.
So maybe I exaggerated just a tad. Abrines may end up being a career bench player, but for a team devoid of shooting, the Spaniard Sniper is an angel. His 38.1% from deep was a full 2% higher than any other Thunder player shooting 3 or more a game; still Abrines only averaged 15 minutes a game.
The 23-year old may be a great shooter, but his defense prohibits him from seeing more time on the court. If he can simply become an average defender the Thunder could have a JJ Reddick-type player on their hands. That’s a big “if” though.
Let’s take a bigger look at Abrines’ first season in the NBA and figure out if the Thunder have a legitimate shooting prospect on their hands.