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Reviewing Alex Abrines’ rookie season with the Thunder

By Tony Heim

Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; OKC Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) looks on against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; OKC Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) looks on against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Abrines’ contract situation/future outlooks

It seems like Alex Abrines is set up to be Oklahoma City’s resident shooter for the next couple of years. Abrines is locked up for two more seasons, making under $6 million each year. He’ll become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2019, but a $10.3 million cap hit may keep the Thunder away depending on his improvement over the next couple of seasons.

MUST READ: The origin story of Alex Abrines

One thing is clear: Billy Donovan will give the 23-year old every opportunity to succeed. Abrines is one of two pure shooters on Oklahoma City’s roster, a roster that ranked dead last in three-point percentage this past season.

The Thunder lack bench talent on the perimeter, and with the salary cap almost full it seems unlikely someone will be brought in via free agency. That leaves Abrines with an opportunity to carve out a nice little niche in Oklahoma City. He’s staying there in the offseason to work with the coaching staff so it seems like he’s on the right track.

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