Reviewing Alex Abrines’ rookie season with the Thunder
By Tony Heim
Final thoughts on Abrines’ first season
Alex Abrines will go as far as Alex Abrines wants to. His combination of shooting, athleticism and overall offensive grasp gives him true JJ Reddick potential. In fact they averaged similar numbers in their respective rookie campaigns.
JJ Reddick rookie season: 6 points, 38.8% from three, 41% from the field, 14.8 minutes
Alex Abrines rookie season: 6 points, 38.1% from three, 39.3% from the field,15.5 minutes
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Abrines isn’t as dynamic of a scorer as Reddick, but he also is taller, longer and more athletic. Reddick didn’t become a consistent starter until his ninth season in the league; it’s possible something similar happens with Abrines assuming he puts in all the work.
It’s also possible the Spaniard has a career like fellow countryman Rudy Fernandez. Fernandez played out his first contract with the Trail Blazers, regressing in each of his three seasons after an impressive rookie season. If Abrines puts in the right work like it seems he has, however, that shouldn’t happen.
Ultimately Abrines first season was a slight success. He got valuable playoff experience against the Rockets. He saw and experienced what it was like to play with Russell Westbrook. He finally got his Camaro.
He showed flashes as a valuable shooter coming off the bench, but whether or not he can consistently perform on both ends of the court is up in the air. We should have a better idea of that when he takes the court after his first NBA offseason.