Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder 2017 free agents point guard shortlist

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Jan 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball in front of Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball in front of Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2017;  Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles the ball up court against Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017;  Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles the ball up court against Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Sure I could toss around free agents like Jeff Teague, Darren Collison, Brandon Jennings, Ramon Sessions, Jose Calderon, Aaron Brooks, Beno Udrih, or Deron Williams. But none of these options feel like they check off enough of the boxes, nor fit the Thunder identity or character Presti generally covets.

Instead, let me offer up what I believe is a reasonable, economical alternative that more than fills the needs of the Thunder.

Having witnessed Fred VanVleet in action in copious D-League and Raptors varsity games I can attest to the fact he’s literally the junior clone of Kyle Lowry.

Like Norman Powell, he entered the NBA with a chip on his shoulder for being overlooked. He possesses a high I.Q. and is equally adept at driving the lane to either dump the ball off to a big, the corner perimeter shooter, or finish at the rim. His 3-point shot is on point with strong fundamental mechanics. He shot the three at a 37.9 percent clip.

Granted VanVleet didn’t play a ton of minutes but Dwane Casey who is hesitant to utilize rookies used him in a start and in the postseason. He’s a gritty, bulldog defender and possesses that drive you see in players – well of Westbrook and Lowry’s ilk.

Given the small sample size, a view at his G-League stats offers a bit more detail. In 16 games with the Raptors 905, he averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. In terms of his shooting efficiency he shot 40.6 percent from the field, 40.7 from three and 84.3 from the line.

Underdog worth the shot:

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VanVleet raised his production in  G-League playoffs leading the team to the championship via 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 11.5 assists. Additionally, his shooting splits for the field, perimeter, and free throw percent of 48.6, 50.0, and 88.9 respectively.

Suffice to say VanVeet is the type of player who doesn’t shy away from the spotlight.

On each occasion with the varsity squad, he was never forced into rushing his play and displays true leadership qualities.

Obviously, much will depend on Kyle Lowry’s free agent choice, but the Raptors possess arguably the deepest and most talented point guard pool (Lowry, Cory Joseph, Delon Wright, and VanVleet) in the Association. If Presti could find a way to pry him away from Masai Ujiri it would answer the Thunder’s need for a backup point guard.

Quite frankly, I’d rank VanVleet third on this list, and given his cost he might reasonably move to the top given his economic value.

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