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OKC Thunder 2017-18 player preview: Alex Abrines

By Joshua Lea

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Alex Abrines
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Alex Abrines /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 31: Alex Abrines #8 of the OKC Thunder goes for a lay up during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 31, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 31: Alex Abrines #8 of the OKC Thunder goes for a lay up during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 31, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How will the Oklahoma City Thunder use Alex Abrines?

Possibly the most exciting aspect of the OKC Thunder’s second unit is going to be Alex Abrines. Abrines will have a chance to impact the game and be a problem for the defense. If his shot is falling, you simply can’t leave him open. The second unit will likely consist of Raymond Felton, Patrick Patterson/Jerami Grant, Abrines, Dakari Johnson, and one of the big three.

This could be the most experienced second unit the Thunder have had since Derek Fisher was the backup point guard. Abrines will benefit greatly from having the experience of Felton at the point guard position.

With Abrines working to improve his strength and conditioning in the offseason, we can expect more plays like in the video above. Last season, Abrines showed signs of being a legit threat from beyond the arc. Abrines shot 38.1 percent from three last season but only averaged 3.6 shot attempts per game. I would expect to see that number increase this season.

The key with Abrines is going to be the floor spacing around him. When the ball is swung from one side of the three to the other, Abrines should have more open looks with multiple shooters on the wing. I wouldn’t expect any outstanding improvement from Abrines. However, he’ll have a chance to make an impact on the second unit. This is something the Thunder will need during playoff time.

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