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OKC Thunder 30 for 30: Examining viability of guard DeAndre’ Bembry

By Lawrence George

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during media day at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on September 25, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder target DeAndre' Bembry
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 8: DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on April 8, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Ball Handling

After showing an excellent ability to handle the ball and create plays for team mates in college (5.5 assists per 36 minutes), Bembry averaged 3.7 turnovers per 36 minutes. Atlanta attempted to use him as the secondary ball handler but he struggled to hold on the ball, particularly in traffic.

Luckily, Oklahoma City have Dennis Schroder running the second unit and require Bembry to be effective on cuts or in catch and shoot situations. He stands to make huge strides handling the ball given his effectiveness in college.

Free Throw Shooting

Presti loves defensive-minded wings who struggle to shoot, so trading for him wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. In his rookie season, Bembry shot a horrid 38 percent from the line and improved to 58 percent this past season. Thunder fans have become accustomed to missing freebies with Roberson, Adams and Westbrook (last season only) regularly missing at the line.

One shining light is Bembry’s marked improvement from range indicating he can shoot the rock. Free Throws are more mental than anything else and he must continue to improve to avoid the hack-a-Shaq treatment Dre receives on the regular.

Injury Concerns

Bembry has an impressive injury history despite only being in the league for two seasons. Below is a list of injuries he incurred just last season:

  • April 12, 2018 – Fractured right wrist (four to six weeks)
  • January 19, 2018 – Grade One Abductor Strain (six weeks)
  • December 29, 2017 – Left Groin Strain (four to six weeks)
  • October 18, 2017 – Fractured right wrist (four to six weeks)
  • September 13, 2017 – Strained right triceps (four to six weeks)

Bembry recently conducted an interview at Las Vegas Summer League regarding his health (at 0.50 seconds).

He appears to be a walking band aid, halting his progress in his rookie season. Bembry earned the  trust of then-coach Mike Budenholzer prior to his ailments thanks to his elite defense. However after a number of injuries, he dropped out of the rotation and subsequently struggled for playing time.

This is a big season for Bembry as time is ticking. He must stay healthy this season or he could find himself on the outside looking in.

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