The OKC Thunder 30 for 30 series continues as we head to Brooklyn to examine veteran forward Jared Dudley.
With OKC Thunder great Nick Collison retiring at the completion of last season, Jared Dudley represents an opportunity to replace one of the most adored locker room voices in the NBA.
The 11 year veteran has established himself as a valuable locker room voice and popular mentor among young players at each club he has played for. He provides grit and grind, displaying a competitiveness some players dream of.
After recently being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Dudley has made an immediate impact on the club despite being there for a short period of time. His eagerness to teach and share wisdom with young players on the roster impacts play on-court.
Rookies and second-year players show exponential growth and understanding of the game on and off the court. Dudley’s attitude off-court is representative of his play on it as he remains a positive contributor.
Oklahoma City are desperate for a back-up power forward. While Jerami Grant is likely to slide up to the four when Patrick Patterson sits, he’s really a wiry, athletic small forward who played above himself last season,
While GM Sam Presti and coach Billy Donovan are heading toward playing fast, Dudley offers a different skill set that complements the talent currently on the roster.
Lets take a deeper look at what Dudley brings, his weaknesses and how Oklahoma City could acquire him.