OKC Thunder 30 for 30 Part 8: Adding historical sniper Kyle Korver

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Potential OKC Thunder target Kyle Korver

BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Strength

Threezus Christ

As the name suggests, Korver has mastered the art of the 3-point shooting across the NBA. While Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are widely considered the best shooters of all time, the 15-year veteran somehow gets lost in the conversation. His career 43.1 percent from deep trails Curry’s 43.6 percent while Thompson’s career 42.2 percent trails both.

Korver can hit an assortment of shots beyond the arc if he’s provided a glimmer of daylight. His body control when moving full speed off screens and still hit shots is absurd. Korver is automatic in spot-up situations and has made a living making shots in defender’s faces. His shooting ability is on par with hall of famer’s Reggie Miller and Ray Allen.

Even after a long career in the league, the 37-year old is still catching fire and rescuing his teams from the eyes of defeat. For the Cavaliers last season, Korver came up big in clutch situations and rescued the Cavs from the jaws of defeat.

In Cleveland’s 104-101 win over the New York last season. Korver scored 19 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter (5-12 from the field, 5-12 3-pointers, 2-2 Free Throws) and led the Cavs back from a 15 point deficit in the final period.

Korver came up big for the Cavs in the NBA finals on multiple occasions. Aside from James, he was their most consistent scoring threat and was essentially Robin to LeBron’s batman.

Weakness

Defense

At his age, its understandable that Korver is a weak defender but its not for the lack of effort. He simply doesn’t have the athleticism to defend younger players at his position and struggles to contain players in open space. As the years pass, Korver loses a step every single year and with him reaching the twilight of his career, things will only get worse.

However, his competitiveness on the defensive end cannot be denied. In Cleveland’s 111-102 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston, Korver recorded 14 points (4-7 from the field, 2-5 3-PT, 4-4 free throws), four rebounds and three blocks in 25 minutes.

Korver impressively held his own against upcoming star Jaylen Brown. Not only is brown 16 years his junior, he is also 15 pounds heavier and much bigger than the veteran.

While he won’t give this kind of defensive performance every night. he can turn it up when it really matters and will give effort every night.

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