OKC Thunder trade: 5 targets who solve OKC’s shooting woes
Kyle Korver
Career 3-point percentage – 43.1
Total 3-point shots in 2017-18 – 376
3-point shots made per game – 2.2
3-point shots attempted per game- 5.2
3-point percentage in 2017-18 – 43.6
Since the departure of the The King LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyle Korver has been sparsely used in Cleveland‘s first three games. Through three encounters, the veteran sharpshooter is averaging just 9.5 minutes (down from 21.6 in 2017-18) and received his first DNP of the season in their recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks. It appears the 37 year-old is on the move very soon.
Entering his 16th year in the league, Korver continues to get it done. Averaging 9.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting, 43.6 percent from deep and 88.9 percent from the line last year, Korver saved the Cavaliers from embarrassment on multiple occas200ions. The 37 year-old is a consistent microwave scorer and once in rhythm is almost impossible to stop.
One of his best performances last season came in Cleveland’s 117-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Korver posted 25 points (9-14 from the field, 5-11 from three, 2-3 Free Throws) and 5 rebounds in 24 minutes including 19 points in the final quarter.
In the OKC Thunder 30 for 30 series, I covered Korver as a potential target but felt Cleveland’s desire for a future first round pick was beyond OKC. However, things have changed since then.
Rookie guard Hamidou Diallo has become the apple of the Thunder fan bases eye with supporters anointing him as the second coming (hyperbole at its finest). This has caused a shift away from OKC’s 2017 first round pick Terrance Ferguson. Should the coaching staff see it the same way, TFerg could be on his way out of the rotation.
Could he be enough to pry Korver away from Cleveland? Would the Thunder be willing to deal a young prospect in favor of a 37 year-old shooting guard? If the Thunder are truly set on winning and Diallo is the player many predict him to be, Oklahoma City are in prime position to make something happen.
The veteran is one of the greatest 3-point shooters to ever grace the hardwood and would be a tremendous addition to any club struggling to shoot the long ball.