OKC Thunder failed to replace Alex Abrines and its hurt them big time

When the OKC Thunder and Alex Abrines agreed to a release, the squad lost a legitimate shooter. Failing to replace him has hurt OKC post-All-Star break.

The OKC Thunder’s struggles following the All-Star break have been well documented, struggling to a 6-10 record and falling down to the fifth spot in a congested Western Conference. One player Oklahoma City failed to replace was Spaniard Alex Abrines.

While his 5.3 points on 35.7 percent shooting and 32.3 percent from three are terrible splits by NBA standards, the 25-year-old posed a perimeter threat whenever he set foot on the floor. OKC was able to spread the court and provide Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Dennis Schroder space to operate off the dribble. Recency bias aside, Abrines was a 38 percent 3-point shooter prior to the 2018-19 season before off-court issues took hold and his play nose-dived.

Despite his overall struggles shooting the rock, Abrines had the best game of his career against the Charlotte Hornets. The Spaniard posted 25 points including five triples to drage OKC back from a double-digit deficit to propel them to the win.

The 25-year-old’s ability to erupt from range made Oklahoma City a threat nightly as teams needed to pay attention to his whereabouts. When he agreed to a buyout following the February deadline, the Thunder lost a legitimate 3-point marksman and failed to replace him in the free agency market.