OKC Thunder: One thing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can improve during suspension
Matthew Hallett:
One thing that I want Gilgeous-Alexander to work on during his time off is passing in traffic, unfortunately, with social distancing, he cannot do this.
Working on his mid-range shot is where he will develop into an even harder player to stop. He takes 21.8 percent of his shots from beyond 10 feet and before the 3-point line.
Tamberlyn Richardson:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The Canadian has taken steps up the ladder in many areas of his game this season. The projection was for SGA to become an All-Star level player eventually. His performance this season is ahead of schedule but on track for these projections.
The big question is how he’ll perform in the role of primary ballhandler and leader when Chris Paul is no longer with the OKC Thunder. Paul missed one game this season mourning the loss of his good friend Kobe Bryant.
In that match, SGA had a rough shooting night (5 of 20) although he managed to score 16 points, grab 11 rebounds and dished four assists with a block. The team lost by 10 points to the Mavericks. He turned the ball over three times well above his 1.9 per game average.
The key for Gilgeous-Alexander will be gaining consistency from deep but many players are in condos. Without access to hoops, he’ll have no opportunity to shoot so the next best bet would be to work on his ballhandling.
Saturday the Thunderous Intentions writing team looks at another youngster – Luguentz Dort answering the same question of what he can improve upon while the NBA is inactive.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy day.