Three OKC Thunder players reconized in Bleacher Reports top 30 under 23

The future looks really bright for the OKC Thunder as three of their young core have been recognized in Bleacher Report’s top 30 under 23

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has released his top 30 players under 23 years of age. He recognized three OKC Thunder players on this list. They were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Darius Bazley.

This is great news for the OKC Thunder as they enter their rebuild, maybe. These players made a name for themselves on a team full of veterans, carving out roles that they performed admirably. The Thunder would not have been a playoff team without them.

While there is speculation about the future of the team next season, with the growth of these three players, there is a chance that the franchise could decide to run it back. However, if it is a rebuild, having three players in this class at this age is a great start.

OKC Thunder phenom Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranked seventh.

As the centerpiece of the Paul George trade, Gilgeous-Alexander had a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He needed to make an impact on this team from day one. Well, make an impact he did. Gilgeous-Alexander was a key piece in a playoff team.

He was in the running for the most improved player, averaging 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game. However, it was not just the way that he played which was impressive, it was the way that he was willing to learn.

Gilgeous-Alexander had arguably the best mentor in the game, Chris Paul. Not only were they on the court together, but they were also often seen at non-basketball events together. Gilgeous-Alexander was like a sponge for Paul’s wisdom.

The six players above him were Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Of these players Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-round game has to place him above Young on this list.

OKC Thunder defender Luguentz Dort lands outside top-20

The story of Luguentz Dort’s meteoric rise continues even after the season is over. Dort went undrafted in 2019 and was signed to a two-way deal by the OKC Thunder. Dort then exploded in the opening G-League game for 35 points against the South Bay Lakers.

He continued to impress in the G-League until a spate of injuries for the varsity squad forced the coaching staff to call him up. It took less than two weeks for Dort to cement his place in the starting lineup.

Dort has huge question marks offensively, especially his 3-point shot. There is a tremendous upside to be explored in this area. However, it is his defense that separates Dort from his peers. Take a look at the job he did on James Harden in the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. It is no wonder he was 21st on this list

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OKC Thunder rookie Darius Bazely nets  30th spot on the list

When Darius Bazley walked into training camp he had an air of confidence about him. He had a sense of humor and even as a rookie was not afraid to share it. Then when he hit the court, it was obvious that Bazley was going to be a talent.

While he showed glimpses of his potential before the COVID-19 hiatus, he also showed that his confidence could be shaken. He stopped shooting the open 3-ball for a while but still had the confidence to drive.

What Bazley showed in the bubble with his 47.6 percent shooting from deep was that he has a huge upside. This is crucial for a project player like Bazley. His energy on the court is also going to see him win minutes as his career progresses.