OKC Thunder: Projecting the team’s top 6 scorers for 2020-21

Darius Bazley

Similar to Aleksej Poksevski, the OKC Thunder drafted a largely unknown player in Darius Bazley in the 2019 NBA draft.

Only 19-years-old when he has drafted, no one expected much from the 6-8 forward from Ohio.

That said, Bazley did manage to show some impressive flashes during his rookie season.

While his numbers are not very impressive on the surface, if you dive a little deeper you’ll see good things. Bazley played under 20 minutes a game and only shot the ball around five times, but OKC was still a very good team and it was hard for the youngster to really carve out a role.

During the playoffs, his numbers didn’t change much, however, he did manage to shoot the ball extremely well from 3-point range, converting at a 50 percent clip. During his time in the bubble, he averaged 10 points and six rebounds in 15 games.

Bazley showed that with a larger role he can produce at a higher level.

The wing, now 20, has many different expectations heading into his second season.

Similar to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Bazley will be going from a rookie off the bench on a playoff team to a likely starter on a team that has much lower expectations.

Naturally losing nine players means he will have a much larger role, leaving the question of what he can do with his opportunity.

This upcoming season for the Thunder will be all about player development, and Bazley is at the center of that.

General Manager Sam Presti and Head Coach Mark Daigneault praised the second-year player for his resiliency to quickly adapt during their media availability.

They added that he will have plenty of opportunities to show his stuff and develop his game.

Bazley also feels this is a great opportunity for him to grow. With the freedom he will have, Bazley will have no problems doubling his scoring, and maybe even averaging 13-15 points a night.