OKC Thunder: 3 breakout candidates not named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
By Mark Nilon
Though the OKC Thunder may not be in the running for the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2020-21, they could still have a few breakout performers by season’s end.
The OKC Thunder come into the 2020-21 reason preparing for a total youth movement and a full rebuild.
After reaching their fifth consecutive postseason appearance, Sam Presti and co. have opted to put an end to their impressive streak and set the franchise’s sights on the future.
While many fans are anticipating another career year for their young centerpiece, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, there could wind up being numerous players currently on the roster who end up having breakout campaigns as well.
Today, we here at Thunderous Intentions list 3 potential breakout candidates on the Thunder NOT named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
Breakout candidate No. 1) Luguentz Dort
The breakout baller from the 2020 bubble, Luguentz Dort kicks off our list of potential breakout candidates for this upcoming season.
During his rookie season with the OKC Thunder, Dort managed to carve out a solid role within the team’s rotation. Averaging 22.8 minutes, the shooting guard posted 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from the floor and 30 percent shooting from deep.
Registering six games and six starts during OKC’s 7-game playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the 21-year-old posted solid averages of 12.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, one assist, and one block per game.
However, it was during the team’s pivotal final two outings where he truly shined his brightest.
For games 6 and 7, Dort posted averages of 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and a block on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 44 percent shooting from deep.
Now, while we don’t expect numbers such as this every night from him this year, somewhere around 14 points and four boards on 36 percent shooting from deep is where we anticipate he’ll be come season’s end.
We expect Dort to get a sizeable uptick in playing time this year and, if his past experiences of logging around 31 minutes a night is an indicator — averages 10.1 points and 2.9 rebounds on 35 percent shooting from deep — these numbers could be pretty easy to attain.