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OKC Thunder: 3 season goals for Trevor Ariza in 2020-21

By Matthew Hallett

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Trevor Ariza #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Miami Heat in the first quarter during their game at Moda Center on February 09, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Trevor Ariza #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Miami Heat in the first quarter during their game at Moda Center on February 09, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
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Season goal for Trevor Ariza No. 2) Shoot over 40 percent from deep

As mentioned earlier, Ariza is a talented 3-and-D player. He has shot 40 percent or over from deep twice in his career. The first time was with the Washington Wizards back in 2013-14 when he shot 40.7 percent on 5.7 shot attempts per game.

Then there was the second half of last season with the Portland Trail Blazers where he shot the 3-ball at 40.0 percent on 4.0 attempts from deep. This allowed him to average 11.0 points per game which is above his career number. All of this at the age of 34.

If he can space the floor for the Thunder then he is going to help take the pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC has the opportunity to have Al Horford, Ariza, and George Hill on the court at any given time which will not allow teams to double team Gilgeous-Alexander.

The other area where Ariza can help the Thunder with his excellent shooting is he can play good minutes with the second unit. It will allow backup point guard Theo Maledon more to work with as he seeks to  find the best option on the court.

If he can still shoot at this level, the second unit will not face as much scoreboard pressure, allowing them to focus on the moment more. This means their development will be greater in a shorter space of time.

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