Grading OKC Thunder players at the halfway mark

Prior to getting injured Hamidou Diallo was among the players being discussed as a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The point tally likely would’ve kept him out of the conversation but the longest-serving OKC Thunder has put his mark on the team.

Diallo’s defense is on point and his offense has taken a leap this season as well. Staying healthy and finding consistency from the perimeter need to be priorities in the second half.

In 32 appearances Hami is averaging 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals. A groin injury kept him out of the final four games but hopefully, the hiatus allowed him the rest required to come back strong in the second half.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of this season is the play of Kenrich Williams. ‘Kenny Hustle’ came out of nowhere to quickly earn his minutes and provide the best example of who this young Thunder squad is. Of all the reserves (other than Hami) Kenrich is a player who has earned his place moving into the future.

Having played in all 36 games of the first-half the 26-year old is averaging 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 steals. In addition, he’s shooting a blistering 42.0 percent from deep although he seldom looks for his own shot. When he does call his own number good things happen.

Case in point, on six occasions Williams took eight or more shots and in five instances reached double-figures with the highlight being is 24 points versus the Lakers.

Trustworthy and reliable should be marked on the back of Mike Muscala’s OKC Thunder jersey. As the one vet who hasn’t been injured or needed to be rested, Moose delivers whatever he’s asked to do and whenever his number is called.

Muscala is quietly posting a career-best 9.7 points often bolstered by his 5.4 perimeter attempts per game while shooting with a 36.8 percent efficiency. In addition, he’s adding 3.8 rebounds per game.

While the spotlight has been on moving George Hill and Al Horford, OKC Thunder fans should keep an eye on what happens with Muscala.

The 29-year old is in his final contract year and would be an economical add for many contending teams seeking to add a big with sharpshooting skills and versatility at the deadline.

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Although there have been highlights from Justin Jackson the consistency hasn’t been there.

If he can showcase that consistency in the second half he’ll garner more playing time and the potential of staying in OKC into the future.

Jackson is averaging 6.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists but like many on the club shooting well below the league average from the perimeter (29.1 percent).

Jackson’s highlight from the first half occurred during a four-game run (February 8th to 14th) when the 25-year old reached double-figures in three of those matches capped by his 22 points, three rebounds, five assists, and 4 for 4 from deep in the win versus the Bucks.

Unfortunately, he’s failed to reach double-digits since that run.

The one player that was added who hasn’t appeared in at least 10 games is Ty Jerome based on how impressive he’s been in his four appearances.

His absence was tied to an early-season injury that kept him off the court early. After a nine-game stint with the G-League OKC Blue, Jerome returned to appear in four games with the OKC Thunder averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Early signs of what he can add are optimistic. Looking forward to seeing more from Jerome in the second half.