OKC Thunder: 2 backcourt players to pair SGA with next season

Backcourt target for OKC Thunder No. 2) Lonzo Ball

As we saw during Gilgeous-Alexander’s first season in OKC Thunder threads back in 2019-20, the man works wonderfully when running alongside a pass-first point guard/ traditional floor general.

Though obviously SGA’s current campaign is the best of his career and, in turn, wound up being an All-Star snub, during his short stint whilst playing with the point god himself, Chris Paul, last season, he was similarly as effective as he is now while finding himself having an easier time getting cleaner looks at the basket due to CP3’s set-up skills.

Easing the intensity of Shai’s workload on the offensive side of the ball could prove to be incredibly beneficial for his long-term projections, and one way they can go about this is by once again bringing on a pass-first playmaker to help get him cleaner looks to help better preserve his energy and mitigate potential risks of injury.

A potential option Presti and co. should consider is fourth-year point guard and impending free agent, Lonzo Ball.

Currently in the midst of a career year himself, the 23-year-old is putting up impressive all-around averages of 14.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and over a half-block per game on 42 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

His two-way talents are tremendous, which would give OKC a sensational Robin to partner with Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman on both ends of the floor, while his high-IQ and passing skills would allow the star to take part in far more easy catch-and-shoot opportunities, where he finds himself converting on 43 percent on said attempts from downtown.

Having a set-up artist like Ball moving forward would help Oklahoma City’s players as a whole get cleaner looks at the basket while also giving the team yet another long and lanky talent that the front office seemingly covets.