OKC Thunder: 3 goals for Theo Maledon this offseason
By Brandon Dale
OKC Thunder Goal No 2: Maledon needs to work on finishing at the rim
A major weakness in Maledon’s game is his inability to finish at the rim. For whatever reason, the Thunder guard struggles immensely at the rim. Often he will go up for a two-handed slam that ends up coming back out due to his inability to get over the rim fully.
Let us take a look at a few instances where Theo decided to finish at the rim with two hands instead of one.
First, he misses the lay-in, (click here for video replay), then he misses the dunk (click here for video replay).
According to NBA.com, Maledon shoots 40 percent from less than five feet from the rim. In comparison, shooting 41.7 percent for layups and 50 percent on dunks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s numbers are significantly better. Per NBA.com, SGA shot 100 percent on dunks this season and finished close to 60 percent on layups. However, SGA’s percentage five feet or less from the rim is at 61 percent.
This is a great comparison if Maledon wants to improve in areas that won’t take much work in the off-season. The solution is simple, Maledon must work on finishing layups.