With another season in the books for the OKC Thunder, the writing team at Intentions looks back on the past campaign. We’re diving into the highlights of the season and looking forward to the future.
Previously, our round table offered opinions on:
- The most impressive individual performance (click here)
- The Robin to Luguentz Dort’s Batman (click here)
- Best non-rookie addition to the club (click here)
- The player who carved out a role in the future core (click here)
- Former teammate who’ll feast this postseason (click here)
- The Thunder player most excited to see next season (click here)
Next up the writing team offers their perspective on the Most Improved player on this season’s roster.
OKC Thunder season end roundtable – Most Improved Thunder player
With the OKC Thunder shifting direction to rebuilding the core it meant several players saw an increase in playing time. More importantly, the youngsters were afforded an opportunity to expand their skill set and expand their roles.
Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was piecing together a campaign worthy of contending for the league’s Most Improved Player his injury removed him from contention.
Question 7: Who is your Most Improved Player on the Thunder this season?
Tamberlyn Richardson – @TTOTambz
Luguentz Dort is my Most Improved Thunder player this season. While he established his defensive chops as a rookie this season he’s demonstrated improvements in several key categories and has grown as a leader.
While his minutes per game jumped by almost seven minutes it doesn’t detract from his growth. Dort’s averages in 2019-20 were 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. This campaign he gained across the board with 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
With more emphasis on Dort being involved on offense, his field goals doubled from 6.1 attempts last season to 12.3 this year. While his overall field goal efficiency dropped very slightly (39.4 percent to 38.7 percent) his 3-point efficiency improved (29.7 percent to 34.3 percent) despite more than doubling his attempts (2.8 to 6.3).
Last season although Dort was part of the starting rotation he wasn’t the player opposing defenses game planned for. Each of Chris Paul, SGA, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams were ahead of him. In contrast this season he became a primary consideration for defenses especially once SGA and Al Horford were removed from the equation.
That makes his growth even more impressive.
Mark Nilon – @MarkNilon_NBA
A bit of a shocking answer to some, but I’m going to have to go with the newcomer to the Sooner State, Al Horford.
Last season for the veteran big man was an unbelievable letdown, and, in turn, his value and status across the league’s landscape plummeted drastically.
Coming to the Thunder, no one really knew what to expect from the man but, through 28 games played, he proved capable of being that steady presence on the floor both with his leadership and play.
In 27.9 minutes per game, the five-time All-Star posted averages of14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.
While his contract is still relatively egregious, Horford proved capable of producing at an efficient level, and could, in turn, be finding his trade stock on the rise this coming offseason.
Brandon Dale: @MrOKCtober
The most improved player for the Thunder this season was Theo Maledon. He was shy and hesitant at the beginning of the season. He had no natural chemistry with the team, but his confidence grew as the season progressed.
As Maledon drew more starts, he has shown the ability to run an offense, and his defensive ability is impeccable. Another significant part of his game that got better as the season went along was his 3-point shooting. Look for Maledon to have a breakout year next season.
Shontelle Matano: @ShontelleMatano
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Though he saw little, to no court time last season, I’m going with Isaiah Roby as my Most Improved Player.
The fact that this was like his unofficial rookie season, and to play with the confidence that he did is commendable.
Roby finished the season averaging 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. This doesn’t fully reflect the impact he had on the team but it was awesome to see him get his chance in the starting lineup and as a key figure on the team. Roby’s future is bright.
Matthew Hallett – @mervsports78
I am going to say that Aleksej Pokusevski is my most improved player. Watching him from the start of the season to now, he has gone from being a boy to a young man in this league.
Pokusevski has had to cope with a new country, a new league, a global pandemic, and really high expectations. He has done so well