Which Thunder player benefits the most from Chip Engelland being hired?
By Rylan Stiles
Chip Engelland can overhaul the perception of Darius Bazley, and help him cash in on an extension
The Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to figure out who should stay and who should go in this whole roster crunch saga, while Sam Presti has to waive three standard NBA contracts this roster is not getting any clearer.
Darius Bazley is entering a contract year during the 2022-23 NBA Season, and the organization will have to take a hard look at the 2019 first-round pick who has spent three polarizing seasons in OKC to this point.
Over the last year, Bazley has turned into an elite defender that can switch 1-5 with his 6’8 208 pound frame, which according to his Instagram is now up to 220 pushing for 225. Though, the offense has been slow to come around.
Averaging just 10 points, five rebounds, and an assist per game over his career while shooting 42 percent from the floor, 29 percent from three, and 68 percent at the line. Bazley spent last year battling for a spot in the starting lineup after being benched mid-way through the season by second-year coach Mark Daigneault.
Bazley shot 33 percent from the corner, 29 percent from the non-corner area, and 30 percent from three-point land overall. His highest mark from distance is 34 percent during his rookie campaign. The former New Balance intern has never stroked the trey ball well.
This higher by Sam Presti is huge for Darius Bazley who needs a massive year to cash in on his next contract.