3 underrated players on the OKC Thunder
By Ivan White
The OKC Thunder exceeded expectations in the 2022-23 season and received national attention for the first time with this core. While it would be easy to say the entire Thunder team is underrated, some names stick out more than others.
The Oklahoma City Thunder roster is going to be chock-full of roster turnover throughout the course of the next few years. With a ton of cap space and draft assets, these three under-the-radar pieces should be here for the long haul.
Three underrated players on the OKC Thunder roster after the 2022-23 NBA season.
Aaron Wiggins
OKC drafted Wiggins in 2021 with the 55th overall pick and originally signed him to a two-way contract. Although it’s only been two seasons, Wiggins looks like he could be the best second-round selection of that year.
Wiggins’s best asset is his energy. His consistent hustle on the court, especially on the defensive end, reflects the OKC Thunder’s commitment to building a winning culture.
Because of that effort, Wiggins is great at making the most of his opportunities. He brings instant energy to any lineup he is put on the court with. It is part of why the Thunder won 11 of his 14 starts last season
Favorite small sample stat of the Thunder's season: Aaron Wiggins 1.261 PPP as a PnR roller (76th percentile, 17 att), that with his rim finishing (67%). I would be interested in seeing it more. Gets a clean look at the rim or a good switch for Handler
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) May 8, 2023
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Wiggins earned his spot on the OKC Thunder with defense and hustle, but he continues to fight for a more prominent spot because of his offensive game. Wiggins’s largest improvement from his rookie season to now came from outside.
Wiggins shot 39 percent on three pointers last season, good for third-best on the team after Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams. Along with his overall improvement from three, Wiggins hit some timely shots as his percentage rose to 45 percent in the fourth quarter last season.
Aaron Wiggins was one of the best players in transition which he was able to capitalize on thanks to the OKC Thunder’s third in the league in pace output. His cutting ability, three-level scoring, and connective passing makes Wiggins an intriguing option.
Another underrated part of Wiggins’s offensive game is his ability to be in the right spots. Whether cutting inside as his teammates drive or waiting in the dunker spot, Wiggins always seems to be in the perfect spot for his teammates to dump the ball off for an easy look.