OKC Thunder: 3 Players Who Need to Take a Leap this Season
By Parker Eaves
Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey has been the second-best OKC Thunder player over the past two seasons, only behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He was selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA draft and has led the team in rebounds and assists in both seasons. Last season was his best year statistically, averaging 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field, 33 percent from three, and 73 percent from the free throw line.
From year one to year two, Giddey improved his three-point percentage by six points, from 27 percent to 33 percent, while shooting the same number of threes. A huge reason was hiring renowned shooting coach Chip Engelland, who spent 18 years with the San Antonio Spurs.
Josh Giddey has only attempted two in three preseason games, making zero. I look forward to seeing if he can continue improving and be a consistent three-point shooter.
For the OKC Thunder to leap into the top six of the Western Conference, Giddey will need to become a more reliable three-point shooter.
His passing and ability to run the offense speaks for itself. Still, if he can take some pressure off of Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams by hitting 35 to 36 percent from three, that can open up the offense even more for the OKC Thunder’s playmakers.