Mark Daigneault hints young Thunder guard could see uptick in workload

Without question, the OKC Thunder sport one of the deepest rotations the league currently has to offer.

Though many may associate the franchise with their star headliners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, this team is far more than just three players.

In fact, considering they regularly saw nine players record roughly 15 or more minutes per game last season, heading into the 2024-25 campaign there's a highly plausible chance that they could roll out double-digit participants on a nightly basis.

Training camp is where coach Mark Daigneault will look to experiment with different lineups and personnel as he schemes up in-game strategies, and, based on some of his recent comments, it appears he's looking to get one of the team's young and promising talents more involved.

OKC Thunder coach wants Aaron Wiggins to shoot more from deep

During a recent, post-practice media session, the Thunder headman revealed that he hopes to see budding star Jalen Williams become more of a threat from distance during his upcoming junior season in the association, stressing that "it improves our team distribution from the 3-point line."

In a follow-up question, beat reporter Joel Lorenzi inquired about who, outside of Williams, he might want to see more long-range volume from during the coming season, and, without any hesitation, he revealed that Aaron Wiggins is someone he's looking to see an uptick with.

Citing his gradually improving efficiency as a 3-point shooter since entering the league back in 2021, Daigneault believes that the 25-year-old may be ready to see a heavier workload on offense from beyond the arc.

"A guy like Wiggins thats shot 40 percent-plus for two-straight seasons, he was close to 50 last year if he wasn't 50, he can handle more volume and remain efficient," Daigneault said.

As noted, over the last two seasons the Thunder wing has found himself converting on 3-point shots at an absurd 44.4 percent clip, with last season registering in at a whopping 49.2.

Of course, this has come while hoisting up a mere 1.7 attempts per game throughout this stretch, though, from what he's shown, Daigneault seems encouraged enough in this level of efficiency to allow for more opportunities to come his way.

To some, Wiggins has proven himself to be in the conversation as the "most underrated player" in the entire league. A large reason for this is his scoring abilities, specifically his efficiency both at the rim and out beyond the perimeter.

Now heading into year four, perhaps this underrated distinction can finally be shed from his player profile and, in turn, be universally seen for what he is -- a flat-out baller.