MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 14: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ... [+] ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the NBA Play-In game at Target Center on April 14, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder 120-95 to advance to the NBA Playoffs as the #8 seed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesShai Gilgeous-Alexander is banking on the door of superstardom, and as soon as his Oklahoma City Thunder becomes a 50-win team - which very well could happen by next season - that door is likely to open.
It's difficult to know where to begin with the superlatives when it comes to the production of the 24-year-old. Not only were his raw numbers of 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists about as elite as it gets, but Gilgeous-Alexander was also outrageously efficient.
Despite being a somewhat reluctant three-point shooter, attempting just 2.5 of them per game, the All-NBA first-teamer realized he could simply get to the rim, or pretty much anywhere, whenever he wanted. He leveraged his ability to finish around the basket into getting to the line, taking a whopping 10.9 free throws per game, hitting a remarkable 90.5% of them.
To put his free throw efficiency into perspective, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a grand total of 70 free throws all season, a preposterously low number for someone upholding that type of volume.
The All-Star guard was also efficient in other areas, hitting almost 68% from near the rim, and over 45% from between 3-16 feet. He's developed into one of the most dangerous shot hunters on the planet, probing defenses relentlessly for gaps and seams to exploit, and rarely missing his pray.
As for the Thunder, they finished with 40 wins on the season, in large part due to the play of Gilgeous-Alexander, who outside of being the team's best offensive player by a mile also was one of their most reliable defenders. His 6'6 frame and his ability to change direction, allows him to stick with ballhandlers, quickly fight through screens, and switch onto bigger players when needed.
While the Thunder are seeing quite a few of their young guys develop, some faster than others, it's no surprise that the organization is taking steps in the right direction. But Gilgeous-Alexander remains the head of the snake, and a vicious one at that. He too has played a vital part in the development of Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, simply by being able to handle such a large amount of responsibility offensively. That has meant less pressure on those guys to produce right away, which has allowed them to develop at a pace they were comfortable with.
Next year, they'll be joined by Chet Holmgren and whoever the Thunder select in the draft in June, where a trade-up shouldn't be ruled out due to the treasure chest of draft picks they have at their disposal in the coming years.
Expectations will soon begin to roll in. Increasingly so, the better the young players and Gilgeous-Alexander deliver.
Is it fair to expect the Thunder to make the Western Conference playoffs next season? Given how close they came this year, and providing they come back with an improved roster, one could even make the argument that not making the playoffs next season could be viewed as a failure. Especially if Gilgeous-Alexander remains healthy throughout the year.
That's the price of playing basketball of this caliber. Being a 30-point two-way player, who could become an MVP candidate down the line, comes with expectations of more. It's unavoidable. As the Thunder seek to morph future assets into players on a similar timeline as Gilgeous-Alexander, it's only a question of time before they get mentioned in the same breath as Memphis and New Orleans, two of the most discussed young teams in the West in recent years.
Fortunately, Gilgeous-Alexander seems up to the task. He's spent the vast majority of his NBA career under the restraints of a rebuilding process, and as he enters his age 25 season, now is the time to turn all that long-term visions into reality.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Morten Stig Jensen, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2023/05/29/thanks-to-shai-gilgeous-alexander-okc-are-back-to-relevance/
By: Morten Stig Jensen, Contributor
Title: Thanks To Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Are Back To Relevance
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2023/05/29/thanks-to-shai-gilgeous-alexander-okc-are-back-to-relevance/
Published Date: 05-29-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a buyout?
A buyout in the NBA refers to a contractual agreement between a player and a team. This agreement allows the team to pay the remainder of the contract amount the player was entitled. Players can become free agents and sign for any team within the league once their buyout has been completed. This allows teams to reduce their salaries and change their roster composition throughout the season, if necessary.
What is the difference of a technical foul and a foul flagrantly in the NBA
A technical foul is an offense in the NBA for being unsportsmanlike. It can be argued with officials, excessive celebrations or other such behavior. A technical foul is a one-time free throw. The opposing team will also be allowed to keep the ball.
A flagrant foul refers to a player who makes abusive or violent contact against another player. It can result in two free shots for the opposing side and possession of a ball. Flagrant one is the most severe and Flagrant 2 is the least. Flagrant one, which is less severe than Flagrant 2, does not result in an expulsion from the game.
A personal foul refers to any contact that is illegal between two players. This usually refers to illegal hand-checking, pushing, pushing, or tripping an opponent. Personal fouls can lead to free throws or the possession of ball for the other team. Personal fouls don't necessarily indicate unsportsmanlike behaviour, but they are different from technical fouls or flagrant fouls.
In the NBA, all fouls can result in free throw attempts or possession of the ball for the opposing team. It is the intent behind the fouls and the severity of the contact that makes the difference between technical fouls and flagrant or personal fouls.
What length of time can a player remain on waivers?
If a NBA basketball player is let go during the season by their club, they are considered waived. Waived players may be claimed by another side within 48 hours. If more teams claim the player during that time, priority goes the team with poorest record.
What is the NBA's Bird Rights?
In the NBA, "Bird rights" refers to a rule which allows certain players to be re-signed by their current team for more money than any other team can offer. The rule was named after Larry Bird, a former Boston Celtics player who was the first one to take advantage of it. The rule allows a team to exceed their salary limit and re-sign a player, provided they have that player on their roster at least three years. Bird rights allow players to remain with the same team while receiving a higher salary than they would receive from another team.
What is the salary of a NBA ref?
Referees working in the National Basketball Association are paid competitive salaries for their officiating roles. The average NBA referee earns between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. The pay scale is dependent on experience. More experienced referees earn higher salaries. Refs who work in the playoffs or Finals earn even higher salaries than referees who take on additional roles, such as training new refs or working in the video review center. Many NBA refs are also paid royalty and endorsement fees for their work in broadcasts and other media outlets. If you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself, becoming a NBA referee can be a very lucrative job.
Apart from a salary, NBA referees receive retirement plans and health insurance. Referees are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make critical calls that can affect a game's outcome. Refs also often receive subsidized accommodations, meals, and travel to away games. Referees are always striving for perfection on the court, so this can give them additional security.
NBA referees receive a decent wage for their hardwork and dedication. This is especially true when they are responsible to enforce the rules in one of the most popular sports in world. The job can be demanding, but it is a rewarding experience that provides referees with an opportunity to make a difference in basketball.
Which NBA player has been voted the NBA's most prolific scorer?
Lebron James is the NBA's most prolific scorer. Lebron has scored 38,388 points in his career as of February 7th, 2023 to break Karim Abdul-Jabar's record. LeBron was in second position till Tuesday February 7th, 2023 Karl Malone is in third place with 36,928 points. Kobe Bryant, with 33 643 points, is in fourth. Michael Jordan is at fifth place with 32.292 points.
Statistics
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nba.com
sbnation.com
sports.yahoo.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
How To
How can you prepare yourself for an NBA experience?
You can prepare for an NBA game by making sure you have the right tickets. Tickets can be purchased through the team's website, or an online third-party seller. Make sure you know all the rules and regulations of the arena so that you aren’t surprised. Arrive early for warm-ups, pregame activities, and to avoid the rush. If you wish, purchase team merchandise such as a shirt and hat. Don't forget to pack your camera and binoculars to take pictures and get close views of the action on the court. Consider other entertainment options during halftimes, such a concert or special event if you don’t want to miss any of it. Enjoy the game.
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