The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t the top team in the Western Conference just because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having another MVP-level season. The coaching of Mark Daigneault isn’t necessarily their secret sauce either, though if certainly helps. Ultimately, what’s set Oklahoma City apart from most franchises is that they’ve drafted extremely well in general.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Compares Cason Wallace To Jrue Holiday
Gilgeous-Alexander is the head of the snake, without a doubt. However, a snake’s body has up to 1,800 bones and that’s what the Thunder’s other guys represent.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren —drafted 12th and second overall in 2022 —are star-caliber players who are high on OKC’s totem pole. Aaron Wiggins, who they drafted 55th overall in 2021, has had multiple head-turning performances. Jaylin Williams, the 34th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has started to come on strong. 2024 No. 38 pick Ajay Mitchell stood out.
Yet, it’s Cason Wallace who has the best record for a starter (39-12) in NBA history. Drafted 10th overall pick in 2023, Wallace’s game is understated, so he flies under the radar. However, he’s still one of the most effective two-way players in the NBA.
“He has tools to be a Jrue Holiday,” Gilgeous-Alexander says of Wallace (h/t Joel Lorenzi of Oklahoman Sports), “that type of All-Star.”
Two Peas In A Pod?
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday is highly valued by his teammates and coaches because of his incredible basketball IQ, pressure at the point of attack, and scoring efficiency. When he was with the New Orleans Pelicans, Holiday took on more of a scoring role. However, the six-time All-Defensive selection’s specialty is at the other end.
That aligns well with Wallace’s scouting report.
With the Thunder, the Dallas native hasn’t had many high-volume scoring performances. Yet, he’s still shooting 47.4 percent from the floor for his career. While largely used in a spot-up role, he’s crafty enough to get to the rim as well, on or off-ball. What’s most important about Wallace being on the court though?
His defense.
A Cornerstone Player
OKC does have multiple veterans who are excel or are elite defensively.
Lu Dort. Alex Caruso. Even Isaiah Hartenstein has built a solid reputation.
Wallace might be the best one day. His technique can be taught. His activity level and innate instincts can’t. A disruptive perimeter defender with great hands, he’s averaging 1.7 steals per game in his young career.
In a league that’s dominated by guards who can light up the scoreboard, that’s huge for the Thunder. For a young team that can use Wallace’s event creation to get out in transition, it’s even better. Honestly, he’s already looking like a cornerstone player, particularly with his age (21).
If so, it isn’t hard to see him winning at least one ring. That’s another similarity he could share with Holiday. That being said, on a team ranking in the top-five in offensive (119.7) and defensive rating (107.2) this season, Oklahoma City has a real chance to make a run to the NBA Finals.
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