Tag: Cason Wallace

Several Thunder players attend OKC’s summer league loss to Raptors

Several Thunder players attend OKC’s summer league loss to Raptors.

After three games in Utah, the Oklahoma City Thunder flew to Las Vegas to join the rest of the league for the more traditional summer league.

They were flat in their first contest with a 94-69 loss to the Toronto Raptors, but several Thunder players were in attendance for the showing.

Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Hartenstein made their way to their seats to watch their teammates play. The Thunder have a pair of rookies in the contests with Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell.

Jones finished with 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes. He shot 2-of-4 from 3.

Mitchell tallied 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting, three assists, three rebounds and three steals in 30 minutes. He shot 2-of-5 from 3.

“It was crazy because I didn’t really notice them until the end of the game,” Jones said on his teammates’ presence. “It’s crazy those are technically my teammates and brothers now. It’s still a crazy feeling because of their stature and who they are as players.”

Holmgren and Williams get to enjoy summer league from the sidelines this year. Both participated in the event for the last two years. They’ve graduated from the July exhibitions.

The Thunder have a few more games left in their summer league schedule. Holmgren and Williams used the first contest in Las Vegas to support their new teammates.

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Should the OKC Thunder trade for Lakers’ Anthony Davis?

Should the Thunder trade for Lakers’ Anthony Davis? Breaking down Colin Cowherd’s proposal:

As the Oklahoma City Thunder settle into the title contender stratosphere, expect them to be discussed more often on a national scale — especially about possible moves to upgrade their roster.

Such is the life of a being in the league’s upper echelon.

A recent example of this happened this past Friday. Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd proposed an outside-the-box trade idea. He boldly suggested the Thunder should ship Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and four first-round picks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

The media personality explained it helps the Thunder improve size and rebounding woes. Davis is one of the best players in the league and would make OKC an instant title favorite.

Meanwhile, the Lakers hit the reset button with new head coach JJ Redick. Williams and Wallace are incredible foundation pieces at the start of a rebuild. LeBron James can help shepherd them in during the twilight stage of his career.

“To me, you can draft and develop and get patted on the back by all these fanboys on Twitter,” Cowherd said. “Or you can make a huge move in Oklahoma City and get for the next four years with AD, SGA and Chet. You can give yourself a shot.”

After listening to Cowherd’s pitch, should the Thunder call up the Lakers and offer this package? No. Absolutely not.

Outside of the logistical holes that can be poked in this trade proposal — one example being OKC only has one draft pick this year, so the Lakers wouldn’t need to demand future picks because of this — this feels like something that can happen in 2k24 than in real life. The Thunder would be bailing the Lakers out of their current situation for no apparent reason.

While Davis would strengthen OKC on a surface level, trading away a 23-year-old projected All-Star wing and a 20-year-old 3-and-D starter on cost-control deals for a one-year rental is a self-inflicting mistake.

Especially for a 31-year-old often-injured Davis who is only under contract for next season at $43.2 million. Sure, he logged 76 games last season, but that’s proven to be more of an outlier than a normality for a multi-time All-Star when examining his full body of work.

This move would chop the Thunder’s championship window severely short for an unnecessary risk. OKC has one of the brightest futures in the league, why ruin that for a possible one-year window?

Odds are, Davis wouldn’t re-sign regardless of postseason success. For as sharp as the Thunder’s front office is, their location is equally damaging to convincing outside players to stay for the long term.

For the Lakers, the deal doesn’t benefit them either. James only has a handful of years left as one of the best players. Wasting away the 39-year-old’s final seasons in a rebuilding situation is illogical. If Los Angeles wants to start from scratch, it’s folly to half-measure it by keeping James.

While this trade idea is a sexy headline, it lacks sense for both sides.

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Josh Giddey’s departure opens ball-handling reps for Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace

Josh Giddey’s departure opens ball-handling reps for Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace.

As Josh Giddeys exits the Oklahoma City Thunder, a vacuum of ball-handling possessions must be filled.

Even though he downsized in his role this past season, the 21-year-old averaged the third-most touches and second-most passes for OKC last season. With him shipped to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso, it frees up notable playmaker reps.

Sam Presti hopes players like Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace can exploit the opportunities. Both showed flashes of being playmakers last season but never established that as a strength.

Considering how young they are, they have plenty of room to grow. Being secondary playmakers can fill them out as well-rounded contributors.

“One of the things that we were also trying to account for with the decision to move ahead with the trade with Josh was we do want to try to continue to open up opportunities for Chet and continue to explore that potential with him with the ball,” Presti said.

“The decision with Josh also pushes more ball-handling responsibilities to Cason, who’s a player that we think very highly of but is going to need room to grow and opportunity.

“Even if those immediate dividends may not be perfect because that’s how people and players get better, but they need to be exposed to those opportunities.”

Even though Caruso is a much smoother fit with the Thunder, he lacks playmaking skills. The 30-year-old is a low-usage player who will be more of a catch-and-shoot threat than a pick-and-roll maestro.

This deal will have a trickle-down effect on playmaking duties among the rest of the roster.

If Holmgren and Wallace can turn into effective ball-handlers, that will help strengthen OKC’s hopes of having a roster filled with players who can dribble, pass and shoot.

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Cason Wallace jokingly apologizes for previously low opinion of OKC

Cason Wallace jokingly apologizes for previously low opinion of OKC.

After being involved in a 2023 NBA draft trade, Cason Wallace didn’t sound ecstatic about living in Oklahoma City for nine months out of the year.

The Texas native was close to joining the Dallas Mavericks, but they elected to go with Dereck Lively II instead via a trade. It looks like the move paid off for both sides.

“I definitely will be fine in Oklahoma,” Wallace said after being drafted. “There’s not much to do, but it lets you stay focused.”

It appears the lack of distractions paid off. Wallace enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with OKC. He was a key part of its rotation and was the unofficial sixth starter when someone was out.

The 20-year-old averaged 6.8 points on 49.1% shooting, 2,3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 41.9% from 3 on 2.3 attempts. He played a vital role in OKC’s playoff run and was named to the All-Rookie second team.

In his exit interview, a relaxed Wallace jokingly issued an apology for his previous opinion on Oklahoma. The former Kentucky guard said his time in OKC changed his outlook on the state.

“Yeah, owe the world an apology, I’ll say that,” Wallace jokingly said. “When I first did my press conference, I was like, there’s not much to do out here. There’s a good amount of things to do here.”

If Wallace continues to develop at the rate he’s shown since arriving at the Thunder, there’s a good shot he’ll have plenty more time to spend in OKC. The 20-year-old has the ceiling of a quality 3-and-D starter.

Wallace joins a long list of draft successes for the Thunder in the lottery range. They’ll have another chance to add someone new to the list with the No. 12 selection of the 2024 NBA draft.

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NBA All-Rookie: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren unanimously voted to first team

Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren and Brandon Miller headlined the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie first team announced on Monday.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller headlined the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie first team announced on Monday by the league.

Wembanyama, the Rookie of the Year, and Holmgren were unanimous selections to the first team, earning all 99 votes from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Miller finished in third place with 97 first-team votes.

Joining the trio are Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. Jaquez received 89 first-place votes, while Podziemski earned 64 in the final tally released in the announcement by the league.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, Thunder guard Cason Wallace and Memphis Grizzlies guard GG Jackson II were named to the All-Rookie second team.

Jackson, after a strong finish to the season, edged Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis, Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson and Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson for the 10th and final place on the second team.

The 10 players selected to the two teams emerged as the top of the class following productive campaigns. They each have bright futures ahead and are cornerstones for their respective organizations.

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Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace earn 2023-24 All-Rookie team honors

Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace earn 2023-24 All-Rookie team honors.

The NBA announced its two 2023-24 All-Rookie teams on Monday. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a pair among the 10 slots.

Chet Holmgren was listed on the All-Rookie first team. He joined Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Jaime Jaquez and Brandin Podziemski.

Cason Wallace was listed on the All-Rookie second team. He joined Amen Thompson, Dereck Lively II, Keyonte George and GG Jackson II.

This shouldn’t be a shocker. Holmgren had a phenomenal rookie campaign after missing last season while recovering from a Lisfranc injury. He was part of OKC’s trio — along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams — that headlined the youngest first seed in league history.

Meanwhile, Wallace was a key rotation piece for the Thunder. He was their unofficial sixth starter when needed. The 20-year-old provided OKC with great perimeter defense and outside shooting.

Both rookies logged the full 82 games this season, an impressive feat. The Thunder enjoyed amazing durability this season as they didn’t suffer any serious injuries.

In 82 games, Holmgren averaged 16.5 points on 53% shooting, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks. He shot 37% from 3 on 4.3 attempts. He finished runner-up for Rookie of the Year behind Wembanyama.

In 82 games, Wallace averaged 6.8 points on 49.1% shooting, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 41.9% from 3 on 2.9 attempts.

The full All-Rookie teams’ voting results can be viewed below:

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Both Holmgren and Wallace will be key pieces of the Thunder’s core for the next several years. This season saw OKC crack open a championship window that will likely span several seasons.

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Mark Daigneault impressed by Cason Wallace’s playoff contributions

Mark Daigneault impressed by Cason Wallace’s playoff contributions.

As Kyrie Irving sprinted down the court, the multitime All-Star stopped at the left-wing spot for a pull-up 3-pointer. Cason Wallace contested early enough to block the outside shot attempt.

It was a massive stop during the fourth quarter of a close contest. It also encapsulated the type of contributions Wallace has made for the Thunder.

The defensive stop was one of several the Thunder collected in their 14-point comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 to tie the series at two apiece.

Wallace finished with six points in 19 minutes and was a plus-five. The 20-year-old rookie is OKC’s second-best perimeter defender behind Lu Dort, which means it has the luxury of having at least one out there at all times to match up with either Luka Doncic or Irving.

Despite being a rookie, Wallace has played a major role in the Thunder’s playoff run. He’s been one of the top players off the bench and averages the sixth-most minutes in the postseason.

In the playoffs, Wallace has limited opponents to 14-of-54 (25.9%) shooting when guarded by him, per ESPN. That’s the lowest field goal percentage allowed of any player to defend at least 50 shots in the postseason.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault spoke highly of Wallace’s performance in the playoffs, noting he hasn’t allowed his youth or inexperience to get the best of him despite the rise of circumstances.

“Just how easy he is to trust as a 20-year-old player in that game,” Daigneault said about Wallace. “He’s guarding Irving, he’s guarding Doncic, he’s banging threes, he’s where he’s supposed to be. He’s just doing exactly what we’re trying to accomplish in the game plan and the system on both ends of the floor.”

Wallace has been a key rotation player for the Thunder. He might see his role increase if Josh Giddey’s minutes gradually decline to zero. In that case, Wallace is a prime candidate to substitute him as a starter and seamlessly fit in with the starting lineup.

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PHOTOS: Best images from 2024 Rising Stars challenge

2024 Rising Stars: Best photos that feature the three Thunder players.

INDIANAPOLIS — Jalen Rose’s squad won the 2024 Rising Stars challenge tournament with a game-winning 3-pointer by Jalen Williams.

Rose’s squad advanced to the finals following a tight 40-35 win over Tamika Catchings’ team in the semifinals. Williams had two points, three assists and three rebounds. Holmgren had five points on 2-of-4 shooting, three rebounds and one assist.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol’s squad suffered a 41-36 loss in the semifinals to Detlef Schrempf’s roster. Cason Wallace contributed with eight points on 3-of-8 shooting and one assist.

Rose came out victorious in the finals over Schrempf, 26-13. Williams had five points on 2-of-3 shooting, three assists and two rebounds. He shot 1-of-2 from 3. Holmgren had two points, two rebounds, one block and one steal.

Let’s look at some of the best photos that feature the three Oklahoma City Thunder players.

Player grades: Jalen Williams hits game-winner in 2024 Rising Stars challenge

Player grades for the 3 Thunder players who participated in the 2024 Rising Stars challenge.

INDIANAPOLIS — Crossing the ball between his legs, Jalen Williams pulled up for the deep 3-pointer to clinch the Rising Stars win for Jalen Rose’s squad.

The game-clinching basket capped off an impressive two-game outing for Williams and Chet Holmgren. All three 2024 Rising Stars challenge matchups featured an Oklahoma City Thunder player.

“We were up a good amount of points to where if I missed, it didn’t matter,” Williams said on his game-winner. “… I fake ran a stack play so they can go under and I can shoot a three. I don’t know if the team knows that’s what I had intended but that’s what I was gonna do.”

Jalen Rose’s squad advanced to the finals following a tight 40-35 win over Tamika Catchings’ team in the semifinals. Williams had two points, three assists and three rebounds. Holmgren had five points on 2-of-4 shooting, three rebounds and one assist.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol’s squad suffered a 41-36 loss in the semifinals to Detlef Schrempf’s roster. It was an upset as Schrempf’s roster was G League players and two-way players. Cason Wallace contributed with eight points on 3-of-8 shooting and one assist.

Rose came out victorious in the finals over Schrempf, 26-13. Williams had five points on 2-of-3 shooting, three assists and two rebounds. He shot 1-of-2 from 3. Holmgren had two points, two rebounds, one block and one steal.

It’s a great opportunity to come out here and kind of just mingle with the guys,” Williams said on the Rising Stars. “It’s a unique platform, you play with people you probably wouldn’t play with. You’re playing in front of teammates you wouldn’t play with. It’s a good time to kind of play free.

“Win or lose, it doesn’t really matter. Shows what guys can do and kind of puts guys on the map as well.”

Holmgren added: “It’s a great opportunity to have fun and also put out a good product for the fans. Throughout the season, you don’t get a chance to talk to a lot of these guys. There were definitely some dudes who I thought, I don’t rock with this dude. He’s kind of weird. He be mean mugging. Then you get in the locker room with them, and they’re super cool.”

Let’s look at the Rising Stars challenge grades for the Thunder’s three players.

NBA Rising Stars 2024: Bennedict Mathurin unanimously named MVP to lead Team Jalen to title

Pacers sophomore Bennedict Mathurin was unanimously named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game to lead Team Jalen to the championship.

Indiana Pacers sophomore Bennedict Mathurin on Friday was unanimously named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game to lead Team Jalen to the championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mathurin produced 18 points in the opening game as Team Jalen defeated Team Tamika. He had four points, two assists and one steal in a 26-13 win in the final over Team Detlef, which consisted of seven of the top players in the G League.

While Mathurin did the bulk of the scoring in the semifinal round, Dereck Lively II had six points and Jordan Hawkins and Jalen Williams each chipped in five points in the final. Williams drained the game-winning 3-pointer to end it for Team Jalen.

The event featured four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament for the third straight year. The two semifinal games were played to a target score of 40, and the championship game was played to a target score of 25.

The pool of players for the game consisted of 11 rookies, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The players from the NBA were selected by assistant coaches and the players from the G League were selected by the league office.

The four teams were coached by Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and former Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf, who led the G League team.

Here is how the teams performed in the event.