Free Throws Could Help OKC Thunder Take Next Step
Free throws are essential to basketball, and the Oklahoma City Thunder could use the foul line to take their next step.
Despite their youth, the Thunder showed a great understanding of the importance of free throws last season. The Thunder finished with the fifth-best shooting percentage from the line at 80.9%, making it one of their greatest strengths offensively.
No conversation about the Thunder’s free-throw shooting could occur without mentioning Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The first-time all-star was the driving force in the Thunder’s impressive free-throw numbers.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished first in the league in total free throws made and top three in attempts. With nearly 11 attempts per game, Gilgeous-Alexander bumped his free throw percentage to just over 90% after being a career 80% shooter from the stripe.
As Gilgeous-Alexander has turned into one of the premier foul drawers in the league, some of his teammates could soon follow—specifically, his young star counterparts Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams.
As a number-one option for Australia at the FIBA World Cup, Giddey’s aggressiveness was heightened. Some of that was because Australia needed him to be an aggressive scorer, but his numbers from the line still speak volumes.
Giddey averaged more than five shots from the line in Australia’s five World Cup games, a step up from his 1.9 attempts for Oklahoma City last season. Although his percentage at the stripe was underwhelming at 65% in FIBA, his improved ability to draw fouls and get to the line is a critical weapon for someone who handles the ball as much as Giddey.
Williams is also expected to be a primary ball handler for Oklahoma City for years to come, but his path to being a lethal threat at the line is different. With 2.5 attempts per game at the line last season, Williams finished behind only Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort for Oklahoma City.
Considering how many dunks and shots inside Williams takes, his play style is perfect for drawing fouls. He just needs to do so more often.
Of the Thunder’s four main starters, Williams was last in usage rate in 2022-23. Although he provides value as a decoy because of his off-ball movement, Williams’ offensive skillset is versatile enough that he needs the ball in his hands more to reach his full potential.
Williams is an example of the Thunder’s emphasis on scoring inside, as they finished third in the league in points in the paint last season. By scoring 60% of his points in the paint last season, Williams consistently got close looks that should turn into more free-throw opportunities as he learns to use contact to his advantage.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey and Williams will be the three pillars of the Thunder’s free-throw attack, but the team’s offensive style will ultimately push them over the top. With more experience and better chemistry, the Thunder will be able to better position themselves and the ball to force opposing defenses to foul or give up easy shots.
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