OKC Thunder: Rookie Cason Wallace Learning Under Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Wing

Two former Kentucky Wildcats, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace are jointly working throughout fall camp.

Following the first couple days of Thunder training camp, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a lot to say about multiple newcomers on the team.

His comments on rookie guard Cason Wallace stood out, though. Two former Kentucky Wildcats, the guard duo are predisposed to a bond through their alma mater, but they’re beginning to build an organic relationship beyond that already.

“At the end of the day, he’s a very good basketball player,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Wallace following the second day of camp. “When you have guys on the floor like that, it’s easier to play… And defensively, he’s special.”

Ever since Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti sent the No. 10 pick and rights to a trade exception for Wallace — who the Thunder took at No. 12 — and Davis Bertans on the night of the 2023 NBA draft, everyone has raved about Wallace’s defensive potential.

But there were some notable descriptors said from Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault that had little to do with defensive play.

“The biggest thing that’s popped, not only to me but to the players, has been his temperament and approach. It’s far beyond his years. He’s got a really, really good emotional temperature as a person and he’s highly professional. He carries himself like somebody that’s way beyond a rookie player. I think that’s been the loudest thing.

“In terms of his on-court stuff… he’s a little bit slow to things right now, just instinctively. He’s an anticipatory player, but in order to get your anticipation in you have to see the pictures first and he’s learning the pictures. He’s going to pick them up pretty quickly, I would guess… but I do think that’s going to take a little bit of time and that’s natural.”

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound guard with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Wallace has the range to cover multiple positions along the perimeter containing a strong foundation. The 19-year old will have to get acclimated, of course, just like he’s having to get acclimated to training with and against an All-NBA first teamer in Gilgeous-Alexander.

Asked if Wallace has picked him up full court in practice, “No, smart kid,” Gilgeous-Alexander said with a smile.

And unlike Lu Dort, Cason knows not to pick SGA up full-court 😂

“Has he picked you up full court?”

Shai: “No, smart kid.” pic.twitter.com/CANgD9LJIq

— Cooper Jones (@CooperJNBA) October 5, 2023

As Wallace continues to get acquainted with the rigors of NBA-level basketball, he’ll be honed into one of the Thunder’s best defensive talents. For now, he’ll need to stay the course and trust the process.

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