OKC Thunder: Which Players Have the Best Chance to Back Up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Scoring Next Season?

A season ago, Jalen Williams emerged as one of the top rookies in the NBA, immediately providing an impact for Oklahoma City as a scoring threat. For Josh Giddey, his second season as a Thunder saw him with a rise in scoring production and efficiency alongside his established playmaking skill.

But no player came close to touching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.4 points per game, expectedly, as he was the first player to notch 30-plus points a night for Oklahoma City since Russell Westbrook’s record-setting MVP season in 2016-17. Paul George did come close in 2018, averaging 28 per game.

It doesn’t need to be discussed that Gilgeous-Alexander will be the leading scorer next year, barring any injury or unknown circumstances. So, looking to the next guy, Williams could make a leap this season as a scorer on top of his 14.1 point average from last season. Giddey might also bolster his production on top of his playmaking prowess. Or, rookie Chet Holmgren could possibly come on the scene to claim that No. 2 scoring role.

As a Gonzaga Bulldog in 2021-22, Holmgren averaged 14.1 points on an efficient 60.7% from the field in 32 games. His efforts helped the Bulldogs reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, where they were defeated by Jaylin Williams and Arkansas.

Chet Holmgren’s Gonzaga debut 1 year ago today ~ 14/13/7/6 pic.twitter.com/O5uSP2yNXu
— TF (@ThunderFocus) November 9, 2022

With a small sample size and the known impact and effort he’ll exert on the defensive end, it’s hard to project how much he might produce on the scoring front for the team next season. He’ll certainly provide plenty, but to assume he’ll automatically be the team’s No. 2 option offensively is difficult to imagine, especially after Giddey’s leap and Jalen Williams’ stellar rookie campaign.

It’s not often you see a No. 12 pick in the draft break out and offer as much as Williams did last year. With a summer of development and strength training, he’s primed for an immense second-year leap, whether it’s in scoring production or on the defensive front.

Jalen Williams with some notable offseason gains: pic.twitter.com/kEGweOpVzW
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 2, 2023

As for Giddey, who was the No. 2 man in scoring last season for the Thunder with 16.6 points per game, he could also up his average as well. Although, it might be less likely, as it’s well known his calling card is to be a facilitator on this team and there are multiple emerging scorers to help the Thunder in that facet. But he’s capable, he proved that after making a 4.1-point increase in scoring average from his rookie year to last season.

It’s a toss up, any three of these players could be in the running to back up Gilgeous-Alexander as a scoring boost for Oklahoma City next year. Time will tell, but realize that there won’t be much trouble putting the ball in the hoop in next season’s campaign.

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