NBA expert identifies killer threat in Thunder offense

Are the Oklahoma City Thunder even more dangerous this season than last? If so, why? NBA expert Tim Legler believes the Thunder pose a greater threat due to their improved defensive and offensive strategies, which hinge on one of their offseason signings. Which signature? Legler breaks it down and explains why the Thunder will be a big problem for other teams.

NBA expert praises Thunder offense and defense

Thunder a bigger problem than expected?

The Thunder proved last season that their offense is already outstanding. The presence and emergence of Chet Holmgren has only increased the threats that the Thunder roster brings. OKC’s biggest threat is, of course, the exceptional Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, ESPN’s Legler notes this about the Thunder: Their offensive game plan could be even more threatening this season. When breaking down the film on ESPN NBA today In this week’s preseason game between Denver and OKC, Legler went into detail about how Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein combined to massively impact the game.

When Legler explained how Holmgren acted as a decoy and exploited his threat as a center who is comfortable and capable of shooting threes, it made Denver’s Aaron Gordon respect that threat. This ground action gave SGA space and one less defender who could move towards the basket. Holmgren is already a threat under the basket. But his long-range shooting threat can give the Thunder an advantage crime as a whole. Gordon has to respect Holmgren’s three-point shot, so he leaves SGA. Compare the strategy in some ways to that of a wide receiver in the NFL. A number one receiver draws a double team, leaving the number two and three receivers either one on one or, in many cases, open. Since the corner or safety respects the threat of the first option, it opens up the others.

Legler points out that Holmgren attracts defenders to him and frees up space for the ball handler and scorer. In the same way, Shai draws two defenders towards him while Hartenstein remains open for a pass and a goal. Hartenstein’s addition opens up OKC’s schedule in a big and exciting way. And that’s why his free agent signing was one of the biggest NBA deals of the summer.

Isaiah Hartenstein’s influence on Chet Holmgren

As Legler points out during a Thunder defensive excerpt, Hartenstein, now on the roster, initiates his own shot and helps Holmgren.

“…and that right here This is where Isaiah Hartenstein will help Chet Holmgren the most. He guards the biggest, strongest guy on the floor. He absorbs contact on offensive rebounds. Chet was seen getting thrown around a lot when he was the only tall player on the court, which led to offensive rebound opportunities. Isaiah Hartenstein eats up all the contact. What does that mean? Look at Chet Holmgren, he has no one around him, he has free space to just come here and chase that basketball. Completely unencumbered, defensive rebound.”

Hartenstein brought rebounding to the forefront with the Knicks last year, particularly in the postseason. But now paired with Holmgren, his presence in the paint should be right Strictly speaking Amplifying Chet’s impact, as Legler pointed out in his breakdown. Given his size and composition compared to Hartenstein, it is an advantageous option for Holmgren. The latter’s ability to handle the more physical game bodes well for Holmgren, as he can avoid much of the physical back-and-forth with the league’s bigger and more demanding centers.

Of course, Hartenstein is not a better player than Chet. However, his defensive and offensive impact will take Holmgren’s game to a new level. Holmgren’s menacing presence in the attack zone robs defenders of their path. Hartenstein has the paint all to himself, where he can get his throws and rebounds. OKC’s Holmgren-Hartenstein combination has serious potential to be a major threat for OKC. Imagine the floor space SGA and others will have to work with in the future.