Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to increase off-ball play
Oklahoma City Thunder guard plans to reduce ball-handling duties to improve efficiency after playoff struggles, following success with Canadian national team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to increase his off-ball activity in the new season, according to Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports.
The analysis suggests that his heavy usage in the attack may have contributed to a dip in efficiency for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the recent playoffs. In the Canadian national team setup, the guard asked coaches to utilise him more without the ball while Nikil Alexander-Walker and Andrew Nembhard handled the primary ball-handling duties.
The approach allows Gilgeous-Alexander to find space through screens, off-ball cuts and corner shots. With other players capable of creating opportunities for the Thunder, reducing his possession count could lead to cleaner looks and a more varied offence in the postseason.
Summer camp statistics provide a preview. Gilgeous-Alexander recorded four corner three-pointers and two shots off screens in Canada's warm-up games.
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