Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

2. Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant was the leading scorer off the bench last season, but he saw an increase in playing time later in the season when he proved to be more effective than Carmelo Anthony down the stretch.

In February, March and April, Grant shot 57.8, 56.5 and 61.4 percent from the field, respectively, compared to shooting 44.7, 52.9, 51.3 and 44.6 percent in October, November, December and January.

Grant’s cutting ability, length and his ability to move without the ball was a much better option than how Anthony used to make the ball stick. Defensively Grant’s wingspan and length made a difference and brought life to one of the better defensive teams in the West before Roberson went down.

Grant shot 68 percent at the rim and 73 percent of those shots were assisted. He also shot 61 percent from 2-point range. In terms of Jerami Grant’s dunks, 87 percent of them were assisted. Grant helped fill that baseline alley-oop void that Andre Roberson filled in the starting lineup so well.

Next year, Jerami Grant has a chance to play in the starting lineup and with an offseason to improve his jump shot, he could be a very valuable player for the Thunder.