Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 bargain bin targets in 2019 NBA free agency
1. Jared Dudley
The Thunder need more perimeter shooting. Plain and simple. They shot 34.8 percent from the 3-point line as a team last season, placing them 22nd in the league while shooting 33.3 attempts per game, good for 13th in the league.
Out of the top 15 teams in 3-point attempts per game last season, the Thunder had the third-worst percentage. That lack of shooting causes issues beyond just scoring points, though, and especially for the Thunder.
A good 3-point shooter has gravity, meaning that they pull a defender out to the perimeter to guard them. That gravity is essential for opening up driving lanes to the basket for guys like Westbrook or clearing out the lane for a big man like Steven Adams.
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Having a good 3-point shooter isn’t just about making the shot, it’s equally important to have that gravity. One shooter who can provide that: Jared Dudley.
Dudley may find his way into the free agent bargain bin this summer due to his age — he’ll be 34 when the season starts — and the massive amount of other free agents on the market. It is safe to assume that he will also have a limited scope on what teams he wants to play for — primarily contenders — due to his age. That could be a recipe to sign with Oklahoma City.
Dudley shoots 39.2 percent from the 3-point line for his career, better than any player currently on the Thunder roster. He knocks down 41.3 percent of his three from the corner, a spot that Westbrook can set up his teammates consistently, making him the ideal candidate for OKC to pursue this summer