Watch Cason Wallace prepare for an important sophomore season

For the first time this summer, Cason Wallace was seen working out in a video posted to social media. Working on his ball handling, pull-up jumpers, and finishing around the basket, it appears the Thunder guard is ready to introduce a more defined offensive arsenal to his game next season. While he was one of the team’s stalwart spot-up shooters, he was more “D” than “3” as a “3-and-D” player. Is he ready to strike a balance with his game next season?

Great rookie season

Fresh off a year 1 punctuated by an All-Rookie selection, Oklahoma City Thunder defensive ace Wallace rides seething momentum into a new NBA season. The soon-to-be 21-year-old is one of the youngest future franchise cornerstones on this roster, with immense upside. The guard made the most of his shining efforts last season as a rookie trying to learn a complex system. His crowning achievement of the season may have been his ability to stand out among the rest despite his youth and a premature development phase.

In some ways, the second season is more daunting than the first season for players who established a level of consistency in year 1. Wallace knows that he can’t afford the timeless “sophomore slump,” especially not on a team that places its young players under a hot spotlight.

As a rookie, No. 22 appeared in all 82 games, averaged 6.8 points, shot 41.9% from the 3-point line, and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. While his first-year accomplishments were rock solid, he is only slowly exiting his infancy in the association, making his future as bright as any rising sophomore.

Ready for year 2

The Thunder benefitted from his spring-loaded energy on defense as an on-ball stopper and disruptor in passing lanes. His +5.7 plus-minus per 100 possessions mostly manifested on that end of the basketball. Without proving his perimeter defensive prowess, he likely would’ve spent more time on the bench.

Earning trust from the coaching staff, Wallace can capitalize next season with more playing time and opportunities to increase his offensive output, which is his next step up and arguably the biggest expectation in his second season.

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