Cason Wallace is more confident with how he is playing as a ball-handler

Cason Wallace was a fresh-faced rookie in the 2023/24 season and already managed to contribute to a competitive team. Coach Mark Daigneault trusted him to be one of the team’s most vital players, and now that he’s more experienced, Cason is confident he can contribute.

The former Kentucky Wildcat is only 20 years old but has already delivered on some of his potential. Wallace already feels more confident this time around because he has valuable NBA experience under his belt.

“It feels different this year, I’m not gonna lie. A lot less nervous and jittery. Last year, I was trying to learn a lot and just trying to do the right things at the right time,” Wallace said on Day 3 of Training Camp. “This year, I am more free. I figured my way out my way last season a little bit. Feel more confident this year.”

Wallace will play a bigger role this season

The 20-year-old guard played all 82 games in his rookie year, thriving in his 20.6 minutes per game. Most people should expect him to play more minutes because he has played more with the ball in Training Camp. However, he will share some minutes with Alex Caruso, who can play either guard position.

With more touches as a ball-handler, Wallace can become more of a scorer because he has opportunities to control the pick-and-roll. Pull-up jump shots will be a key development because he has thrived chiefly in catch-and-shoot situations for his points during his rookie season.

Shooting 41.9% from distance is encouraging, but adding some pull-up shots to his arsenal will only help the team. Since Cason is known to play an efficient style, he will only take what the defense gives him, but he will still develop that part of his game by getting reps as a lead ball-handler.

The Thunder have a deep rotation

Wallace is just one member of the Thunder’s bench who will play a big role this season. He and Isaiah Joe are the two primary players in the rotation, which bodes well for the offense because both players are high-level shooters.

With Daigneault leading the way, there will be some consistency with the rotations, as Wallace will play a vital role in the team. The coach is adamant the team plays within the system, and thankfully for Cason, he is playing more of a ball-handler role nowadays, where he can have more chances to score and be a playmaker.

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