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Will either Jdub or Chet take another leap? Feel like their trajectories going forward will define if the Thunder can take another step into being dynasty tier. They are both 4th year players, so there is still plenty of time for either guy to take level up their individual games.

Yeah

Chet has a pretty good chance to be a talking point about continued OKC dominance or, conversely, a critical flaw. Another injury season really dampens his long-term health trajectory (one full season lost to injury, another massive % GP lost last season, another would be very bad look) -- especially after signing the big contract. OKC and NBA fans at large need to see him put together consecutive healthy seasons and playoffs runs without losing time. He can't be sidelined for this team to win it all, but Holmgren can show us more so Holmgren is the better bet to marketably improve.

Jdub has been reported to have had a wrist injury in the playoffs, but he also put on massive performances so surely he has some level of confidence that he's a tough player to keep down. If he's at full form he could even be better which is pretty scary for the league. However he will probably have similar role again as SGA's complement as last year so...his stats may be pretty close and not the biggest 'leap'.

as okc goes so goes chet

This is Chets third year basically, he has a lot of room to grow, his shot was a bit broken last year. And JDubb scored 40 points in a finals while not even being healthy, he can be a big star.

I can definitely see Chet take a leap. This guy was really hyped during his rookie season and has the tools and mind to take the next step eventually.

It should be Chet, but it’ll end up being J dub

JDub is a top 15 guy already. I think just being more consistent offensively and adding to his creation will go a long way.

Chet it’s about being healthy. If he’s healthy, he’s a DPOY candidate already. But if he can improve his offense he can be a top 25 guy this year.

Jalen is my favorite young player in the league and I don't think we've seen everything from him yet. I think he's got another gear.

I have the haunting feeling that Chet will just be one of those perpetually injured guys — Mr. Glass. Health, more than anything, is what we should be hoping for in this kid.

Chet looks a bit bigger this year, can handle more physical stuff.
J-Dub will start slow with the wrist, he will probably improve more in february/march.

Define leap for each player.

Chet, for example, wont have a massive improvement in his stats simply because he will be the 3rd option at absolute best and that team is very deep. He will be a better player but the stat sheet wont really show it.

i don't think chet was himself offensively post the injury. he's definitely going to improve

I don't think Chet will play the kind of mins to take a big leap in production. Throw him out there for 35+ mins a game and feature him more offensively and I think he could easily put up ~22/10 on great efficiency, but OKC's goal is to repeat.

firedavidkahn wrote:Define leap for each player.

Chet, for example, wont have a massive improvement in his stats simply because he will be the 3rd option at absolute best and that team is very deep. He will be a better player but the stat sheet wont really show it.

Chet only played 27 mpg last season, if he's playing 33 mpg he's probably around 18-19 ppg even if he doesn't make any improvements to his game.

There's no reason to think that either player won't be better this season given their age and experience.