The Thunder's recent trades of Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Luguentz Dort present an opportunity for Cason Wallace to take on a larger offensive role in his fourth NBA season. Wallace, who enjoyed increased on-ball opportunities last season due to injuries, aims to enhance his consistency as a three-point shooter after a drop in his shooting percentage over the past seasons. Meanwhile, there's discussion surrounding former Thunder player Dort, with calls for his No. 5 jersey to be retired due to his impactful seven-year tenure. The Jazz are anticipated to become a play-in team for the upcoming season, albeit with questions about how new acquisitions will mesh. Keyonte George is projected to lead as the primary ball-handler for Utah.

By the Numbers
  • Cason Wallace's three-point shooting percentage has dropped from 41.9% as a rookie to 35.1% last season.
  • Jaren Jackson Jr. played only two games for the Jazz after his acquisition in February.
State of Play
  • The Thunder are restructuring their roster after multiple cost-cutting trades.
  • Expectations for the Jazz include improved performance, shifting from previous years where they struggled to lose games.
What's Next

As Cason Wallace steps into a more prominent role, his development will be crucial for the Thunder's prospects this season. The Jazz will need to integrate their new players effectively to meet play-in expectations, while the situation around Dort will be monitored regarding any potential jersey retirement discussions.

Bottom Line

The Thunder's shake-up could lead to a breakout season for Wallace, while the Jazz appear ready to make a leap back into competitive play. Both teams face distinct challenges, but each has opportunities to make significant strides in the upcoming season.