Dion Waiters: “They Give Me The Ball” In Oklahoma City
There was a growing disconnect between Dion Waiters and the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite Waiters’ stated efforts to try and adjust his game to play along with the superior presence of LeBron James.
Now providing his offensive services to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Waiters has averaged just over 15 points per game in his last three games. His role is sparing, but he seems to be enjoying it. More than that, he’s appreciating the touches he’s getting.
Via Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman:
Waiters doesn’t hesitate to disclose the difference between his experience in Cleveland and Oklahoma City. After a 16-point performance Sunday at Orlando in which he made seven of nine shots, Waiters was asked what he’s learned so far about where his shots will come from and how he fit into the offense.
“Listen,” he said, “they give me the ball. Like, I touch the ball. Like, I actually, like, you know, touch the ball.”
It was the second time in less than a week that Waiters trumpeted the freedom the Thunder has given him.
The other time Waiters touched on that lack of freedom was when he flat out said he had ben held back in the past. It’s not like the Thunder have been even using Waiters as their primary go-to bench guy (Reggie Jackson still has that role, for now). But his role might be more clearly defined in OKC. They simply want his aggression and scoring mentality as an extra punch for when Durant and/or Westbrook are out of the line up.
Whether or not the actual usage rate percentage for Waiters is higher in Oklahoma City than it was in Cleveland, his remarks speak to his level of comfortability and appreciation in a more defined role with his new team. Generally he’s probably just feeling more included, which is what Kevin Durant wanted.
