As the days to Training Camp continue to roll down, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha is getting ready to get back to work with his team. The Swiss native took time off this summer rather than playing with the Swiss National team. Thabo instead worked on a children’s basketball program(it’s in French, so hopefully your browser has a translator) in Switzerland, and has otherwise taken it easy.
The son of two artists, Thabo’s defense in the NBA has been an art exposition 82 nights a year. He has been touted as one of the league’s top defenders, even being named to the NBA All-Defensive 2nd team last year. Thabo Sefolosha has been integral in Scott Brooks’ defense first game plan.
Thabo, though, hasn’t always been the defensive minded stud that he has been in the NBA. When he played in France, he was actually known for his scoring prowess. That, unfortunately, has not translated very well here in the United States, as he averaged only 6.0 points per game on 44.0% shooting. Those aren’t the typical numbers of an offensive superstar here in the NBA.
He is, however, a perfect role player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dwyane Wade, guard for the Miami Heat, was held to his 5th lowest average point total by the Thunder (23.0 points per game… yeah, it’s still a lot, but come on, it’s D-Wade). He also held Ray Allen to his 2nd lowest average point total (12.0 points per game against the Thunder). Thabo is going to go out and pester his man all night, and force every star to earn every single point. Sef is going to continue giving the Thunder a great defensive outing.
Thabo will head into training camp with a lot to work on. He will continue to improve his defense, and look for him to be named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. At 6’7″, Thabo has a lot of upside at the guard position. He brings a lot of height to a team that plays rather undersized, but quick, especially at forward. He will have a great defensive season.
The true question is, how will he fair offensively? His shot will be something he will likely focus on this Training Camp, and with the offense looking at the possibility to run the ball up and down the court on the fast break rather than set up at half court, Thabo’s quickness will net him a few more points per game. Hopefully he will find his jump shot like he had back and France, and will continue to add to this team’s stellar starting line-up.
Thabo will pester the best guards in the league this year.
Look for the Swiss native to have a more involved year as compared to last year, and look for him to piss off every guard he can as well with his sticky defense.
-j
Original Story:
http://www.thunderupreport.com/2010/0...
