Cason Wallace gets off to blazing start in NBA Summer League debut
It took some time but Cason Wallace is officially a player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Kentucky product was part of a draft night trade, technically being selected by the Dallas Mavericks. Ironically enough, Wallace is now making his NBA Summer League debut against the Mavs and is off to a hot start.
Wallace was considered a lottery pick for multiple reasons but shooting was not necessarily one of them. He shot just under 35% from the three-point line while at Kentucky. Not bad but nothing to hang your hat on heading into the NBA either.
Things have changed for him in Las Vegas as Wallace is on fire to begin his professional career. He has made five consecutive three-pointers for Oklahoma City, having a halftime lead against Dallas on Saturday afternoon. His latest may have been the best, with ESPN color commentator Seth Greenberg impressed with Wallace’s off-ball movement before hitting a shot.
Once the game moved into the second half, the ESPN broadcast asked Wallace about his hot start on debut afternoon. He claimed to be just going out there and having fun, connecting with his new Oklahoma City teammates.
“It feels good out there,” Wallace said. “Just having fun with the team, welcoming well. Just going out there and having fun.”
Hopefully, more success is on the way for Wallace. Adding a shooting element to his game would line him up for a big rookie season in Oklahoma City.
More on Oklahoma City Thunder selecting Cason Wallace at No. 10
Oklahoma City was originally scheduled to pick at No. 12, making a trade-up to No. 10. Wallace was viewed as a lottery pick throughout the entire process and the Thunder felt strongly enough to make a move in order to get him on the team.
In order to complete the trade, Oklahoma City had to take on the contract of Davis Bertans — one the Mavericks were looking to move on from. No draft capital was given up, something NBA teams cherish when making moves across the league.
Dallas was the one who drafted Wallace, while Oklahoma City selected Dereck Lively III with the 12th overall pick. Once the league season officially began, the trade went through and Wallace is now able to make his NBA Summer League debut.
A good start from the former Kentucky point guard and a positive overall sign for general manager Sam Presti.