Thunder’s Mid-Range Resurgence Sparks Debate, DeRozan Optimistic
The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s current season is marked by a notable shift in offensive strategy, moving away from heavy reliance on outside shooting and embracing more mid-range attacks. This tactical evolution has drawn the attention of veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan,who sees it as a potential catalyst for the resurgence of the mid-range game across the league.
Speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s show, DeRozan expressed his optimism, suggesting that the success of the Thunder and their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, could encourage othre teams to re-evaluate the mid-range as a viable offensive option. “I never want those young players who are rising to be discouraged, as if they must be Stephen Curry,” DeRozan stated. “Not everyone can be Curry. There is only one Curry in the world,and he is really incredible.”
The NBA University Twitter account highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency in the mid-range during the playoffs, posting a video with the caption: “SGA, one of the most efficient playoff midrange jump shooter on recordโฆ Gets wherever he wants and puts buckets on whoever he wants. Poetry in motion.”
For the past decade, the league has been heavily influenced by the success of Stephen Curry and the Golden State warriors, leading to an unprecedented surge in three-point attempts. Ten years ago, only one team averaged over 30 three-point attempts per game. Last season, though, every team surpassed that mark, with four teams averaging more then 40 three-pointers per game. This trend has coincided with a decline in mid-range shot attempts.
DeRozan, at 35 years old, has maintained an impressive scoring record, averaging over 20 points per game for 12 consecutive seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most consistent offensive threats. Despite taking an average of only 3.3 three-point shots per game last season, he led the league in mid-range attempts with 640, nearly double that of the second-ranked player, Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 348.
“From my point of view, I’m trying to be a representative figure in mid-range shooting, telling everyone that if you are good at this field, you can succeed and go a long way,” DeRozan reflected. “To be able to rank in the top 25 of the historical scoring list, it’s a blessing for me.” His consistent success in an era dominated by the three-point shot underscores the enduring value of a well-executed mid-range game.