Here's how Josh Giddey can improve in year three

It's more than just shooting.

Year two was a resounding success for Josh Giddey.

Giddey established himself as one of the leading players from his draft class and Oklahoma City returned to relevancy in the NBA. A breathtaking performance against New Orleans in the play in tournament gave a glimpse into a future every Thunder fan hopes for. Equally, Minnesota running them out of the postseason two night later showed the improvements needed for this young to take another leap forward. That includes Giddey.  While the offseason noise is already talking about the most obvious improvement area for the young Australian —outside shooting— there are more pressing items of skill development that be worked on.

Advanced metrics reinforce that Giddey remains a below average finisher. His conversion percentage places him in the 32nd percentile as both a transition scorer and pick-and-roll finisher. This is where the NBA’s infatuation with the three-point shot poses an interesting question. Is outside shooting the best area for Giddey to focus his offseason development? Long-term, it is obviously in Giddey’s interest to get more proficient from beyond the arc. This will benefit a fully formed Thunder team when the eventually blossom into a genuine playoff side. But focusing on the three ball above all else isn’t the only elixir to Giddey’s personal offence.

Giddey has been a lowly shooter around the rim during his NBA career. He shot 62% with rim finishes this season, placing him in the bottom third of all qualifying forwards, per Cleaning The Glass. Struggling inside is completely reasonable for players on rookie scale contracts. At his size and weight, there is every reason to suggest Giddey improves over the coming years. The benefits of such progression will be more transformative than finding an effective shooting from three. Giddey left points on the table every night around the rim.