The Oklahoma City Thunder comes away from the 2023 NBA draft with Cason Wallace as their top pick. The Kentucky guard was added to OKC’s roster following a trade up to the No. 10 spot with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 19-year-old is a defensive-first guard with offensive upside who has the makings of being a legit outside shooter. Playing at Kentucky should also excite fans as college players historically play closer to their floor than ceiling there.
Wallace has already drawn several high-profile comparisons of other great perimeter defending guards — such as Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart and even his own teammate in Lu Dort.
Following his introductory press conference, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault offered his own unique player comparison.
Ed Reed.
Yep. That’s right — the football player.
After establishing himself as one of the greatest safeties ever, Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. The Hall-of-Famer spent most of his 11-year career with the Baltimore Ravens.
What about Wallace made Daigneault think of Reed when he was studying his tape in the pre-draft process? His defensive tenacity to cause havoc on the ball without leakage.
“He’s like Ed Reed out there,” Daigneault told reporters following the presser. “He’s just got a beat on the ball. He’s got great discipline. He’s where he’s supposed to be. He’s not reckless. He’s not doing his own thing, but when he smells the ball, he’s a hawk on the ball. He played football coming up, and he looks like a free safety out there.”
Mark Daigneault compared Cason Wallace to Ed Reed:
“When he smells the ball, he’s like a hawk on the ball.” pic.twitter.com/RiRqnG2lj5
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 24, 2023
That’s quite the compliment — both with its praise and uniqueness. Daigneault also spoke glowingly about Wallace, saying he fits right in with their culture and is a great two-way player who has playmaking potential.
