Cason Wallace’s basketball journey came full circle this weekend, as the Oklahoma City Thunder guard returned to Richardson High School in Texas to see his No. 22 jersey lifted into the rafters. For a player whose game has always been rooted in grit, intelligence, and two-way impact, the moment was more than ceremonial - it was a well-earned tribute to a legacy still being written.
Wallace was a force during his four years at Richardson, capping off his high school career with a senior season that showcased his all-around brilliance: 19.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. That stat line doesn’t just tell the story of a scorer - it reflects a player who controlled the game on both ends and elevated those around him. His efforts earned him 2022 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year honors and a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, before he took his talents to Kentucky for a one-and-done collegiate campaign.
Fast forward to the 2023 NBA Draft, and the Thunder saw enough in Wallace to make him the 10th overall pick - a decision that’s looking smarter by the day. Wallace hit the ground running in OKC, carving out a role in a deep and talented backcourt. He didn’t miss a single regular season game in his rookie year, averaging 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while earning All-Rookie Second Team honors.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Wallace’s defensive tenacity, basketball IQ, and ability to thrive in high-leverage moments have made him a key piece of the Thunder’s young core.
That was on full display during the 2025 NBA Finals. In Game 7 against the Pacers - the biggest stage of his young career - Wallace logged 26 minutes, chipped in 10 points, and came up with three steals in a gritty performance that helped seal the franchise’s championship run.
This season, Wallace has taken another step forward. He’s averaging 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 42.4% from the field.
He’s already made 43 starts and has only missed three games - a testament to his durability and consistency. More importantly, he’s continued to build his reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.
With his instincts, footwork, and commitment on that end of the floor, Wallace is firmly in the conversation for his first All-Defensive Team nod.
And he’s doing all this on a rookie deal - $5.8 million this season, with two years left before he’s extension-eligible. For a team like the Thunder, who have built their roster patiently and strategically through the draft, Wallace represents exactly the kind of player you want to bet on: tough, reliable, and still improving.
From high school standout to NBA champion, Cason Wallace’s story is already impressive. But if the arc of his career so far is any indication, the best chapters are still ahead.