Weekly Video Rustle: MKG, Isaiah Thomas, OJ Mayo and Nikola Vucevic.

Oct 31, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) runs up the court against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

After a two-year odyssey to fix one of the ugliest jumpers in NBA history, it appears the journey to mend Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s shooting stroke is a success. While there is still a small hitch in his stroke, the progress that he’s made since the previous season is absolutely tremendous. During the initial week of the season, MKG shot 66% (4 out of 6 shots) from mid-range. Even though that’s an extremely small sample size, this opening week could be a good example of how MKG will be able to expand his offensive game during the 2014-15 season.

Besides his progression as a shooter, Kidd-Gilchrist has showcased a more aggressive mentality on the offensive end. While he was always known for his athleticism, MKG previously exhibited a tentative mindset which prevented him from really showcasing his natural gifts. However, that hesitance appears to be in the rearview mirror as MKG has been looked at as Charlotte’s main threat in transition. That new role should continue to lead to highlight reel worthy clips for the entire season.

Isaiah Thomas

One of the biggest questions pertaining to the Suns before the start of the season was focused around how Jeff Hornacek would utilize the team’s three-headed point guard monster (Dragic, Thomas and Bledsoe) on a game-by-game basis. Through the initial first week of the season, Hornacek appears to have the right mindset about how to handle the talented trio, as he moved Thomas to be the second unit’s “go-to” scoring threat.

While we’re still in the early stages of the season, that particular role appears to be the perfect spot for Thomas, as it gives him short spurts where he’s able to push the ball down the throats of opposing defenses. By utilizing his blazing quick first step, Thomas has continued to glide his way through the hearts of the opposition. Even when there’s a barricade that prevents Thomas from getting to the rim, he’s continued to showcase an extremely effective floater that makes him unpredictable.

Another facet of Thomas’ offensive arsenal that allows him to be unpredictable would be his perimeter shot. On a possession-by-possession basis, Thomas has no resistance when it comes to just spotting up in transition and launching a perimeter jumper. While that mentality may push Jeff Hornacek towards a lifetime’s supply of Just For Men, it should help create some more exciting plays as the season goes on.

OJ Mayo

Perhaps the most surprising storyline of the initial week of the season would be the potential comeback of OJ Mayo. While Mayo never really left the NBA limelight, his last 12 months have been centered around people either focusing on his weight gain or disappointing first season in Milwaukee.

However, it appears that spending an entire off-season healthy paid Mayo immense dividends, as he’s shown flashes of being the same player that was a top-5 pick in the 2008 draft.

The main key behind Mayo’s success rests with how Jason Kidd has utilized him inside the Bucks offense. Rather than the team depending on him being the main scoring threat, Mayo has fit perfectly as a player that can work off-ball to get easy catch-and-shoot opportunities. That quick fit has lead Mayo to averaging 22.5 points per 36 minutes with a .663 TS%. While that unbelievable average will go down as the season goes on, it’s great to see Mayo overcome the issues that he’s had in the past.

Nikola Vucevic

While the vast majority of the focus in Orlando last week was centered on the NBA debuts of Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton (and his marvelous hair), Nikola Vucevic continued to showcase himself as the team’s most impressive offensive player. The basis behind his impressive offensive nature is the fact that Vucevic has the unique ability to score from all areas of the court. Vucevic was immediately able to showcase that skill, as he was able to be a force from inside the paint to behind the three-point line (!).

Briefly showcased in the following compilation was the continued excellence of the NBA’s current king of rebounds. While the vast majority of that comes from the defensive end, Vuc has exhibited an ability as a fantastic offensive rebounder. Vuc is able to do that by utilizing his underrated strength to box-out on the opposition, which allows him to get the positioning necessary to grab an easy board. That under-utilized skill has helped him snab 2.7 offensive boards per game, which exceeds the likes of Kevin Love, Paul Millsap and Joakim Noah.