Because the common season approaches, two-way and Exhibit 10 contract bundles are distributed to gamers with every new NBA season. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have seven gamers on both contract, all of whom have performed helpful minutes throughout the first half of the preseason.
A number of new guys are popping out of school and in search of a house within the NBA or G League. Via the primary three video games, right here is how the Thunder’s two-way gamers and play 10 carried out.
The previous Baylor Bear exploded for 25 factors within the Thunder’s final recreation in opposition to the New Zealand Breakers, a scoring explosion he has but to see till now. Flagler scored three factors in his first two preseason video games in opposition to the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
These first two video games for Flagler had been very inefficient, capturing a mixed 2 of 12 from the sector and 20 % from the perimeter. He additionally posted a mixed rating of minus seven plus minus, with no different important statistical outbursts. His most up-to-date efficiency, in opposition to the New Zealand Breakers, was breathtaking. He had 25 factors and three rebounds, capturing 9 of 17. He made 50% of his perimeter photographs and led the Thunder to a 117-89 victory.
A former Saint Mary’s Gael, Ducas averaged 21 minutes per recreation by the primary three video games. He isn’t essentially an elite scorer, however his affect on profitable basketball was abundantly clear. Ducas had the best plus-minus of any Thunder participant in opposition to the Breakers, ending with 15 factors and 4 rebounds. His capturing effectivity wasn’t perfect, going 6-of-14 from the sector and 2-of-9 from the perimeter. His perimeter effectivity as a complete wants to enhance because the season goes on, particularly if he desires to discover a position.
He has lively arms and is a strong defender, which is certainly one of his enticing traits. He had two steals in opposition to the Spurs, in addition to two blocks. His defensive talents on the ball additionally stand out on videotape.
Mitchell was the No. 38 choose within the 2024 NBA Draft out of UC Santa Barbra. He has solely performed within the first two preseason video games to this point, scoring 19 factors within the first recreation and eight within the second. His early efficiency showcased his effectivity, capturing 8 of 13 from the sector and 1 of 4 from the perimeter.
Of their second matchup, he confirmed extra versatility in his recreation. He recorded 4 rebounds and three assists alongside his eight-point efficiency. He shot 4 of 10 in that recreation, however failed to attach in any respect from the skin. Mitchell will seemingly spend a while within the G League, however will show to be a dependable choice to name up ought to somebody turn into injured or different circumstances come up.
Ryan solely performed three minutes mixed earlier than his 28-minute recreation in opposition to the Breakers. He made a singular three-pointer in his two minutes of play in opposition to the Rockets, lacking his different try from the sector.
The previous North Carolina Tarheel is an skilled guard with 5 years of school basketball underneath his belt. He profiles as somebody who will battle to discover a surefire spot on the Thunder’s roster, however will current himself as an fascinating call-up possibility.
Reese performed 4 seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide till 2020, however has but to supply something within the NBA. He performed simply two minutes in opposition to the Rockets, scoring two factors and grabbing a rebound in restricted enjoying time.
In 22 minutes of play in opposition to the Breakers, scoring 5 factors on 2-for-6 capturing. He’s a flexible ahead with a three-point shot, standing 6-foot-9. He shot 1 of 5 from the perimeter throughout his enjoying time. He additionally grabbed three rebounds in opposition to the Breakers.
Leons is an extremely distinctive prospect for the Thunder, however the variety of roster spots accessible would not essentially enable him to complete with a roster spot. Coming from Bradley College, Leons is a flexible large man who contributes in a number of methods. He appeared in all three video games and gave Thunder followers one thing to sit up for in opposition to the Breakers.
Most not too long ago, he recorded 14 factors, six rebounds and two assists. He additionally had 4 interceptions with a excessive plus-minus. He grabbed six rebounds in opposition to the Spurs of their opener with two extra steals. He’s cellular, standing 6 toes 9 inches tall. Leons went undrafted this summer time, however may very well be deal for the Thunder. He’s under no circumstances assured of a roster spot, however his distinctive skillset may very well be of curiosity to them.
The previous Northwestern Wildcat and Indiana Hoosier solely not too long ago performed in opposition to the Breakers. In 14 minutes of play, the sharp-shooting ahead completed with three factors and 6 whole rebounds, mixed with an help and a turnover. Kopp was not too long ago waived by the Thunder.
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