| News |
|---|
|
Emoni Bates Nikola Topic (knee) expected to miss next season
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 10:03 AM
ThunderWire
Nikola Topic is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn ACL on July 24.
Analysis: Topic injured his knee in May, with it being reported in early June that he was dealing with a partially torn ACL. The resulting surgery turns the 2024-25 campaign into a âredshirtâ year for the 6-foot-6 guard, making him a non-factor in redraft leagues. However, Topic is worth stashing in dynasty leagues due to his playmaking ability. Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being Oklahoma City's primary building block, there's the belief that Topic can lead the second unit once healthy. |
|
Dillon Jones Dillon Jones bounces back, scores 17 points
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 4:45 PM
Dillon Jones shot 7-of-15 from the field and 1-of-3 from the foul line in Saturday's loss to the Raptors, amassing 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers in 29 minutes.
Analysis: After playing well in his first two games in Salt Lake City to begin the week, Jones' production took a hit in Oklahoma City's finale on Wednesday. He got back on track in his Vegas debut, even if the Thunder were on the wrong end of a blowout. While Jones may not offer significant fantasy value in redraft leagues, his upside is high enough to merit being selected in dynasty formats. |
|
Emoni Bates Ajay Mitchell continues to produce, scores 15 PTS
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 4:42 PM
Ajay Mitchell recorded a stat line of 15 points (6-of-18 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers in 30 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: Mitchell did not have a great night shooting the basketball, as he was 4-of-13 from inside the 3-point line, but he was once again productive as a playmaker. Only Keyontae Johnson (four assists) had more helpers than the 38th overall pick in last month's draft, and Mitchell also tallied three steals. Like Adam Flagler, Mitchell is on a two-way contract, and Oklahoma City's perimeter depth means both will get most of their playing time in the G League. |
|
Emoni Bates Ajay Mitchell leads Thunder with 21 points in win
Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 4:42 PM
Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 21 points (7-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, one assist and one triple in an 80-77 win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Analysis: It has been a fantastic three days stretch for Mitchell. 24 hours after he had a double-double, he dropped a team-high 21 points to lead the Thunder to a win. He is averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game so far this summer, which is excellent production for a second-round pick on a stacked team. It will be difficult for him to earn much of a role in year one, but he has shown that he may be able to eventually earn a spot in the rotation, even if it takes a few seasons. |
|
Ousmane Dieng Ousmane Dieng stuffs stat sheet with 17/4/8/0/4
Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 4:37 PM
Ousmane Dieng posted a well-rounded line on Wednesday with 17 points (7-of-20 FGs), four rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, three 3-pointers and six turnovers against Memphis.
Analysis: Dieng has been an interesting player to keep an eye on this summer, and the results have been a mixed bag. He didn't have a great shooting night in this one, but he was once again able to provide plenty of stats across the board. Dieng won't play big minutes for the Thunder this upcoming season, but he should be part of their rotation after playing just 11.1 minutes in 33 appearances last year. This will be a big season for Dieng, and he'll need to take a step forward to keep fantasy managers optimistic. |
|
Dillon Jones Dillon Jones struggles in win over Grizzlies
Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 4:31 PM
Dillon Jones struggled with his shot on Wednesday but still contributed seven points (2-of-11 FGs), six rebounds, five assists, three steals and one triple against Memphis.
Analysis: Jones shined on Tuesday, but playing his third game in as many days, he wasn't able to replicate that shooting performance in this one. Through three games, Jones is averaging 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The first round pick out of Weber State has played well overall this summer, though he has had two lackluster shooting nights. He will have to fight to be part of the rotation on a deep, competitive team during his rookie season. However, he has raised his dynasty stock this summer. |
|
Emoni Bates Ajay Mitchell records double-double vs. Jazz
Tue, Jul 9, 2024, 5:13 PM
Ajay Mitchell recorded a double-double on Tuesday with 11 points (5-of-9 FGs), two rebounds, 10 assists and one steal against Utah.
Analysis: The initial expectations for Mitchell may not have been as high since he was selected in the second round to a talented team. However, his first two Summer League games are encouraging. The UC Santa Barbara product posted a 14/3/4/3/2 line on Monday, and he followed that up with a double-double in this game. He signed a two-way deal with the Thunder, so he will likely spend a lot of time in the G-League this season. Still, if he continues to play this well, it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up being a major part of their future. |
|
Ousmane Dieng Ousmane Dieng records 20/5/5/1/1 line with 4 treys
Tue, Jul 9, 2024, 5:09 PM
Ousmane Dieng posted a full line on Tuesday with 20 points (8-of-18 FGs), five rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block and four 3-pointers against Utah.
Analysis: Third year players are supposed to dominate Summer League, but that wasn't the case in Dieng's first game on Monday. However, he was much better in his second appearance. He's still only 21 years old, and he was initially seen as a high-upside wing, so it isn't surprising that he hasn't played a consistent role for OKC so far. If he continues to play like he did in this game, there may still be hope for him. However, if he turns in more outings like he did in Monday's loss, it will be difficult to still believe in him. |
|
Dillon Jones Dillon Jones shines in big win over Utah Tuesday
Tue, Jul 9, 2024, 5:02 PM
Dillon Jones led the Thunder with 21 points (7-of-8 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and three 3-pointers in a 98-75 win over the Jazz on Tuesday.
Analysis: Jones played well in his Summer League debut on Monday, but he was on a different level in this one. It's still early, but he is looking like a steal for the Thunder. He was incredibly efficient from the floor and made an impact across the board. He didn't have as many rebounds and assists as he did against the 76ers, but he was a far better scoring option. Jones may struggle to see the floor much on a talented Thunder squad during his rookie season, but his early returns this summer are encouraging. |
|
Ousmane Dieng Ousmane Dieng struggles with shot, scores 10 PTS
Mon, Jul 8, 2024, 3:11 PM
Ousmane Dieng shot 3-of-14 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line in Monday's 102-92 loss to the 76ers, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer in 31 minutes.
Analysis: Having appeared in 72 games in his first two NBA seasons, this is a big summer for Dieng. The 6-foot-7 forward has the potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor but has failed to earn consistent rotation minutes in the NBA. With the Thunder bringing back most of the rotation that was the 1-seed in the West last season (and they added Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein), Dieng will face a difficult battle for consistent minutes once training camp opens in September. He's worth tracking during summer action, but the 21-year-old's fantasy ceiling remains low. |
|
Emoni Bates Ajay Mitchell scores 14 points in loss to 76ers
Mon, Jul 8, 2024, 3:04 PM
Ajay Mitchell logged 28 minutes in Monday's 102-92 loss to Philadelphia, accounting for 14 points (6-of-10 FGs), three rebounds, four assists, three steals, two blocks, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: After shining at UC Santa Barbara for three seasons, Mitchell was selected with the 38th overall pick in last month's draft. Oklahoma City acquired his draft rights from the Knicks and recently signed the young point guard to a two-way contract. In his summer debut, Mitchell was impactful on both ends of the floor, but he's in a difficult spot regarding fantasy potential in 2024-25. Of course, OKC has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Cason Wallace should also figure more prominently in the rotation after Josh Giddey was traded to the Bulls. |
|
Dillon Jones Dillon Jones plays 32 MIN in summer league debut
Mon, Jul 8, 2024, 3:00 PM
Dillon Jones recorded a stat line of nine points (4-of-11 FGs), 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 32 minutes in Monday's 102-92 loss to the 76ers.
Analysis: The 26th overall pick in last month's draft, Jones did not have his best night shooting the basketball. However, the former Weber State standout moved into the first round because of his all-around productivity. And that was on display, with Jones leading the Thunder in rebounding (ten) and assists (seven). The turnover count was higher than one would want, as he accumulated five, but that will happen when sharing the court with new teammates. Jones' fantasy impact as a rookie could be muted due to the depth that Oklahoma City has, but he'll be a solid option in dynasty leagues. |
|
Isaiah Hartenstein Isaiah Hartenstein agrees to deal with OKC
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 4:05 AM
Shams Charania on X
Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder.
Analysis: Hartenstein is heading back West after multiple seasons in New York. He was excellent when Mitchell Robinson was out last season, and now he'll fill out the center minutes behind Chet Holmgren. Hartenstein will provide OKC with a bigger center to help match up with players like Nikola Jokic out West. He won't be as productive in fantasy, but he will be an important part of the team's rotation. In New York, Robinson and Jericho Sims are the only centers currently on the roster. That could mean that another move is coming for them, but right now, it's looking like Robinson will see a minutes boost. |
|
Isaiah Joe Isaiah Joe agrees to four-year deal wtih OKC
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 3:07 AM
Shams Charania on X
Isaiah Joe has agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal to return to the Thunder, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Analysis: The Thunder are getting business done early on a Monday morning. Shortly after it was announced that they were giving Aaron Wiggins a new contract, Shams broke the news of this deal. Both Joe and Wiggins have been important rotation pieces for the Thunder in recent years, especially during their playoff run a few months ago. They'll continue to be vital reserves and make a large impact on winning, but they aren't players that will alter the fantasy landscape much. |
|
Aaron Wiggins Aaron Wiggins agrees to five-year deal with OKC
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 3:01 AM
Shams Charania on X
Aaron Wiggins has agreed to a five-year, $47 million deal to return to Oklahoma City, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Analysis: Wiggins was an important rotation piece for the Thunder last year, especially during the playoffs. He took on expanded minutes after Mark Daigneault benched Josh Giddey, and now Wiggins will have some job security on a team-friendly deal for the next five seasons. With how much talent they have on their team, he won't play a large enough role to impact fantasy often, but he will continue to be a really solid rotation player for them. |
|
Quinten Post Warriors select Quinten Post with No. 52 pick
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 5:01 PM
The Warriors selected Quinten Post with the No. 52 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Analysis: The 7-foot, 244-pound Dutch center has the size of a traditional big man, and he's got plenty of upside as an outside shooter. Post played two seasons at Mississippi State and transferred to Boston College for his final three collegiate seasons. Post won ACC Most Improved Player in 2022-23, but he took another step forward the following season. Post's 2023-24 campaign was the best of his career, as he averaged 17.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers. His shooting splits were an impressive 51.4% from the field, 43.1% from distance, and 82.1% from the charity stripe. Those numbers earned him All-ACC and ACC All-Defense honors. A 3-and-D big man can be pretty valuable to fantasy hoops managers, and Post could earn a spot on 12-team rosters if he can secure rotational minutes for the Thunder. Oklahoma City, which acquired this pick from Golden State, has Chet Holmgren in the starting lineup, but there is a need for additional interior depth. Post has the ability needed to help fill that void. |
|
Emoni Bates New York selects Ajay Mitchell with No. 38 pick
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 3:57 PM
The Knicks have selected Ajay Mitchell with the No. 38 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Analysis: After three seasons at UC Santa Barbara, Mitchell is ready to make the jump to the pros. In his final year as a Gaucho, Mitchell averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 triples on efficient shooting splits. The lefty is a crafty offensive player that showcased patience as both a scorer and a passer in college. He didn't test well athletically at the combine, and turnovers were a bit of an issue for him at times, but as an older prospect, he should be able to provide solid point guard play from day one. He's a 6'5â lead guard, which makes him an intriguing prospect. The Knicks are sending Mitchell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, so he'll look to establish himself as a backup behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Whether he can compete with Cason Wallace for minutes off the bench remains to be seen. |
|
Emoni Bates Report: OKC signs Alex Ducas to two-way contract
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 1:38 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Thunder have signed Alex Ducas to a two-way contract.
Analysis: Ducas has agreed to a two-way contract after spending five seasons at Saint Mary's, serving as a starter for the last three. In 2023-24, the 6-foot-6 Australian averaged 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2,4 3-pointers per game. Ducas shot nearly 43% from three as a fifth-year senior, and shooting and rebounding are his best attributes. Don't expect much from him as a rookie due to how loaded Oklahoma City is on the perimeter. |
|
Dillon Jones Knicks select Dillon Jones, send him to Thunder
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 10:00 PM
The Knicks selected Dillon Jones with the No. 26 pick in the draft and traded him to the Thunder in exchange for five second round picks.
Analysis: The 6-foot-5 Jones is a bit of a tweener position-wise, as there are questions regarding his fit at either shooting guard or small forward. The Weber State standout has the physical strength required to take on the three at the NBA level, and he can also handle some playmaking responsibilities on offense. While Jones did not shoot the ball well from three during his time at Weber State, he was an 82% foul shooter, a sign that there is room for positive growth. Jones played in 31 games for the Wildcats in 2023-24, averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers. After a successful college career, Jones will look to compete for minutes in OKC's rotation. His role will be incredibly different on a contending team in the NBA than it was in college, and while he may be able to adjust well, he may not be able to make much of a fantasy impact. |
|
Emoni Bates Nikola Topic drafted No. 12 by Oklahoma City
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 8:25 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Nikola Topic was selected by the Thunder with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Analysis: The young Serbian guard won't turn 19 until after the draft, which should make him appealing to the rebuilding teams searching for a player to orchestrate the offense. In 23 games this past season, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.1 triples, though he shot just 30.6% from beyond the arc. His deep shot is a question mark, as is his defense, however, his playmaking and finishing ability should both be strengths for him. Topic suffered a partially torn ACL in May, which will impact his development in the short term. Topic will likely miss time during training camp, but his ceiling is too high for this injury to dramatically impact how fantasy managers should view him. Oklahoma City, the No. 1 seed in Western Conference last season, has the luxury to take a big swing on a player with a top-5 ceiling. Topic's development could come along quicker than expected after Josh Giddey was traded to the Bulls shortly before the draft. |
Connect With Us:
