The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the midst of a successful rebuild. Budding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the team leader. Josh Giddey displayed signs of stardom last year prior to an injury. And the team recently selected Gonzaga standout Chet Holmgren with the number 2 overall pick in the draft. Although their roster may not be ready to contend just yet, OKC could speed up the process with a strong approach in 2022 NBA Free Agency.
The Thunder have Holmgren locked in at center and a backcourt consisting of Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander. So their greatest needs stem from the forward positions. With that being said, let's take a look at 3 players the Thunder must sign during 2022 NBA Free Agency.
Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
3 players Thunder must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency
3. Cody Martin
Cody Martin won't make or break a team. But the 26-year old would fit in nicely with the Thunder's emerging core.
He has developed into a true three-and-D player over the years. Martin labored from three-point range during his first two NBA seasons. However, he shot over 38 percent this past season in Charlotte with the Hornets. He added a strong 48 percent field goal percentage as well. Martin is also a strong on-ball defender who averaged 1.2 steals per contest in 2021-2022.
At 6-5, Martin is undersized for the small forward position. But his strength and athleticism make up for it. It should be noted that he is a restricted free agent, meaning the Hornets can match any offer on the table. But they will be focused on retaining Miles Bridges which means Martin could fall to another team in free agency.
And the Thunder would be smart to take a chance on him.
Otto Porter Jr has been listed as a potential fit for a number of different teams. His versatility and shooting prowess make him a desirable option on the free agent market.
OKC's lack of depth at the forward positions would automatically be enhanced given Porter Jr's ability to run the wing or play in the post. He profiles as both a small and power forward which is exactly what the Thunder need.
Prying him away from the Warriors will be extremely difficult. Porter Jr may not want to join a rebuilding team after winning a championship in Golden State. But the potential of being a starter in Oklahoma City could entice the 29-year old.
The Thunder would drastically improve as a team if they could pull off signing Otto Porter Jr.
1. Bruce Brown Jr
Bruce Brown Jr made a name for himself in Brooklyn with the Nets. Brown Jr is a four-year player who has spent time with the Pistons and Nets. He enjoyed his best season during the 2021-2022 NBA season, when he averaged 9 points per contest on 40 percent three-point shooting to go along with 1 steal per game.
Bruce Brown Jr is extremely versatile. At just 6'4 and 200 pounds, he has been listed at point guard, shooting guard, and small forward over the course of his career according to his basketball reference page. Adding Brown Jr would force OKC into utilizing a small-ball approach. But they could help Chet Holmgren by adding a rebound-first power forward.
The Thunder need to look into signing Bruce Brown Jr. He is talented and could develop with OKC's young core given his age of 25.
Follow Us
Subscribe