The Oklahoma City Thunder are bringing in four new rookies this season. In order to accommodate the additions of Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams, they decided to part ways with Isaiah Roby.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Thunder will waive the 24-year-old Roby:
Roby started in 62 of the 109 games he played for the Thunder in his three-year career. Last season was the best of his career, as he averaged 10.1 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from deep. He will most likely be picked up by another team as a backup forward.
Holmgren will likely fill the lineup spot Roby left. The lanky forward from Gonzaga is happy to get to work with the Thunder, who will most definitely need his defensive abilities. Although Roby was also a solid defender for OKC, Holmgren's size and long arms make him more likely to have an impact at the next level.
Not only will Holmgren help Oklahoma City's need for defense, but so will Dieng and both of the Williamses. Each of them has shown energy on that end and could also become key offensive contributors in the future.
Oklahoma City has a long way to go before becoming a good team again. That all starts with getting minutes for their key young players. They may also look to trade Daris Bazley and/or Kenrich Williams. Regardless, the Thunder will be very young and very bad again this season.