Reviewing Josh Huestis’ second NBA season
By Tony Heim
Josh Huestis played a total of 31 minutes in his second NBA season. He played extremely well in that short amount of time, but the OKC Thunder obviously still have their concerns.
There isn’t much to talk about when it comes to Josh Huestis’ second NBA season. The 25-year old (yikes) only appeared in two games this year, three less than his rookie season while also recording 24 less minutes. But Huestis’ season could be considered a slight success.
Oklahoma City drafted Huestis in 2014 with the hope that he would turn into a solid 3 and D win player. His development has been slower than the Thunder would hope, but a quick look at Huestis’ D-League statistics shows the former Stanford forward took a huge leap this season.
2015-2016 D-League statistics: 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, .9 assists, 1.4 blocks, 39.7% fgp, 31.3% 3pfg
2016-2017 D-League statistics: 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.7 blocks, 44.5% fg, 38.5% 3pfg
Huestis increased his numbers in virtually every category this season, but the biggest positive is the 7% increase from deep. The 6-7 forward has proven he’s a capable defender, but his inability to be an average offensive player has kept him from playing consistent minutes. Huestis isn’t Andre Roberson on offense, but he also is nowhere near Roberson on defense.
Huestis’ highlights
Huestis played really well in his lone game playing quality minutes this season. (Disclaimer: It was against the Denver Nuggets in the last game of the season.) He finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks in 24 minutes of playing time. The 25-year old played like Jerami Grant the rim protector, coming over to help his teammates multiple times for blocks.
It’s performances like these that give the Thunder front office reason to believe Huestis can be a quality backup small forward. But there’s a reason why he hasn’t played much since being drafted; Huestis has a whole lot he still needs to work on.
Even though he’s a solid defender, Billy Donovan noted earlier in the year how Huestis has to work on his defense in the pick & roll, let alone virtually every aspect on the offensive end. Everyone in the organization praises his work ethic so there’s reason that he’ll make the proper adjustments. But how much faith can we put in a soon-to-be fourth year player that’s already 25?
Huestis’ future
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Currently Huestis is under contract through next season, on pace to make a little over $1.2 million. The Thunder have a club option for him in the 2018-2019 season for only $2.2 million so expect him to be around for a couple more seasons. But if Huestis doesn’t take a big leap during that time than his NBA chances are most likely over.
Even the rawest of NBA prospects get a chance to play in their first couple of seasons. Roberson spent his rookie season playing with both the Thunder and Blue, yet he still started 16 games in the NBA that year. Huestis hasn’t even appeared in 8 games since being drafted 3 years ago.
I have my doubts with Josh Huestis. At 25 he should have at least appeared in double-digit games this season, let alone for his career. He’s also been a solid contributor the few times he’s played while showing vast improvement in the D-League.
Ultimately Huestis has to consistently contribute next season or else we will have to stop considering him a legitimate prospect for the Thunder.