OKC Thunder: Mike Dunleavy Junior May Be Missing Link

With the signing of Paul George, the OKC Thunder need to add a few more pieces to genuinely contend – could Mike Dunleavy Jr. be one of those pieces?

The NBA is a young man’s game. There is nothing an older player can offer. Right? Wrong, there is so much a player like Mike Dunleavy Junior can offer a team, especially the OKC Thunder. Dunleavy Jr is a hard-working, multi positional player who can knock down a three like not many others can. The fact he sits 37th all-time in the category is testament to this.

To get to this number, most players have to be close to the end of their careers. In fact, only Stephen Curry (10th), LeBron James (26th) and James Harden (31st) have meaningful playing time left. Dunleavy himself is 36 years old, so why should the OKC Thunder sign him?

Why Sign Dunleavy

For me there are a number of reasons this signing would make sense. After being waived by the Atlanta Hawks, Dunleav would be available for a veteran’s minimum, something the OKC Thunder need to take into account given how close they are to the luxury cap.

Dunleavy also satisfies a number of needs for the OKC Thunder. Dunleavy is a 38 percent career three point shooter. For a Thunder team who finished last in three point shooting last season, having a player who has a proven history of hitting the three would be of great benefit. Ironically, since Dunleavy Jnr left the Golden State Warriors he has shot the three at nearly 40 percent for the last ten years.

The OKC Thunder have a very young roster which is great for the future. However, there is a need for the now with Russell Westbrook having a player option next year. Now Paul George has arrived, his impending free agency next year as well places greater pressure on winning. The experience a veteran like Dunleavy  brings is invaluable. His voice will be added to Nick Collison, Westbrook, Taj Gibson and George to help the younger players through a tough season.

Dunleavy will also assist player development. Andre Roberson is one of the better defenders in the league. Dunleavy Jnr and he will play the same positions assuming Roberson re-signs. If Dunleavy can impart some wisdom to Roberson which makes him even slightly better, the signing has been worth it. The same goes for Jerami Grant.

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However, it is the work Dunleavy will do with the recently drafted Terrance Ferguson which will benefit the OKC Thunder in the long run. Ferguson is still raw. Despite his stint in Australia playing against grown men, the NBA is a totally different ball game.

I know there are a number of potential drawbacks of signing MikeDunleavy.  He is old, in NBA terms at 36. He also has a recent history with a back injury. I am not suggesting Dunleavy would play big minutes. He certainly would not. With Roberson (hopefully), Doug McDermott, Grant, Ferguson and Alex Abrines in line for a small forward/shooting guard role, Mike Dunleavy  would be the veteran presence.

Even with the signing of George the OKC Thunder are not there yet, it might be signings like this out of left field which get them over the hump that is the Golden State Warriors.