We’re going to do something crazy – step away from the OK3 talk and give the OKC Thunder training camp invites some love.
There’s something wonderful about NBA training camp. While most players are simply working themselves back into the daily grind of the NBA season, others are fighting to prove their value to front offices. The new rule allowing for 2 two-way players adds a new wrinkle to things. Now training camp invites with no chance of making the roster have something to fight for.
That’s the case with the OKC Thunder this training camp. The Thunder have used one of their two-way contracts on Daniel Hamilton, their second round pick in 2016. Oklahoma City doesn’t have to use both spots – it’s such a cheap contract there’s really no reason not too though.
The Thunder invited four players to their training camp this season. We already covered Isaiah Canaan; he’s likely battling Semaj Christon for the 15th and final full-time roster spot. That leaves three players hoping to impress Sam Presti and Billy Donovan, whether that’s for a two-way contract or a deal with the OKC Blue.
Let’s meet them.
Bryce Alford: Alford is probably the biggest name on this list. He played for the UCLA Bruins the last four years, starting at guard since his sophomore year. The 22-year old averaged over 15 points a game all three years while shooting nearly 40% from three.
ESPN reported that Alford had offers from other team but chose the Thunder because of their player development staff. Oklahoma City doesn’t have many shooting prospects besides Alex Abrines now so they’ll pay special attention to how he can defend Thunder point guards.
Markel Brown: Oklahoma State fans just perked up. Brown is an OSU legend after a brilliant four-year career. He was drafted in the second round in 2014 and played for the Nets from 2014-2016; he played for BC Khimki in Russia last season.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Brown is a versatile guard on both ends of the floor. He doesn’t rely on one skill, but a solid grasp of the entire game. At 25 and with past NBA experience, Brown could make an impression on the Thunder for a two-way contract, simply for his value as a plug-and-play option on nights Billy Donovan chooses to rest his players.
Rashawn Thomas: Thomas joins Brown as another local hero – the power forward out of Texas A&M Corpus Christi grew up and went to high school in Oklahoma City. Thomas went undrafted in the past draft, then played with the Thunder during Summer League.
The 23-year old is an intriguing defensive prospect. Thomas won the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 2 blocks and 1.6 steals a game. He’s 6’8 with a 7′ wingspan but not overly athletic; Thomas’ success stems from his heart. He’s nowhere close to NBA ready, but the Oklahoma City kid may have an opportunity to continue his dream in his hometown with the OKC Blue.