The OKC Thunder sent Dakari Johnson to join the OKC Blue at the G- League showcase event. With General Managers and managers in attendance could this be an opportunity to showcase Johnson with a view to trading the big man?
This week the G-League showcase offers ample opportunities for teams to spot upcoming stars and highlight players they wish to trade.
This season Dakari Johnson has spent a majority of his playing time with the OKC Thunder after a stint in the G League. Josh Huestis is also a product of the G League playing for the OKC Blue last season.
Yesterday the OKC Thunder announced that they are sending Dakari Johnson to the OKC Blue. He’ll join the team in Mississauga, Ontario where the showcase is taking place.
Johnson appeared in 19 games with the OKC Thunder this season. Also noteworthy, he started five times. Johnson averaged 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game.
However, last season for the OKC Blue, Johnson averaged 18.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 49 games for the OKC Blue. The situation with Johnson and the OKC Thunder is the fact that Steven Adams is the anchor of the OKC Thunder’s center position.
When Johnson played for the OKC Thunder he averaged just 1.8 shot attempts per game. In the G League, Johnson averaged 12. That is the biggest difference in Johnson’s numbers.
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It’s unclear at this point of the OKC Thunder are hoping to move Johnson and his contract of 1.8 million dollars before the trade deadline. Although, sending him to the G League showcase would be a wise way to do just that.
Yesterday, the OKC Blue took on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in G league action. The OKC Blue won the game 110-108 behind Daniel Hamilton, who took a page out of the Russell Westbrook playbook.
Hamilton tallied 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists last night for the Blue. Former Oklahoma State Cowboy player Markel Brown added 22 points for the Blue as well. But, it was PJ Dozier who hit the last second shot off a steal to seal the victory for the OKC Blue.
Currently, the OKC Blue is leading the Midwest division of the G League. With a record of 15-11, the OKC Blue is one of the top teams in the G League. I would recommend going to seeing an OKC Blue game before the season ends. They have some electric players who could very well become the next stars of the NBA.