Continuing with the coverage of the OKC Thunder exit interviews. TI brings you highlights from Josh Huestis, Dakari Johnson, Kyle Singler and Corey Brewer.
In this edition of OKC Thunder exit interviews, we have highlights from an underutilized player (Josh Huestis). The rookie (Dakari Johnson), the late-season addition (Corey Brewer), and the bench rider (Kyle Singler).
First up of this group will be Josh Huestis, who despite limited playing time had his most productive season as a pro.
Huestis gave his evaluation of his season
"If you compare this year to the last few years, obviously it’s a huge step forward for me in terms of working my way into the rotation, being a guy that sees minutes in big games. So obviously that was a huge step forward. There were ups and downs for me this year, but it’s not linear. It’s not a linear trajectory up. It’s going to be ups and downs and all that. Anybody who thinks that it’s always going to be sunshine is kind of crazy."
The way the OKC Thunder have handled Huestis has been quite bizarre. Huestis was the first ever domestic draft and stash player selected in the first round. Josh chose to forgo his guaranteed rookie contract spending his first season in the D-league.
Huestis played a career-high 69 games during the 2017-18 season. Previously Huestis had played no more than five games in a single season. Playing 69 games was a tremendous step forward. In those 69 appearances he played over 20 minutes,16 times. The OKC Thunder went 11-5 in those 16 games.
On free agency
"Yeah, I mean, it’s obviously unfamiliar territory for me. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. It’s obviously something that is a big deal, but it’s exciting. There’s hope, and wherever I end up — obviously I’d like to stay in Oklahoma. It’s the only place I’ve known. I’ve made a home here, and I love the city, love the team, the organization."
Huestis has been a constant professional during his tenure with the Thunder, he credits his time with Nick Collison for that. It would be nice to see Huestis continue to rock Thunder blue. This scribe wants to see Huestis go to a team where he can play within a system to maximize his strengths.