NBA Summer League: OKC Thunder show strength in organization via win

Player Grades

OKC Starting Rotation:

Daniel Hamilton lead the G-League in triple-doubles a year ago, so it is clear he is a stat sheet stuffer. This Summer League has been no different. Hamilton pulled off another near triple-double tonight. He posted 12-points, to go along with his 9-rebounds from the point guard position and 7-assists.

With OKC still searching for their third string point guard, that search party might conclude soon. Hamilton put on back-to-back displays, this time in front of Billy Donovan. Hamilton showed off his ability to finish at the rim, even while drawing contact tonight.

Another day, another disappointing night from Terrance Ferguson. He showcased his hops when he jumped out of the gym, his head above the rim, and swatted a shot away late in the first half. Expectations were high for Ferguson coming into Summer League action. With NBA experience under his belt, and a year older, fans and the organization expected him to take another leap.

Yesterday, I chalked it up to first game jitters. Today, there is no excuse. Going up against a talentless Nets squad. Ferguson went 1-7 from the field ( 12-percent). From three he was even worse. Terrance Ferguson did not connect on a single 3-pointer on six shots.

P.J. Dozier shoved Sameji Christon to the deck at the start of the fourth quarter. Derek Fisher also mentioned him–or rather the number he wears–on the game broadcast. Fisher took umbrage with the fact the Thunder handed out Kevin Durant’s number 35. That is an article for another day. As for the play by Dozier, it was impressive.

P.J. Dozier turned in an 8-point effort (on 44-percent shooting), while collecting 5-rebounds, and adding a steal defensively.

Yesterday, I talked about how RaShawn Thomas stole my NBA Summer League heart. The OKC native, and someone who looks like he just got off the Harlem globe trotters tour bus, gave fans a lot to get excited about. Today, Rashawn Thomas and his glorious afro-headband combo turned heads yet again. And no, they were not just looking at his previously mentioned hair.

The power forward was active on the glass. He pulled down a total of 11-boards to lead all Thunder teammates, and filled the bucket 3-times for 8-points (42-percent). His Summer League block party continued as he swatted a couple more shots tonight. His active hands also earned him a steal in the contest.

Dakari Johnson was the biggest man on the floor tonight, and it showed. He pulled off some impressive moves down low, and also used his body to get to the basket. His stat-line, much like yesterday, will pop off the page.

The 7-footer is also the biggest body on the floor, and one of the oldest players on the hardwood as well. Dominating the Summer League for a guy like Dakari Johnson does not give much room for excitement. He has done this before, a rare NBA Summer League veteran.

Johnson is still too slow, too one-dimensional, and has too much competition on the depth chart to truly make an impact on the Thunder roster.

Dakari Johnson led the team in scoring yesterday, and scored 11 more points tonight. He hauled in 5-more-rebounds and even dished out 4-assists.