Former OKC Thunder forward returns to Oklahoma City as the BIG3 comes to the Peake

Ice Cube’s BIG3 League will make its first stop in Oklahoma City; find out which former OKC Thunder player will return to the Peake this summer.

Due to the OKC Thunder being eliminated in the first round in three consecutive seasons Oklahoma City has grown hungry for summer basketball. Perhaps, Ice Cube’s BIG3 League coming to town can help fill the large void.

Approaching the third year of existence the BIG3 will make its first stop in Oklahoma City, and it’s second stop ever in Oklahoma. During the inaugural campaign, the BIG3 League made an appearance in Tulsa at the BOK center in 2017.

The BIG3 League is exactly as its name sounds. It features a three on three style of play, rather than the NBA’s model of five on five. Much-like secondary football leagues, the BIG3 does not possess the same following as the NBA, but it’s not supposed to because it is vastly different. With that said, the BIG3 is not lacking star power or players with ample personality.

Familiar Faces in New Places

Former Thunder forward Perry Jones III was selected 28th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, by the OKC Thunder. Jones spent three years with the franchise, before being traded to the Celtics for a second round pick.

After departing via trade, Jones never played another NBA game. Now, he is a member of the Enemies; who are one of three expansion teams joining the BIG3 for the 2019 campaign. Jones is the youngest player in the BIG3 and is joined by notable teammates Gilbert Arenas, Lamar Odom, and Royce White. The team rounds out with Craig Smith and Frank Robinson.

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Other notable players in the league include:

• Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis
• Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen
• Baron Davis
• Drew Gooden
• Rashard Lewis
• Stephen Jackson*
• Mario Chalmers (Another former OKC Thunder player)
• Reggie Evans
• Larry Sanders
• Jermaine O’Neal
• Mike Bibby*
• Carlos Boozer*
• Amar’e Stoudemire
• Nate Robinson
• Joe Johnson
• Jason Terry*
• Al Jefferson
• Greg Oden*
• Brandon Rush*
• Josh Smith
• Will Bynum

Those marked with an * indicate they will appear in OKC. Roster information provided by SB Nation.

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About the BIG3 League

The season lasts for the duration of the summer months, as it is made up of an 11-week campaign including the playoffs and finals. Week one kicks off June 22, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, which is home to the Pistons. The season will conclude on September 1, inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

In the first two years, the BIG3 would visit one city per week playing four games. With the addition of three expansion teams; the BIG3 will visit two city’s per week with six teams playing three games in each town.

The BIG3 will visit Oklahoma City during week five; featuring the Aliens versus the Ghost Ballers, the Ball Hogs will face the Killer 3’s, and last but not the least, Trilogy will battle the Enemies. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm CST on July 21, tickets go on sale today; they can be purchased at Vivid Seats.

Basketball used to be confined to a sixth month time period. With with NBA’s summer league and now Ice Cube’s BIG3 league basketball is becoming a year-round sport. Although the BIG3 is not NBA caliber competition, there are plenty of former NBA players scattered throughout the league.

When the BIG3 visited Tulsa in 2017 the turnout was impressive. Therefore, it will be intriguing to see if Oklahoma City can recreate the same atmosphere. Is OKC full of Thunder fans, or have the Thunder truly transformed OKC into a basketball hub? The crowd in attendance when July rolls around will be revealing.