OKC Thunder open Day 4 in Vegas versus the Philadelphia 76ers

The OKC Thunder appears headed for a rebuild, so it’s time for youngsters like Hamidou Diallo and Darius Bazley to show out at Summer League. With that, let’s preview Game 2.

After the Paul George trade and the Russell Westbrook trade rumors floating around on social media, summer league has suddenly become a key event for OKC Thunder fans to pay attention to.

My rule of thumb regarding Summer League is if you’re a second year player struggling in Summer League, you most likely don’t belong on an NBA roster at the moment. In addition to that, if you’re a third year player even playing in Summer League, you’re in big trouble.

With that in mind, it’s key for players like Hamidou Diallo and Deonte Burton to really show out during summer league. With OKC heading towards a rebuild, these young players should be getting quite a lot of regular season minutes so it’s key for these players to show the improvements they have made over the offseason. Diallo certainly flashed improvements in the first game versus the Jazz on Saturday (although on mediocre efficiency).

Will Darius Bazley suit up versus the Sixers on Monday?

Darius Bazley, OKC’s first round pick this year, officially signed his rookie deal on Sunday is now eligible to play in the Summer League. However, his status is to be determined for Monday’s game versus the 76ers. For Bazley these games are a chance to show off his point forward skill set that he’s rarely shown over the past year due to him taking a year off competitive basketball for a New Balance internship.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth analysis on Darius Bazley, check out this Thunderous Intentions article.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1148033851773652992

Projected Lineups:

OKC Thunder Roster:

Guards:

• Deonte Burton
• Hamidou Diallo
• Devin Cannady
• Khadeen Carrington
• Luguentz Dort
• Jawun Evans
• Devon Hall

Forwards:

• Donte Grantham
• Emanuel Terry
• Kevin Hervey
• Emmanuel Terry
• Darius Bazley (TBD)

Centers:

• Yannis Morin

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

Philadelphia 76ers Roster:

Guards:

• PJ Dozier
• Deshon Taylor
• Matisse Thybulle
• Zhaire Smith
• Shake Milton
• Sheldon Mac

Forwards:

• A.J. Davis
• Marial Shayok
• Jalen Jones
• Haywood Highsmith
• Terry Harris

Centers:

• Norvel Pelle
• Christ Koumadje
• Zach Hankins

The 76ers have an exciting Summer League team headlined by last years 16th overall pick Zhaire Smith, an uber athletic guard who is a walking highlight reel and a prospect Philly fans are excited about.

In addition to Smith, the 76ers have zone defense specialist Matisse Thybulle, second year player Shake Milton and former Iowa State star Marial Shayok. Their roster also features former OKC  rookie P.J. Dozier, who infamously became the first OKC Thunder player (and likely the last) to wear number 35 after Kevin Durant’s departure.

Fan Data:

The Venue: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Tip: 3:00 PM ET (2:00 CT), Monday, July 8th, 2019
TV: ESPNU

Check back post game for our player grades and quick insights on the match.