Youngsters shine in first OKC Thunder Summer League win – 3 takeaways

Darius Bazley #7 of the the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Darius Bazley #7 of the the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKC Thunder
Darius Bazley #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Darius Bazley, the OKC Thunder’s first-round draft pick, finally played!

Darius Bazley has had an interesting path to the NBA Draft.

Bazley elected to be a New Balance intern instead of going down the traditional college route. That means he has not played true, organized basketball in over a year. Since he was traded on draft night, Bazley could not play on Saturday because the trade and his contract situations were not settled. He inked his deal last night, had one practice with the organization, and hit the floor today.

The OKC Thunder first-round pick showed off his playmaking ability in this contest, dishing out a pair of assists and unleashing a block defensively, two things he has flashed an ability to do in what limited film he does have.

The lengthy forward had a solid debut and should look even more comfortable tomorrow afternoon against the Croatia team.