The OKC Thunder affiliate the OKC Blue is humming along with standout performers like DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell who is making a bid for Sixth Man of the Year in the G-League.
OKC Thunder affiliate the OKC Blue has started the season well. After the first three games, they are 2-1. Luguentz Dort, Kevin Hervey and Myke Henry have all played extremely well in this start. However, there is one name that requires closer attention, DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell.
The 6’4″ guard played seven games for the Denver Nuggets last year as a two-way player. The OKC Blue picked him up and what a boon he has been this season. In the three games, Akoon-Purcell has averaged 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game, all the while coming off the bench.
He is shooting at 63.4 percent from the floor, 53.8 percent from deep and 100 percent from the line. In the first two games, he scored 66 percent of all bench points. Due to Deonte Burton and Devon Hall being assigned to the G-League for a game, I have not included the Westchester game.
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His play is deserving of a starting spot but it looks like coach Grant Gibbs is happy for Akoon-Purcell to come off the bench. At the end of the game against Westchester Akoon-Purcell was interviewed about his game and the fact he had NBA experience. Akoon-Purcell said he was just here to play and win.
This is a player who has bought into the system and accepts his role. He is an affiliate player so there is a good chance that if his play continues and the OKC Thunder requires it, he could easily be called up to the varsity squad.
However, if he is allowed to continue to play his role, there is a really good chance that he will win the Sixth Man of the Year award for the G-League.
It is too early for many candidates to present themselves for this honor. T.I. will keep you informed of Akoon-Purcell’s, and the entire team’s progress.