OKC Thunder signing of Kevin Hervey to 2-way deal is a smart decision
The OKC Thunder decision to sign Kevin Hervey to a two-way contract is partially a reward for his efforts with the OKC Blue and to help the varsity squad.
The OKC Thunder have rewarded 6’9″ forward Kevin Hervey with a two-way contract. To make room they have waived Devon Hall who will now spend the rest of the season with the OKC Blue.
Hervey has been really solid in the G-League for the OKC Blue. He has only played three games due to injury but in his time has averaged 19.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 assists per game.
These numbers are boosted by Hervey’s slash line, he is shooting 47.6 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from the perimeter and 42.9 percent from the stripe. The obvious weakness there is the free throw shooting but were he to be playing NBA rules, he would have a higher percentage,
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In the G-League they are running a trial for a new rule of one free throw per foul, not two. Most poor free throw shooters tend to get the second as they can gauge where they went wrong on the first shot.
Hervey has also been good from deep, a 6’9″ forward shooting almost 37 percent from deep is great for floor spacing. His ability to pull his defender away from the hoop was key to Luguentz Dort‘s scoring in the paint.
The OKC Thunder have a real need for Hervey, the game against the Utah Jazz on this road trip highlighted this. When starting power forward Danilo Gallinari sat out due to an ankle injury, the Thunder had to start rookie Darius Bazley.
This was not a problem because the Thunder still won but it exposed their lack of depth in the frontcourt. Mike Muscala can play the power forward position. However, Hervey can also play the small forward role.
With Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo out, the Thunder have turned to Abdel Nader in the starting role. Once again this is not a problem the Thunder has only lost four games with him starting. Once again, Hervey gives options here as well.
Ultimately, this was a smart move by the OKC Thunder. Hervey may not play much once the full team returns to health. However, he is going to help once he returns from his ankle injury. For full highlights of Hervey in summer league, click here