Canadian Kyle Alexander is playing well in the G-League and is worth the OKC Thunder taking a risk on signing to bolster their frontcourt depth.
The OKC Thunder are currently sitting in seventh in the NBA’s Western Conference. However, with a cupboard full of first round draft picks, they are looking to get back to even greater relevance in a hurry.
Part of this process is taking young talents as projects and developing them. Currently, the OKC Thunder are trying to develop Justin Patton who has spent the majority of this season with the OKC Thunder G-League affiliate the OKC Blue
However, Patton is a center who does not play the power forward position well. The Thunder need to start looking further afield for potential candidates for a developmental role, especially since it’s likely Danilo Gallinari will be traded.
This is why I believe the Thunder should take a look at Sioux Falls Skyforce Kyle Alexander. The Canadian native, who played his college ball in Tennessee, is 6’10” and can play .both the center and the power forward position.
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Alexander was on the cusp of NBA play at the start of the season, signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat on July 15. He was waived prior to the season commencing on October 19.
Since then he has been an integral part of the Skyforce squad. In 16 games Alexander has averaged 11.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.1 assists per game. These numbers are certainly good enough for the Thunder to take a second look.
With the varsity squad of the OKC Thunder doing so well, it is time to take a look at developing younger players as well. They are doing a good job on Darius Bazley, his defense is becoming really solid. Patton is developing in the G-League but there is not enough depth at the forward slot.
Kyle Alexander is a hard working, young energetic type player. If he was to sign with the Thunder, he would be mentored by the likes of Steven Adams and that is a good thing. He would also team up with fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander which would be fun to watch.