OKC Thunder tap Devon Hall to fill void left by Dort signing

With Luguentz Dort inking a varsity deal the OKC Thunder tapped Devon Hall to fill the void it leaves.

As expected the OKC Thunder signed Luguentz Dort to a varsity contract. This left a second opening for a two-way contracted player. As per Erik Horne of the Athletic, the Thunder is filling the open spot with Devon Hall.

UPDATE: the Thunder clarified Hall will be a substitute player in Orlando rather than on a two-way contract.

Fans will recall Hall from the 2018 NBA Draft when the Thunder selected the guard in the second round with the 53rd pick. The University of Virginia product spent his rookie year in Australia prior to finishing up playing three games with the OKC Blue late last season.

OKC Thunder gives Devon Hall second shot:

Hall began this season on a two-way contract but was waived in order for the team to sign Kevin Hervey to a two-way deal. At the time the Thunder required more depth up front and Hervey served those needs. In addition, with Billy Donovan utilizing the three point guard lineup and Dort already showcasing growth with expertise defensively Hall became the odd man out.

The guard appeared in five games with the varsity squad primarily in garbage time averaging 1.0 point and 0.6 assists in four minutes. The majority of his time was spent riding the pine although he appeared in two blow out losses in November gaining 7:00 in both games. Prior to his release, he played in three successive December games, all in garbage time.

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In his 30 games as a starter for the OKC Blue, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 0.7 steals. The rebounding is a bonus given his 6’2″ height but his shooting is his strength although he tends to be streaky.

His shooting splits with the Blue are 45.4 percent from the field, 36 percent from the perimeter, and 86 percent from the stripe. Hall mixes up his shots taking 11.7 attempts from two-point range and 6.6 from deep connecting on 5.3 and 2.4 respectively.

In February, Hall and Abdul Gaddy were selected as members of the 2020 USA AmeriCup Qualifying Team.

While it’s not likely Hall will see much time on the court in Orlando there will be some opportunity. With all teams being cautious about working the players back into game shape it could mean Billy Donovan will go deeper into his bench. Every team is expected to receive one back-to-back set within the eight seeded games. In addition, Hall will likely be used to help prepare the core players in practices.

The OKC Thunder had ample time to consider their options since it was inevitable Lu Dort would get the varsity deal. The best G-League performances came primarily from other two-way contracted players on opponent’s rosters.

Again, Hall won’t likely see much time on the hardwood so his presence will be more useful in practice or if an injury occurs. Playing under the Thunder system for two years with the Blue if there is an injury it means he’ll be well versed in the team’s style.