OKC Thunder: Darius Bazley 2019-20 season and contract grades

Darius Bazley contract

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Bazley is in the first year of a rookie scale contract. He earned $2.2 million on the season. Gauging the value of a rookie scale deal cannot be done based on numbers alone. It needs to be based on how the player has developed and how they have fulfilled their role.

As far as development goes, Bazley has ticked almost every box asked of him. His bubble production showed that he has a very high ceiling and will be able to reach for that over the next three years of his deal.

Bazley only missed 11 of a possible 72 games with injury, all in one stretch before the COVID-19 hiatus. While he did not make any of the All-Rookie teams, he was a key role player in the OKC Thunder system.

He showed that he was not afraid of the moment so many times this season. He even collected a playoff double-double in the series against the Houston Rockets.

Contract grade  A+

Season Grade

With the exception of his early-season struggles adapting to being a pro, it is hard to fault Bazley’s rookie season. He played his role well and developed as you hope a 19-year old would. He was able to start and be successful in the absence of Gallinari. Overall a very solid rookie year.

Season Grade B+