OKC Thunder: Kevin Hervey signs 1-year deal with Russian squad

OKC Thunder two-way player Kevin Hervey heads to Russia to play with the Lokomotiv Kuban squad of the VTB League

Talent is the primary consideration that influences how a player integrates from an amateur into their professional career. However, timing, circumstance, and the situation can become primary factors as well. Such was the case for two of the OKC Thunder two-way players this season.

Luguentz Dort produced in the G-League and made the most of his varsity time when injury struck. Dort became so integral to the Thunder success he quite literally stole the starting role from Terrance Ferguson who never seemed as inspired as the Canadian to reclaim it.

Kevin Hervey was another two-way player but his situation was vastly different. Like Dort, Hevey produced with the OKC Blue but the opportunities to perform with the varsity weren’t as frequent.

Circumstance didn’t afford an opening for Hervey either. The Thunder frontcourt had two bigs they were comfortable splitting the time between (Steven Adams, and Nerlens Noel). Priority went to Danilo Gallinari given his talent and others like Mike Muscala, and the numerous young wings needed to get their playing time.

Moreover, with Billy Donovan utilizing the trio of point guards in their clutch time lineup there simply wasn’t an opening that afforded Hevey a similar shot to make an impact. He appeared in 10 games for a total of 52 minutes.

OKC Thunder forward Kevin Hervey signs with Russian team

With the exit of Billy Donovan and uncertainty about the immediate direction of the franchise, next season could look quite similar or vastly different.

Of the 17 players from this season’s roster, eight are locked in contracts. Another three (Gallo, Andre Roberson, and Nerlens Noel) are free agents while four are either under player (Muscala) or team options (Hamidou Diallo, Abdel Nader, and Deonte Burton).

Hervey and Devon Hall were the Thunder two-way players who are contracted by individual seasons.

Moreover, players like Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams all could on the trade block. Without a decision on a coach yet or clear delineation of the path, Sam Presti will take for the next few years players like Kevin Hervey either have to take a chance a shift was coming and the opportunity would present itself or end up waiting for decisions to be made.

It’s likely Hervey’s agent spoke to Sam Presti and it’s equally likely the executive VP was unable to make any promises since he likely wants to nail down a coach first.

With that in mind news that Hervey elected to accept a one-year deal in Russia playing with the Lokomotiv Kuban squad in the VTB League isn’t surprising. The schedule for the VTB League typically runs in concert with the NBA. Their schedule for 2020-21 began this past week (September 20th) and runs until  April 25, 2021, when playoffs will begin.

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This is significant because the NBA 2020-21 campaign won’t likely begin until January of next year. That means the 24-year old could potentially get more experience and return to the States and join a varsity squad or G-League affiliate part way through next season. With the Thunder having a good relationship with Hervey that could result in his return to OKC.

While in Russia, Hervey needs to work on his shooting efficiency and constancy. The UT Arlington alum demonstrated potential from deep in college but that didn’t transfer into his professional career.

Hervey is a quality character guy and fit in well with the OKC Thunder. Wishing him well in Russia and hopefully, he’ll grow his game for a future date back in the NBA.