OKC Thunder: 2 players who deserve increased role during final month

OKC Thunder No. 1) Tony Bradley

Coming into the year, one of the biggest weaknesses found within the rotation was at the center position, specifically in regard to its lackluster depth.

However, now four months later it appears that the position is arguably their deepest, what with them finding diamond in the rough type players throughout the year in Isaiah Roby and Moses Brown.

Less than a month ago, the OKC Thunder went about and added yet another player to the pivot rotation in Tony Bradley who, upon his arrival to the Sooner State, received high praise from his former Philadelphia 76ers teammate, Joel Embiid.

Since his debut, the 23-year-old former first-round pick has progressively seen his playing time increase and, in turn, his per-game stats have gone up with it.

Now, 10 games in, Bradley is finding himself logging 19.4 minutes per outing and putting up 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and just shy of a block on 65 percent shooting from the floor.

To put this into perspective, translated into per-36 minute conversions the fourth-year pro is posting 16.9 points, 13.4 boards, and 1.7 blocks.

At this point, we’re quite aware of what the OKC Thunder appear to have in the likes of current starting center, Brown, hence why he was inked to a long-term contract late last month.

Now, as we enter this final stretch of games, perhaps it could be in the best interest of the team to slowly decrease the minutes and role of the 21-year-old, whose status with the team seems safe moving forward, and, instead, push more playing time and importance onto Bradley.

Showcasing great mobility, rebounding skills, a knack for protecting the rim, and great size (6-10 with a 7-4 wingspan), Bradley managed to play himself into the first round four years ago after spending just one season at the collegiate level with the Tar Heels.

Entering restricted free agency this coming offseason, the youthful center could only benefit from an increased role during these final 17 games, while such a boost in playing time could give the OKC Thunder a better understanding of what they have in the big man and whether they should consider bringing him back for 2021-22.