Takeaways from OKC Thunder first Summer League win

The OKC Thunder got their summer league underway against the Detriot Pistons on Sunday. A highly anticipated Summer League for the first time in a long time in Bricktown.

As the Thunder carry four rookies, two of which were drafted in the first round, and four players who saw NBA time last year for Oklahoma City, this was a recognizable Summer League roster.

Takeaways from OKC Thunder Summer League win

Grant Gibbs paced the sidelines as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory in their first NBA Summer League game of 2021, taking on the draft’s top pick Cade Cunningham.

As OKC Thunder fans gathered around the television to watch the team’s top pick, Josh Giddey, in a Thunder uniform for the first time…That lasted just five minutes. The Australian native left the contest with a sprained left ankle.

It is unclear the timeline for his return, but coach Gibbs confirmed to the media that Giddey was not dealing with this issue before the game.

The biggest takeaway from the Team’s first Summer League contest is that Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was worth the investment. When Sam Presti leaped up two spots in the second round at the expense of two second-round picks, a lot of eyebrows were raised.

Robinson-Earl at 6’9 was tasked with playing center for the majority of this contest. He logged 27-minutes, pouring in 14-points, hauling in six rebounds, and swiping two steals as well as swatting a shot on the defensive end.

The Villanova product also showed floor spacing promise, going 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, but the mechanics were no problem.

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While Theo Maledon did not shoot the ball well, posting 36-percent from the floor, 20-percent from beyond the arc, his body looked reshaped.

Maledon was noticeably stronger than he was in his rookie season. The Thunder minutes leader from a year ago, lead the team in minutes in this contest as well.

The now second-year player added 15-points, five rebounds, and dished out a game-high 11-assists.

Aaron Wiggins, who was placed on a two-way contract after being selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had an impressive start to his NBA career.

The Maryland product shot over 50-percent from the floor, racking up 13 points, five rebounds, an assist, and three steals on the defensive end.

The late second-round pick did lead the team with four turnovers, but as the ball security issues shape up, and he eventually is put in better spots defensively, it is easy to see why Sam Presti was so eager to ink Wiggins.

If I had to place a bet now, I would put money on Wiggins extending the Oklahoma City Thunder’s two-way conversion streak.

What stood out most to you, watching the Thunder’s first summer league game?