3 Hidden Benefits of OKC Thunder players participating in FIBA World Cup

Jack White needs to play more meaningful basketball, and gelling with OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey might just do the trick.

The OKC Thunder have an overflowing roster, with five cuts set to be made before the start of the regular season; Jack White finds himself squarely on the roster bubble. After an impressive G League stint with the Denver Nuggets on a two-way pact, the Thunder surprisingly inked Jack White to a two-year standard contract this summer. However, given the little financial commitment, it is easy to envision OKC parting ways with White before the regular season begins. It would not be the first time Presti canned an offseason signee before the ball tipped in October.

However, Jack White is a special case. He has an obvious connection with fellow Australian Josh Giddey, and he can really play!

Jack White was second on the Grand Rapids Gold in Points per game (18.3), posting nine rebounds, a steal, and nearly a block per game. White shot 56 percent from the field, 43 percent from beyond the arc (three attempts per game), and 76 percent at the charity stripe in his 26 games played for the Gold.

White fills out a 6’7 225 pound frame as the 26-year-old is looking for his first real shot in the NBA. White was called up for 17 games a year ago in the Nuggets system, averaging four minutes a night.

Ultimately, Jack White is an undersized big man who shoots 62 percent at the rim, an impressive 46 percent on catch-and-shoot chances, as well as dominating as a cutter to the tune of 1.377 points per possession.

Playing in the FIBA World Cup allows White to show off his progress, mesh with Josh Giddey, and impress OKC decision-makers ahead of an important training camp in Bricktown.