The OKC Thunder have north of $800 million committed to their Big Three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, which, in truth, is an obscene amount of coin, especially with the new CBA in place.
However, surrounding them on the depth chart are a bevy of overlooked, high-upside talents, many of whom are attached to budget-friendly paydays. Following Sunday's blowout win over the Jazz, Branden Carlson may have cemented his claim for being the biggest bargain player of all.
The big man showed some serious flashes during his rookie campaign in Oklahoma City last year, especially when given extended run on the hardwood, where, when logging double-digit minutes, he averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
However, despite his clear talent and proven ability to serve as a regular rotation player, Carlson re-upped with the Thunder this past summer on another two-way deal.
Initially, when pen met paper, it was widely believed that Sam Presti and company pulled off an absolute steal of a signing. Now, five months later, Carlson's retention is starting to look like an all-out heist.
Branden Carlson reminds Thunder of cost-to-production value
On a night without superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), and Isaiah Joe (knee), coach Mark Daigneault looked to the likes of Carlson for some much-needed secondary production.
In 24 minutes of play against Utah, he more than delivered.
By game's end, the pivot registered positive in the plus-minus department, finishing with an impressive stat line of 13 points, six boards, and a block on 55.6 percent shooting from the floor and 50.0 percent shooting from deep.
With Carlson receiving more run, the Jazz were forced to not only account for stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren (combined for 50 points), but also the 7-footer's high-to-low scoring capabilities on the offensive end and his daunting physical presence on the defensive end as well.
Tabbed as a "dual threat" talent, coach Daigneault couldn't help but praise the sophomore following the club's 131-101 win by saying that "he changed the game" for Oklahoma City.
Though he may not receive a consistent amount of playing time when the roster is at full strength, having someone like Carlson who's ready and able to produce at a moment's notice is invaluable to a team, especially one fraught with injury woes like this Thunder squad has proven to be over the last few years.
Possessing a talent such as this attached to a minimum salary is truly invaluable, and the Thunder proved this to be the case on Sunday night.