When the OKC Thunder selected Brooks Barnhizer 44 overall in last year's NBA Draft, many were hyping him up as a potential second-round steal. Pegged as a high-energy versitile player with elite-level upside as a defensive weapon coming into the draft, the hope was that Oklahoma City had found yet another hidden gem late in the draft process.
Year one proved quite a letdown from an initial expectations standpoint, as the wing logged a mere 8.7 minutes a night for the Thunder through 40 games and registered mere averages of 1.7 points and 2.0 boards per night.
Of course, when logging extensive minutes down in the development league, Barnhizer did manage to flash serious potential, what with his 18.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals on 58.5 percent shooting from the floor and 61.9 percent shooting from deep.
Now, in the early stages of year two, it appears he's actively trying to transition this kind of production to the varsity team, as he looked rather electric during Tuesday's preseason opener against the Pelicans.
Brooks Barnhizer kicks off sophomore Thunder season with a bang
In 25 minutes of action, Barnhizer showcased a diverse skill set, ranging from rebounding aggression and defensive mobility to, at some points, standout ball-handling.
He would wrap up his evening with 12 points, seven boards, three assists, and a block while shooting 80.0 percent from the floor and knocking down his lone three-point attempt.
At this year's media day, Barnhizer revealed that he was hard at work this summer sharpening his tools in preparation for year two with the Thunder.
While it may have only come in preseason action, it seems the efforts he put in are already showing early dividends.
While it may only be one preseason game, every moment counts between now and their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Thunder still have a vacant roster spot up for grabs, and are widely believed to be open to filling it with one of their bubble guys fighting it out in training camp.
Barnhizer, who's merely attatched to a two-way deal, is one of said bubble ballers.
With four more preseason games left on the schedule and the deadline to solidify rosters less than two weeks away, one should expect the 24-year-old to go all out in these opportunities.
If he can find a way to produce to the tune he did against NOLA on Tuesday, Sam Presti and company could easily end up looking to Barnhizer to slot into their final standard-contract spot.
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