This past June, the OKC Thunder were widely celebrated for snatching up arguably the biggest steal of the 2025 NBA Draft in Georgetown big Thomas Sorber with the 15 pick in round one.
However, nearly three weeks removed from the festivities, it seems second-round selection Brooks Barnhizer is the one among Oklahoma City's rookie newcomers receiving the lion's share of attention.
Through five games played in this year's Summer League, the 44 overall pick has been turning heads left and right with his inspiring two-way play during both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas-based games.
In roughly 26 minutes a night, Barnhizer finds himself making an impact on both ends of the ball, dropping impressive all-around averages of 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a whopping 3.6 steals on 50.0 percent shooting from the floor.
He also now holds the NBA Summer League record for most steals registered in two consecutive contests.
The ascension of the Northwestern product during these infancy stages of his professional career is something that's been truly exciting for fans to see.
However, even more important than the entertainment that comes with watching their underdog shine is that Barnhizer's breakout should give the organization confidence that they have the ability to become the game's next great dynasty.
Success with second-round picks is key to Thunder becoming a dynasty
Over the past several years, the Thunder have shown to have a knack for finding quality talents late in the NBA Draft.
From Aaron Wiggins to Ajay Mitchell, Sam Presti has done a phenomenal job securing and subsequently uncovering hidden gem prospects that have later turned into valuable, full-time rotation players.
Though it may only be Summer League, many are already speculating that Barnhizer could prove to be the front office's newest success story.
Considering the framework of the new collective bargaining agreement, this high-end hit rate is absolute gold for the Thunder.
With the current CBA, second-round picks have become a key strategy for teams trying to stay below the luxury tax line, as their specific contracts can start at minimum, non-guaranteed salaries that don't escalate nearly as quickly as those of first-round picks and general standard contracts do.
This will undoubtedly be a luxury the Thunder will need to take complete advantage of over these next few years, as their payroll is about to skyrocket following the recent max extensions to the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Many are skeptical about Oklahoma City's ability to now become a legitimate, multi-championship winning club as a result of their offseason spending spree, as their $822 million tied up in the aforementioned three players alone is believed to be a death sentence to their potential to flesh out the roster around them with quality contributors.
The Boston Celtics and their current fire sale have typically been used as an example of what could be coming the Thunder's way.
However, the biggest difference between OKC and virtually every team in the association (yes, including the Celtics) is that they have an overabundance of draft capital coming their way over the next several years, specifically the rights to 12 incoming second-round picks that will be dispensed between 2026 and 2031.
What this means is, once some of their non-star contributors come to the end of their current contracts, or the organization simply cuts ties with such players to shed their overall salary, Sam Presti could simply look to replace their roster spot via the cost-efficient NBA Draft.
Brooks Barnhizer already seems to be a potential replacement option for one particular full-time Thunder player, and is yet another confidence boost for why Oklahoma City has the tools necessary to become a true dynasty.