The OKC Thunder have one vacant roster spot and roughly two weeks to come to a decision on how to fill it.
Most seem to believe that one of the club's training camp invites will have a leg up over unclaimed free agents in this particular roster battle, and among those currently on non-standard deals, Otega Oweh should excite this team most.
Selected 41 overall in this past June's NBA Draft, Oweh established himself as a high-upside, two-way wing throughout his collegiate career, especially during his final two years at Kentucky, where he posted averages of 17.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals on 47.7 percent shooting from the floor.
Right off the bat, the reception to the 23-year-old's arrival in the Sooner State was rather positive, with some noting that his addition was a perfect move to make following the offseason departures of several players at his position, like Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.
As things stand, Oweh is inked to a two-way deal heading into his rookie campaign, though, as was the case a few years back with Ajay Mitchell, there's a chance he could wind up working his way into a full-scale contract.
Frankly, all he may really need to do is show consistency as a long-range shooter in the catch-and-shoot department at the pro level.
Otega Oweh must flash catch-and-shoot skills to make Thunder roster
Heading into the draft, Oweh's prospect profile heavily praised him for his ridiculous athleticism, quickness, and jack-of-all-trades skill set. Unfortunately, his shooting stroke was consistently tabbed as the most glaring weakness in his game.
From his form to his mere 34.7 percent long-range clip over four years in the NCAA, the wing's reputation is far from that of a long-range shooting threat.
Of course, during his final year with the Wildcats, Oweh did show signs of life as a serviceable shooter when put in the right situations. Though he may have shot a lowly 33.3 percent clip from deep in 2025-26, this number lifted to a respectable 38.3 percent in catch-and-shoot situations.
What's convenient for Oweh is the fact that the Thunder boast an offensive game plan that heavily involves shots coming in such sets, as they wrapped up last season ranking within the top 10 in catch-and-shoot attempts from deep and placed as high as second in this particular area during the postseason.
If he can find a way to showcase this particular skill set of his throughout the preseason and early on in the regular season, this, along with his defensive intangibles, may make it incredibly difficult for the Thunder not to look to fill their 15 and final roster spot with Oweh's services.
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