3 free agents still available Thunder must pursue to round out roster
By Mark Nilon
Robert Covington
Last season, the Thunder utilized Jalen Williams as their primary power forward. Despite being a traditional three, Williams found himself producing remarkably well out of position, as he went on to post career-best averages virtually all across the board.
Of course, based on how their season ended, it was determined that this current makeup of having a 6-foot-5 wing banging down low at generally the second-largest position is not sustainable and, as a result, they opted to pursue Hartenstein to add that much-needed size and, presumably, to fill in at his more natural center spot, resulting in Chet Holmgren sliding up one position, or having him even serve as their new starting four.
Regardless of which way coach Mark Daigneault wishes to go in this scenario, the fact still remains that OKC lacks a natural power-forward option within its arsenal.
Though he may be past his prime, Robert Covington is a player who should interest the Thunder when it comes to addressing this need.
Just wrapping up with his 10 season in the association, the 32-year-old proved himself to be still capable of producing at a highly effective level.
Splitting time between the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, Covington went on to finish with solid averages of 12.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks per 100 possessions while boasting a box plus-minus of +2.2 and a defensive box plus-minus of +3.2.
With this level of productivity, coupled with the fact that he's an established rough and tough, defensive-minded veteran, boasts a career 36.2 three-point shooting percentage, and has ample experience participating in the postseason, if he's willing to sign on to a minimum-scale deal, there's no reason why the Thunder should be interested in adding on the likes of RoCo to their title-hungry roster.