Could Eric Gaines Be Oklahoma City’s Next UDFA Gem?

Oklahoma City has a reputation for finding and developing sleepers late in the NBA draft. History stretches beyond just the draft, too, as OKC has created several success stories through the undrafted free agent route too.

Could UAB guard Eric Gaines be the next steal to add to the Thunder’s growing list. After working out with Oklahoma City, it’s clear he’s on the team’s radar, and it’s certainly worth taking a flier back home.

Gaines has Power 5 experience, spending his first two seasons at LSU and starting nine games. In 2021-22, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Tigers, shooting 46% from the floor.

He transferred to Alabama Birmingham, where he was able to showcase more of his game on a higher volume of touches. Gaines averaged 11.5 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest for the Blazers, shooting 41.4% from the floor, 33.6% from 3-point range and 79.2% from the free throw line. His athleticism at the point guard position is incredibly rare, and the emphatic dunks in the lane can only be compared to a few big names in the NBA.

Of course, Oklahoma City found Lu Dort after the draft’s conclusion and turned him into a core piece of what the franchise is building. He was rewarded with a big time extension last off-season and looks like he’s here to stay. Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams were both drafted in the second round and have had to play heavy minutes over the past two seasons. Oklahoma City certainly trusts its pre-draft evaluations and expects these guys to make an impact.

While Gaines’ statistics don’t jump off the page like other prospects, his athleticism and defensive prowess make for a very high ceiling. He has no shortage of highlight plays and could be a big time sleeper in this draft class.

It’s smart for Oklahoma City to work out high ceiling players, no matter where they’re slotted in the draft. At the very least, Gaines could get a prove-it shot to play for the Thunder’s Summer League squad and go from there.

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