NBA Free Agency: Former Thunder Forward Looks to Break Through After Signing with Brooklyn Nets

A former first-round pick, Darius Bazley has established himself as a quality rotational defender in the NBA. Entering his fifth NBA season, he will now be playing for his third team.

Bazley started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, spending his first 125 NBA games of his career there before being dealt at the recent trade deadline. Given he was set to earn a new contract in the offseason, Thunder GM Sam Presti opted to trade him while he could still get assets for the then 22-year-old.

Down the stretch of the 2022-23 season, Bazley played with the Phoenix Suns. He appeared in just seven games and played just 61 total minutes. From there, he hit free agent and signed a partially guaranteed deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Unfortunately for Bazley, he will be joining a roster that’s already loaded at forward. He will be instantly competing with players that are established NBA players and have essentially already earned playing time. With that in mind, the defensive versatility of Bazley should still give him a chance to see the court.

During his last two seasons in Oklahoma City, the 6-foot-8 forward was able to defend three different positions effectively, being disruptive on defense and blocking a ton of shots without fouling at a high rate. Furthermore, on the offensive end of the floor he showed flashes of being a quality 3-point shooter and converted on 40% or his 45 attempts from beyond the arc in OKC last season.

In Brooklyn, if Bazley can play good defense and knock down open triples he will have a chance at earning a role next season. The former Thunder forward could thrive in a chance of scenery if he plays within himself.

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