OKC Thunder Could Field Strong Summer League Squad

Oklahoma City could have one of the stronger rosters come time for Summer League.

For a few games, at least, the Oklahoma City Thunder could field one of the strong Summer League squads.

The organization has been known to let players make their own decisions, to some degree, on whether they’ll play in Summer League. That much is evident via All-Rookie second-teamer Josh Giddey’s participation in some of last year’s slate.

This year, that thought process could lend itself to Jalen Williams, and perhaps more importantly, former second overall pick Chet Holmgren, who could look to play in his first action since shortly after last year’s Summer League.

Holmgren missed his entire rookie season due to injury, but it set to return as one of the better player’s on Oklahoma City’s roster due to elite rim-protection, ambidextrous inside finishing and potential stretch-shooting.

Holmgren’s presence in Summer League would not only send ripples through the basketball world, but would significantly bolster OKC. Williams, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, would obviously do the same.

Incoming second-year Ousmane Dieng would also provide a strong presence. He was off-and-on due to a few injuries in his first season, but put together a strong G League campaign and contributed at a recent rate in his NBA time.

The trio of 2022 draftees would surely make the Thunder one of the stronger Summer League rosters. And that’s without factoring in Kentucky’s Cason Wallace, who was drafted by OKC tenth in last Thursday’s draft, as well as Keyontae Johnson, the team’s second round selection.

The 2023 NBA Summer League runs from July 7 through July 17. Each team will play at least five games in Las Vegas.

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