OKC Thunder Roster Continues to Shrink as Training Camp Approaches

Former first-round pick Usman Garuba was waived by the Thunder on Monday morning.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has waived forward Usman Garuba, per Thunder PR.
— Kade Kimble (@kadekimble) August 21, 2023

Garuba's release comes just two days after Sam Presti and company also made the decision to waive TyTy Washington, who was sent to OKC along with Garuba.

While many fans were intrigued by the acquisition of the two former Rockets, neither seemed to have much of a future in the Modern Frontier. With Oklahoma City's general lack of size, some thought that Garuba had a decent shot at sticking with the team.

The 21-year-old Spanish forward averaged three points and 4.1 rebounds per game during his second NBA season, playing almost 13 minutes per game and making 75 appearances last year.

While Garuba still has the potential to develop into a solid pro, he does not seem to have the passing acumen, versatility or positional size that the Thunder front office covets.

Just a few weeks ago, the 6-foot-8 big man spoke very highly of OKC and the Thunder organization.

“The Thunder are a team whose style of play can come in handy for me," Garuba said. "From the times I have played against them, I think I can benefit a lot from that system…the coach is counting on me, although, obviously, anything can happen. We will see how training camp goes, but I am really glad I am with the team I wanted to be drafted.”

Unfortunately for Garuba, he will not have the chance to compete in training camp, and will now try to find a home elsewhere in the league.

For Oklahoma City, the team still needs to trim down its roster, as Presti and company currently have 17 fully-rostered players while Keyontae Johnson and Lindy Waters III are both on two-way contracts.

With former EuroLeague star Vasilije Micic joining the team, the Thunder will still need to waive or trade three more players.

The team waived Rudy Gay earlier in the summer, but still has multiple roster moves to make. At the moment, it seems that Victor Oladipo and Jack White are the most likely to not have a spot on the team in October.

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