Who Deserves OKC Thunder’s Final Two-Way Contract?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of finalizing their roster before the new NBA season begins. With one preseason game remaining, the team must decide on the allocation of their last two-way contract, crucial for player rotation and depth management.
Remaining Two-Way Contract Candidates
The Thunder have narrowed down their options for the final two-way contract to two players: Chris Youngblood and Malevy Leons. Each player offers unique skills that could benefit the Thunder’s roster significantly.
Chris Youngblood
- Position: Guard
- Three-Point Shooting: Youngblood has shown promise as a three-point shooter, hitting 39.4% from beyond the arc during preseason.
- NCAA Performance: At the University of Alabama, he made 38.8% of his three-point attempts last season.
- Key Statistics: Youngblood scored double digits in three out of four games in the NCAA Tournament.
- Streakiness: While he can put up significant points, he has also struggled at times, shooting below 30% on three occasions.
His ability to potentially be a volume scorer makes him an appealing candidate for the Thunder’s final two-way contract, especially given their need for consistent shooting.
Malevy Leons
- Position: Forward
- Experience: Leons played six games for the Thunder last year, averaging minimal minutes and points.
- Preseason Performance: He has gained attention for his three-point shooting, converting 53.8% of his attempts.
- Team Needs: His presence adds depth to a forward position that faced challenges due to injuries last season.
Leons brings a different set of skills compared to Youngblood, emphasizing size and versatility, which could prove vital in managing the Thunder’s roster dynamics.
Key Considerations
As the Thunder weigh their options, several factors come into play. The potential for injuries, competition for bench spots, and past successes with two-way contracts, like Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins, are pivotal in making the final decision.
Ultimately, whether the Thunder opt for Youngblood or Leons, they are set to add a competitive player who could significantly impact the coming season. The decision will solidify OKC’s depth as they prepare for their opener against the Houston Rockets on October 21.
