Undrafted Free Agents Earn Opportunity To Shine

When looking back at recent history there has been a clear correlation between draft position and success at the NBA level, which is expected. What’s been more interesting is the ability for undrafted free agents to make an impact and earn multiple contracts over the past several years. Especially when comparing late second rounders to undrafted prospects, there has been similar levels of success.

Furthermore, unique contract structures and the addition of a third two-way spot should only continue to incentivize teams to put an emphasis on taking the undrafted free agent pool seriously each summer.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder specifically, the undrafted free agent market produced Lu Dort who has become a cornerstone piece of the franchise. While it’s difficult to replicate that type of success, it’s worth giving these prospects the opportunity to compete every year.

Ahead of NBA Summer League next month, Oklahoma City has signed several players to various types of deals to build out the roster for both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas circuits. While there’s a small chance that any of these prospects make the regular season Thunder roster, a strong showing this summer and in training camp could result in a two-way contract being opened up and earned or a spot in the G League with the OKC Blue.

Let’s take a look at the Thunder’s initial undrafted free agent signings who will compete next month.

Adam Flagler

If any player in this group has a real shot of earning a two-way spot with the Thunder, it’s Flagler. He was projected to be a potential second-round selection, but never heard his name called on draft night. In what was a breakout fifth college season, Flagler was one of the most productive players on an extremely talented Baylor team. The former NCAA Champion stands at 6-foot-3 and left college as a two-time All-Big 12 honoree. Flagler is a spectacular 3-point shooter and has quite a bit of upside as a passer.

Justice Sueing

A 24-year-old prospect that spent six years at the college level between California and Ohio State, Sueing really only played four seasons between a redshirt stint and a major injury. Over the course of his collegiate career, the 6-foot-7 swingman showcased athleticism and scoring upside. He isn’t a consistent 3-point shooter, but plays with a high motor and does the little things that impact winning.

Tanner Groves

After three productive years at Washington State, which included an impressive postseason run, Groves spent his last two college seasons 20 miles south of Paycom Center at the University of Oklahoma. A 6-foot-9 forward with floor spacing upside and the ability to pull down boards, he checks quite a few of the Thunder’s boxes. Where Groves lacks athleticism, he makes up for with a strong frame and versatility.

Hunter Maldonado

A jumbo guard standing at 6-foot-7, Maldonado played six seasons at Wyoming and is already 24 years old. While there are some turnover concerns, he’s a real playmaker that leverages his positional size to take advantage of smaller defenders. The 3-point shot is a work in progress, but his offensive game is still well-rounded overall as Maldonado is a good passer and rebounder for his position.

Caleb McConnell

Another guard with good positional size, McConnell is also 6-foot-7 and a productive passer and rebounder. To this point, he’s an extremely inefficient scorer, shooting less than 40% from the floor during his five-year career at Rutgers and is also a poor 3-point shooter. As much as he struggled offensively, McConnell makes up for it with his tremendous defense, which earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in each of the past two seasons.

KJ Williams

While he is an older prospect, Williams has a ton of experience after five seasons at the college level split between Murray State and LSU. At 6-foot-10 with a reliable perimeter shot, he fits the modern NBA very well and should align with Oklahoma City’s system on the offensive end. If he can prove to play solid defense and take care of the ball, Williams could be an interesting piece in NBA Summer League.

Again, there’s no guarantee any of these players are under contract in Oklahoma City next season at the NBA or G League level. However, it’s a smart move to bring in as many undrafted rookies as possible to see if a diamond in the rough can be uncovered. Especially in a small market, as many bites at the apple as possible is advantageous.