Okalahoma City reportedly signed 2014 first round pick Josh Huestis to a deal.
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Huestis (6-7, 230) joins the Thunder after spending the past season with the Oklahoma City Blue where he appeared in 44 games (43 starts) and averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.57 blocks (13th in NBADL) in 33.1 minutes per game. He was drafted by the Thunder with the intention to not actually sign him to a rookie contract, but instead to have him.spend a year developing as a member of the team’s D-League affiliate, the Tulsa 66ers. The first reason was to save money, while the second was to open up a roster spot for 2014 first round pick Josh Huestis.
As a “rookie” in the upcoming 2015-16 season, Huestis got the better half of the deal as the salary cap has been raised and Huestis will be making an extra $32,000 due to his contract timing.
Huestis made a fraction of what National Basketball Association players do with the Blue, but he was closely monitored by the Thunder.
Despite his down year in the D-League, the Thunder have high hopes for the 23-year-old.
Fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder will see a new face on the team next season.
Huestis has sat out most of the team’s summer activities, including summer league, because of a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the weight room in May. For another, he profiles as a defense-first, shoot-from-the-corners-occasionally guard/small forward who doesn’t offer much versatility… and the Thunder already have a more athletic and experienced guy like that, in incumbent starter Andre Roberson.
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“I think it was a great decision”, Huestis told The Oklahoman on Wednesday. He said: “I think it was a great decision”. I think having an opportunity to play in the D-League for a year has really taught me a lot and has prepared me to move forward in my career.
