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OKC's gamble on Barnhizer: Will jumper save his career?
16 Aug
Summary
- Barnhizer struggled to find consistent NBA minutes in his rookie season.
- His shooting remains a significant weakness, limiting his offensive impact.
- Despite a raw skillset, the Thunder retained him for a second year.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have decided to bring Brooks Barnhizer back for a second season, signaling continued belief in his potential despite a challenging rookie year. Barnhizer, who spent much of his time on a two-way contract, saw limited action in NBA games, often in late-game situations.
His offensive game is considered raw, with a jump shot that opponents do not respect, making him a sporadic offensive threat. While Barnhizer performed well in the G League, averaging 18.2 points, his role there as an on-ball creator may not translate to the NBA.
Despite these developmental hurdles, the Thunder are hopeful that another year will accelerate his progress. His shooting ability is considered his make-or-break skill, and his intangibles, such as his motor and work ethic, are noted positives. Barnhizer is expected to spend significant time with the OKC Blue to hone his skills.
