NBA draft news: Oklahoma City Thunder take Brooks Barnhizer at No. 44 despite season-ending foot injury
In a surprising twist on Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the reigning champions, decided to take a gamble on Brooks Barnhizer, a gritty wing from Northwestern.
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He only managed to play 17 games last season because of a persistent foot injury, but the 6′6″ forward still averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. This pick reflects OKC's trust in his work ethic and defensive instincts, even though he's coming into the league on a two-way contract.
Oklahoma City Thunder is banking on a trait that doesn't show up in shooting percentages
Barnhizer had some impressive stats in his senior year: across 17 games, he put up an average of 17.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, and 1.1 BPG, playing nearly 37 minutes each game.
He also set a program record with seven straight double-doubles, placing him among the top players in the NCAA. Unfortunately, his season came to a sudden stop in January due to a recurring foot injury that kept him out for the remainder of 2024–25.
OKC isn't just crunching numbers—they're counting on his defensive toughness. Barnhizer ranked in the 87th percentile defensively as per Synergy and restricted opponents to a low 0.741 points per possession.
His pick-and-roll defense is even better, landing in the 92nd percentile. At 6′6″ with a 6′11″ wingspan, his quickness, timing, and anticipation make him a formidable presence—traits that Thunder GM Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault really appreciate.
On the offensive side, Barnhizer showed efficiency with a 41.4 FG%, but he was inconsistent from three-point range, hitting only 31% and just 26.6% on catch-and-shoot opportunities.
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His mid-range shot and passing ability are notable—he averaged 4.2 assists per game—but he lacks that explosive speed, and his shooting technique is still a work in progress. Nevertheless, his 76% free-throw shooting indicates he has a solid touch, and the development staff in OKC could help him improve his range.
Reports suggest Barnhizer is moving towards a two-way contract with the Thunder. He'll probably share his time between OKC and the Blue in the G League, in a setup created by coach Kam Woods that reflects the NBA organization.
With Thunder mainstays like Aaron Wiggins and Alex Ducas following this trajectory, Barnhizer's defensive adaptability and energy position him well in that growth framework.
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Oklahoma City's choice of Brooks Barnhizer at No. 44 is a strategic bet on his effort, defensive intelligence, and instincts. Even though a foot injury limited his senior season—and his shooting is still uncertain—his impressive college stats and competitive spirit fit well with Thunder culture. If he develops in OKC's program and improves his outside shooting, he might become an essential glue player. Regardless, anticipate him to battle for every minute as the season progresses.
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