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OKC Thunder selects Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
The NBA champion OKC Thunder selected Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer with the 44th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season as a senior. Barnhizer shot 41.4% from the field and 26.6% from deep. Advertisement OKC also selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick on Wednesday. Both rookies will now join a team that just won its first championship in franchise history. Here are five things to know about Barnhizer: Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: 2025 NBA Draft Round 2 live updates: Time, where to watch, draft order, OKC Thunder picks Barnhizer was raised by athletes Barnhizer was born in South Bend, Indiana, and he was raised by athletes. His father, Mark, played basketball at Purdue and Auburn. His mother, Heidi, also played softball at Auburn. More: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer committed to Northwestern as a three-star prospect Barnhizer averaged 32.7 points per game as a senior at Jefferson High in Lafayette, Indiana. That marked the highest average of any player in the state. Advertisement Barnhizer also averaged 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.6 blocks. He was rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the fifth-best player in his state for the Class of 2021. More: New Orleans Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears No. 7 overall in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer spent his entire college career at Northwestern Barnhizer gradually became a go-to player for Northwestern throughout the years. After appearing in 11 games as a freshman in 2021, he played in all 34 games as a sophomore. Barnhizer then earned an All-Big Ten third team selection and a Big Ten All-Defensive team selection as a junior with averages of 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals. Advertisement Barnhizer was poised for a strong senior season. But he only played in 17 games before he was sidelined in February with a broken foot. More: OKC Thunder selects Georgetown center Thomas Sorber 15th overall in 2025 NBA Draft EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 29: Brooks Barnhizer #13 of the Northwestern Wildcats dribbles up the court against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by) Barnhizer is a standout defender Barnhizer is a standout defender who averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks last season as a senior before he got injured. He plays with a strong motor and is able to get into passing lanes. He should fit right in on that end of the floor with the Thunder, which posted a league-best defensive rating of 105.7 during the regular season. Barnhizer's shooting is still a work in progress. If he can develop that part of his game, he could become a serviceable 3-and-D player at the next level. Advertisement More: OKC Thunder trading No. 24 pick Nique Clifford to Sacramento Kings in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer will likely compete for one of Thunder's three two-way spots OKC is one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and roster spots are limited as a result. Barnhizer will likely have to compete for one of the Thunder's three two-way contracts. Those spots were held last season by Branden Carlson, Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas. More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Draft picks, contracts after winning NBA title Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder selects Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
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Undrafted NBA free agents tracker: Signings for OKC Thunder, players with Oklahoma ties
The 2025 NBA Draft is over, but the OKC Thunder's work isn't. OKC has already started to sign undrafted free agents to fill out its roster for NBA Summer League play, which begins on July 5 in Salt Lake City. Advertisement Most signees will be on an Exhibit 10 contract, which is a one-year, minimum salary agreement that isn't guaranteed. Each team also has three two-way contracts at its disposal. Here's a list of undrafted free agents who've signed with OKC, along with signees around the league who have ties to Oklahoma: Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft Undrafted NBA free agents tracker OKC Thunder Zack Austin, F, Pittsburgh DraftExpress' Jon Chepkevich reported on June 27 that Pittsburgh's Zack Austin agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with OKC. Advertisement Austin is a 6-7 forward who averaged 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season as a senior with the Panthers. He shot 42.4% from the field, 38.1% from deep and 90.2% from the free-throw line. Austin boasts great athleticism, which he uses to finish above the rim and swat shots. He also made strides as a 3-point shooter last season, and he could carve out a role as a 3-and-D player at the next level if that holds up. Erik Reynolds II, G, Saint Joseph's DraftExpress' Jon Chepkevich reported on June 26 that Saint Joseph's Erik Reynolds II will join OKC for NBA Summer League. Reynolds is a 6-2 guard who averaged 16 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season as a senior with the Hawks. He shot 38% from the field, 29.8% from deep and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Advertisement Despite what his shooting splits suggest, Reynolds is a capable scorer who does most of his damage from deep. He's Saint Joseph's all-time leader in career points (2,175), made 3-pointers (350) and free-throw percentage (86.8%). Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported on June 26 that OKC agreed to a deal with Iowa's Payton Sandfort. Sandfort is a 6-8 forward who averaged 16.7 points, six rebounds and 2.9 assists last season as a senior with the Hawkeyes. He shot 40.7% from the field, 34% from deep and 89.1% from the free-throw line. Sandfort is a 3-point specialist who excels at knocking shots down on the move. He ranks second in Iowa's program history in career made 3-pointers (271). Advertisement More: OKC Thunder selects Georgetown center Thomas Sorber 15th overall in 2025 NBA Draft Players with Oklahoma ties Moussa Cisse, C, Memphis DraftExpress' Jon Chepkevich reported on June 26 that Memphis' Moussa Cisse agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Cisse is a 6-11 center who spent two seasons at Oklahoma State from 2021-23. He averaged 5.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season as a fifth-year senior with the Tigers. Cisse has good size, length and athleticism. He's also a strong shot blocker and a rim-running lob threat. Sean Pedulla, G, Ole Miss DraftExpress' Jon Chepkevich reported on June 26 that Ole Miss' Sean Pedulla agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Advertisement Pedulla is an Edmond native and former Edmond Memorial standout. The 6-1 guard averaged 15.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds last season as a senior with the Rebels. Pedulla is a proven scorer who shot 36.7% from deep throughout his college career. He also makes up for being undersized by playing with good physicality and toughness. More: OKC Thunder selects Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Undrafted NBA free agents tracker: OKC Thunder signing updates
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NBA Summer League schedule 2025: When does OKC Thunder play in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas?
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. NBA Summer League play is right around the corner. The NBA champion OKC Thunder will begin with the Salt Lake City Summer League, which is set for July 5-8. It'll then play a minimum of five games in the Las Vegas Summer League, which is set for July 10-20. Advertisement Here's a complete look at OKC's Summer League schedule, including time, TV schedule and streaming information: Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Roster, contracts after winning NBA title OKC Thunder 2025 NBA Summer League schedule All times are Central Salt Lake City Summer League Saturday, July 5: OKC vs. Memphis at 6 p.m. (ESPNU) Monday, July 7: OKC vs. Philadelphia at 6 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, July 8: OKC vs. Utah at 8 p.m. (ESPN+) Las Vegas Summer League Thursday, July 10: OKC vs. Brooklyn at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Saturday, July 12: OKC vs. Indiana at 4:30 p.m. (NBA TV) Tuesday, July 15: OKC vs. Orlando at 5:30 p.m. (NBA TV) Wednesday, July 16: OKC vs. New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. (NBA TV) Undrafted NBA free agents tracker: Signings for OKC Thunder, players with Oklahoma ties This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA Summer League 2025: OKC Thunder schedule, game times, TV, stream
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2025 NBA offseason calendar: Dates for free agency and Summer League
The ball never stops bouncing in the NBA. The 2024-25 season concluded on June 22, and the OKC Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers to secure its first-ever championship. But the focus has already shifted to next season. Advertisement The 2025 NBA Draft concluded on June 26. It saw the Dallas Mavericks select Duke's Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. The start of free agency is now right around the corner, followed by Summer League play. Here are key dates for the 2025 NBA offseason: More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Roster, contracts after winning NBA title Key dates for 2025 NBA offseason All times are Central More: OKC Thunder schedule for 2025 NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 2025 NBA offseason: Dates for free agency and Summer League
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Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again"
Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again" originally appeared on Basketball Network. We're just days removed from watching the Oklahoma City Thunder climb the NBA's mountaintop for the first time in franchise history. A young, hungry squad led by a calm killer who turned the entire league into his playground for eight straight months. If it wasn't one of the greatest individual seasons of all time, then it was easily one of the best we've seen in recent memory. Advertisement Oh, to be completely honest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't just lead — he dominated. He took home the scoring title, started in the All-Star Game, was All-NBA First Team, and ran through the Playoffs like a seasoned vet. He bagged Western Conference Finals MVP, followed it up with Finals MVP, and just for good measure, he added the league MVP to the trophy case. Then he topped it all off with a ring. That run right there doesn't happen often. So it's no surprise the "Shai-for-Thunder-GOAT" conversations have hit another gear. It's only been six seasons, but with everything he just pulled off, fans are starting to wonder if we've already seen the best to ever do it in an OKC jersey. But not everyone's ready to give him that crown. Dwyane Wade, a guy who knows a thing or two about being the legend of the franchise, still sees Russell Westbrook at the top of that list. Advertisement "To me, I still think that Russell Westbrook is the best player in Oklahoma City history. Right now… Doesn't mean he is going to end up that way, but to me, I still believe that," Wade said in his recent breakdown after the 2025 Finals. "You can tell me now that a player can come to Miami, win a regular season MVP, win a Finals, a Finals MVP and he just becomes the greatest player in Miami history like that," he added. Westbrook embodied the OKC spirit for over a decade D-Wade's argument isn't only nostalgia talking; it's about the whole body of work for over a decade. When he looks at Russ, he sees a guy who gave everything to that franchise, a walking highlight reel who never cheated the game. Advertisement Westbrook won MVP in 2017 and made eight All-NBA teams and eight All-Star appearances during his 11 seasons with the Thunder. And, of course — he averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons in OKC, something most of us thought was impossible in this era. "Wait a minute. We are talking about a player who went and did something (average a triple-double), and people said it will never be done again. He did it four times," the Miami Heat legend argued. Sure, he didn't bring the Larry O'Brien title home. And yes, the team never made it back to the Finals after Kevin Durant left. But in terms of doing the heavy lifting night after night, carrying rosters, setting the tone and building a brand of basketball that was all heart, nobody embodied Oklahoma City more than Russ did. Related: "We only needed one more guy" - Patrick Beverley says the Clippers lost SGA because Kawhi thought he needed more help The narrative could shift soon The Thunder have something real on their hands. A young core, a winning culture and a new face of the franchise who's already accomplished what Russ couldn't — and he's only entering his best career years. Advertisement If the Thunder runs it back and Shai keeps performing at this level, the conversation is going to shift fast. Because when you start stacking rings on top of MVPs, Finals MVPs, and everything else he just pulled off, that's when legacy talk gets real. Westbrook's impact in OKC will always be legendary, and there is no doubt about it. But if SGA keeps leading this franchise like he did in 2025, not even Wade might be able to keep Russ at the top of that mountain. Related: Montrezl Harrell says Clippers gave up too soon on Shai: "All you had to do is let the kid develop" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
