Two Former Oklahoma Players Land NBA Free Agent Deals

A pair of Sooners got a shot in the NBA after the draft’s conclusion. Tanner Groves and Grant Sherfield, the team’s top two scorers, each inked contracts at the next level.

While no Oklahoma players were drafted Thursday night, two veteran players will have a chance to sneak on an NBA roster with a summer opportunity. Groves’ Summer League contract is with the hometown Oklahoma City Thunder, while Sherfield’s deal is with the Phoenix Suns.

Groves, a 24-year-old forward, spent five seasons in college from. After beginning his career at Eastern Washington, the big man transferred to Oklahoma for his final two seasons.

In 32 games last season, Groves tallied 10.2 points on 50.8% shooting, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 28.6% from 3 on 2.6 attempts.

During his first season in Norman, the big man shot 38.1% from 3-point range and 72.9% from the free throw line, showing off his touch from outside the arch. While his numbers fell off in his senior year, Groves was a career 35.3% 3-point shooter in college.

The details of his contract haven’t been released, but it’s likely a summer league deal that allows Groves to prove his worth in Las Vegas. If Groves performs, Oklahoma City actively uses its G League squad.

Sherfield transferred to Norman for his final season of collegiate basketball and was Oklahoma’s best player. He averaged a team-high 15.9 points on 39% from 3-point range, adding 3.3 assists per night.

The Nevada transfer will look to earn a two-way spot with the Phoenix Suns, a team that’s hurting for depth on an expensive roster. When Sherfield is in rhythm, he certainly has the ability to be a microwave scorer. He dropped 30 points against No. 1 ranked Alabama and eventual No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, leading the Sooners to victory.

NBA summer league runs July 3-17 with most of the games taking place in Las Vegas.