Summer League Playoffs Give OKC Thunder Youth a Chance to Shine

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set for Summer League Playoffs action, and their players have something to prove.

After securing a perfect 4-0 mark in Vegas, the Thunder earned a spot in the playoffs, with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on the horizon. While Summer League can mean many different things, the Thunder will be competing for a championship, which gives their players a unique opportunity.

One of the most notable parts of Summer League is the lack of pressure to perform as a team. While having a good performance in a win is certainly better than a loss, it doesn’t mean much if a team is behind on the scoreboard when the final buzzer sounds.

Everyone in Summer League is on an individual path, looking to find their own opportunity, whether it be for the team they’re representing in Vegas or simply showing out for others to see. Yet, the Thunder have been somewhat unique in that sense.

Throughout their four-game sample size in Vegas, the team has played well together and found ways to gel on the floor as a unit. Embodying the same attitude that has made the Thunder so successful at the NBA level, most players on Oklahoma City’s roster have shown they can make the individual contributions necessary for winning basketball.

Of course, that doesn’t mean these players’ main goal is simply to try and win. Everyone on the team is still looking for their next opportunity if they don’t have their future secured, and with all eyes on the Summer League

Although there have been some Summer League standouts who don’t pan out in the NBA, some players who are key on championship runs and take home Summer League MVP have proven themselves as key players in the league.

The Thunder have plenty of guys who are looking to make a statement in a meaningful game. While Ajay Mitchell and Nikola Topic might be done for the summer, Branden Carlson and Brooks Barnhizer have still been key contributors as the Thunder’s two-way guys heading into next season.

Meanwhile, this more intense environment could help Sam Presti decide on the Thunder’s final two-way slot. Perhaps, Chris Youngblood or Jazian Gortman cap off their intriguing Summer League performances with a big game in the playoffs, or even a guy like Malevy Leons can show his versatility in a higher-stakes matchup.