The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting reinforcements after the All-Star Break. Gordon Hayward and Bismack Biyombo set to make their Thunder debuts on Thursday, Feb. 22, against the L.A. Clippers.
While Hayward has stolen the headlines since the Thunder traded for him in a swap with the Charlotte Hornets, Biyombo is an intriguing addition from the buyout market for the OKC Thunder.
The veteran big man provides an element on and off the court Oklahoma City lacks. Despite standing just 6-foot-8, his wingspan (7-foot-6) and weight (255 pounds) allow him to play in a more "traditional big man" role that the Thunder lack.
On Wednesday, Thunder bench boss Mark Daigneault was asked about the addition of Biyombo following practice, "He is going to be a situational player," Daigneault explained.
"That was something we were honest about upfront [with Biyombo]...He is a great professional, very serious competitor, and I think he will help the environment in that way," Daigneault continued.
On top of filling the traditional big man void for the Thunder, Biyombo provides a ton of experience. The journeyman veteran has played 829 games, including 40 playoff games (11 starts).
That level of experience, mixed with the cultural tone setting he can provide, Biyombo will likely see a larger impact off the floor than on it.
The former first-round pick has been around the game a long time, has some of the best coaches and players, and has a lot to offer a young squad. Specifically, helping 6-foot-9 Jaylin Williams tap even more into his ability to play the five and continue to grow in that role.
Still, while Biyombo does not project to be a fixture of Daigneault's rotation, it is better to have the option to match up with bigger squads than to be left empty-handed.
This season for the Memphis Grizzlies, Biyombo made 27 starts (appearing in 30 games) to the tune of 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 stocks in just 23.9 minutes of action per contest.
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