OKC Secret Weapon is Cooking in the Summer League

In fact, Brooks Barnhizer is even shining better than fellow rookie Nikola Topic. The latter is coming off a redshirt season and is also getting attention as OKC’s next player to watch out for. However, it seems that Barnhizer is fitting that bill more than the Serbian guard.

Thriving with Thunder Mainstays

One big reason he’s getting a lot of praise is his ability to thrive with some notable Thunder players in the Summer League games. Barnhizer has multiple games with at least 17 points, which is pretty neat. But to do that while Ajay Mitchell and Branden Carlson are running the show? Yes, that’s well-deserving of praise.

The Northwestern product has also logged two games with at least six or more steals. You read that right, and he’s doing it without the unnecessary fouling, nor is he turning the ball over that much.

Doing all the little things is such an underrated act in the league. The dirty work is still an important aspect of the game, and Barnhizer certainly has a knack for it. His rebounding is quite good for a player of his size, and his production can easily translate in the league.

Could Barnhizer be the OKC Secret Weapon?

Well, to be fair, Thunder rookie big Thomas Sorber has yet to see minutes in Oklahoma City outfits. But we all know that the Georgetown product is going to be a wait-and-see guy with his status right now. Barnhizer, in all his great showings so far, still has a lot to improve too – starting with his jump shot.

Topic has still yet to fully acclimate, and Sorber has yet to play a game for the Thunder. This just clears the way for Barnhizer to indeed be the best rookie for this year’s Oklahoma City squad. Of course, that is still subject to change once the real season begins.

But don’t let the “it’s just the Summer League” talks discount what Barnhizer is doing right now. He is definitely showing himself as a great potential key player for the Thunder. In a sense, he is the perfect OKC secret weapon in the long run.