Thunder’s Final Two-Way Battle: 5 Prospects

The Oklahoma City Thunder have finalized their 15-man NBA roster, leaving only one two-way contract spot open. They’ve already allocated two-way deals to Brooks Barnhizer, the No. 44 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Branden Carlson, a seven-footer who previously impressed with the team during an injury-plagued portion of last season.

While two-way players are eligible to play up to 50 games at the NBA level, the Thunder’s already deep and competitive roster suggests that the final two-way player will primarily contribute to the OKC Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate. This player will be crucial for providing minutes and developmental opportunities to players assigned to the Blue, all while managing a roster built for championship contention.

The ideal candidate for this final spot should complement the skills of potential assignees on the Blue. Any unexpected breakthrough to earn NBA minutes would simply be an added bonus. Here are five potential options for the Thunder’s final two-way contract:

1) Chris Youngblood, Guard

Chris Youngblood has stood out as the best non-rostered player for the Thunder during NBA Summer League. The Alabama rookie possesses a valuable NBA-ready skill: exceptional three-point shooting. He excels at stationary catch-and-shoot opportunities, relocating to knock down triples on the move, and rising up off the dribble in transition. This skill is highly sought after, especially for the Thunder, who need floor spacers and play finishers to support their potential assignees in the G League.

Youngblood brings an energizing defensive style, though his results are currently average. However, the Thunder have a proven track record of developing defensive skills, particularly under the guidance of the OKC Blue’s head coach, Kameron Woods, who leads one of the league’s best defensive staffs.

Isaiah Joe, who arrived from the University of Arkansas in a similar position, provides a good example. Through hard work and the Thunder’s coaching, Joe has become an average or slightly above-average defender, demonstrating improved footwork and leverage despite his physical limitations. Youngblood has the potential to become a legitimate NBA player if he can develop his defensive abilities, given his already NBA-caliber three-point shot. While significant NBA minutes may not be guaranteed, Youngblood offers a valuable skill that could be utilized when the team needs a boost from beyond the arc.

2) Jazian Gortman, Guard

Jazian Gortman distinguished himself in the NBA G League last season by effectively attacking the rim. His diverse layup package allowed him to navigate the interior and finish at a 56% clip, while also creating passing lanes for teammates.

Gortman averaged 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals/blocks per game for the Legends, shooting 44% from the field, 26% from three-point range, and 81% from the free-throw line.

His skillset overlaps somewhat with Jahmi’us Ramsey, the Blue’s current best player, potentially making Gortman a bit redundant. However, Kameron Woods has shown a willingness to bring Ramsey off the bench as a scoring spark, and staggering their minutes would allow the Blue to maintain a consistent style of play. This would also open up opportunities for off-ball players that the Thunder hope to develop on assignments while maximizing the Blue’s talent pool.

3) Zakai Zeigler

Zakai Zeigler is known for his relentless defense, capable of disrupting opponents and initiating fast breaks. He embodies the qualities the Thunder value. However, his 5-foot-9 stature presents a significant challenge, despite his impressive playmaking abilities.

As the third two-way player, Zeigler would likely primarily play with the OKC Blue, where his defensive pressure and offensive facilitation would benefit the team and assist in the development of the Thunder’s G League assignees.

At Tennessee, Zeigler was highly efficient in isolation and as a pick-and-roll ball handler, converting at the rim at a 54% clip and making 33% of his catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Defensively, he excelled at using leverage to defend top scorers, limiting jump shot attempts to a 28% conversion rate and allowing opponents to convert only 26% of their attempts at the rim (98th percentile). Zeigler also ranked in the 93rd percentile in defending spot-up shooters and held isolation attempts to just 0.6 points per possession.

During Summer League with the Detroit Pistons, Zeigler averaged 10 points per game (one point per possession), along with nearly a rebound, a steal, and two assists, with shooting splits of 40/50/100. His exceptional motor, physicality, and potential as a developmental player make him a strong candidate for the third two-way spot.

4) Malevy Leons

The Oklahoma City Thunder already hold Malevy Leons’ G League rights. Unless he secures a two-way deal elsewhere, he is likely to return to the OKC Blue if he chooses to remain in the G League instead of playing overseas.

Holding his G League rights puts him at a slight disadvantage for this two-way deal. While Leons is a more established player than some other candidates, this decision hinges on G League considerations. The Thunder are unlikely to need this third two-way player for significant NBA minutes.

Choosing another player for this spot would allow the Thunder to introduce a new face to the Blue while retaining Leons’ contributions. However, the certainty of signing Leons remains appealing due to his seamless fit within the Thunder’s system. He thrives as an off-ball player, cutting to the rim, operating in the dunker spot, and setting effective screens for his size. Defensively, his competitiveness enables him to make plays and secure stops.

5) Erik Reynolds II

The Oklahoma City Thunder invited Erik Reynolds II to Summer League. While he hasn’t made a significant impact, he fits the profile of guards previously signed to two-way contracts.

Though somewhat undersized, he is a prolific scorer, becoming the all-time leading scorer at Saint Joseph’s during his four-year college career.

Last season, the senior guard averaged 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and 1.2 steals/blocks per game, shooting 38% from the field, 30% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line.

Reynolds was a plus pick-and-roll ball handler, generating 0.822 points per possession in that setting, along with 1.044 points per possession coming off screens. In his junior season, Reynolds II shot 38% off the catch, converted at the rim at a 53% clip, and hit jumpers off the dribble at a 37% rate.

A functional pick-and-roll guard who can also space the floor with his outside shooting would enhance the OKC Blue and provide capable lead guard play for the Thunder’s developmental projects.

Honorable Mention: Payton Sandfort, Guard

Payton Sandfort signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder following the NBA Draft. The Iowa product is a skilled shooter with exceptional range. He was considered a potential draft pick after his junior season before returning to school and dealing with injuries.

The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to value Sandfort, who is currently recovering from shoulder surgery. He may start with the OKC Blue before potentially earning a two-way contract.