Oklahoma City Thunder bolster roster with Summer League standouts
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a mission to defend their NBA title, and they’ve taken significant steps to strengthen their roster. On Friday, the franchise announced the signing of three promising players to their training camp roster: Jazian Gortman, Zack Austin, and Christ Youngblood. These new additions all showcased their talents during the Summer League, impressing the Thunder’s coaching staff and management.
With these signings, the Thunder have now reached the offseason limit of 21 players under contract. This strategic move highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge as they look to build upon their championship success.
Jazian Gortman’s journey
One of the standout additions, Jazian Gortman, brings a unique background to the Thunder. After going undrafted in 2023 from Overtime Elite, Gortman has primarily been honing his skills in the G League. Last season, he managed to appear in 16 games with the Dallas Mavericks, where he began to make his mark.
In the 2024-25 G League season, Gortman showcased his scoring ability, averaging an impressive 20.0 points and 6.5 assists per game. His performance could serve as a valuable asset for the Thunder as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Rookie prospects: Zack Austin and Christ Youngblood
Joining Gortman are two rookies eager to make their mark in the professional ranks. Zack Austin, a product of the University of Pittsburgh, was recognized for his defensive prowess as a member of the ACC’s All-Defense team. His ability to guard multiple positions could provide the Thunder with much-needed versatility on the floor.
Meanwhile, Christ Youngblood brings a strong shooting touch after concluding his college career at Alabama, where he previously played at Kennesaw State and South Florida. Youngblood’s shooting stats are noteworthy; he finished his time with the Crimson Tide with a solid 38.8% success rate from beyond the arc. His perimeter shooting could be a valuable addition to the Thunder’s offensive scheme.
Opportunities ahead
As the Thunder head into training camp, they have an open two-way spot available, which adds an element of intrigue to the competition. With a strong showing, any of these new signings could earn that coveted position, further solidifying their place within the roster.
As the team gears up for the new season, all eyes will be on how these fresh faces integrate into the Thunder’s established system. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Oklahoma City looks poised to make another run at the championship title.
