Report: Thunder saving 15th roster spot for 2014 draft pick Josh Huestis
After cutting his teeth in the D-League, swingman Josh Huestis is ready for the big leagues.
The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Huestis 29th overall in 2014, but instead of signing a standard rookie-scale contract, Huestis was stashed in the D-League, earning $25,000, as he bide his time.
However, the gamble might soon payoff, as a job has reportedly opened up for Huestis:
Grizz have 15 guaranteed contracts. Mavs headed for more than 15. And word is Thunder are saving final open roster spot for Josh Huestis
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 27, 2015
Intent on making sacrifices to chase his dream, Huestis stated in mid-May he would be willing to play a second season in the D-League.
However, with the Thunder strapped for depth, bringing up Huestis is the logical move. The Thunder traded Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones this summer, leaving them light on wings.
To that end, Huestis could conceivably slot in as a defense-first wing. He didn't post sterling numbers last season (10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks) and shot poorly from the field (37.2 percent), but had a strong showing on defense.
The 23-year-old Huestis stands at 6-foot-7 and boasts a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He played four seasons for Stanford before making the jump to the NBA.