Following the 2019 NBA Draft, Sam Presti informed reporters preparation for the NBA Draft is essentially done year-round — which is probably the case with most NBA teams. Even for those who don’t stay up to date on everything college basketball-related prior to March Madness, there are always highlights and stats to revisit that can help fans gain a better understanding of the player their team just picked.
But last-minute cramming hasn’t been much of an option for Thunder fans this year because Darius Bazley didn’t play college basketball last year. He didn’t play for anyone last year, electing to train and intern for New Balance instead.
The few highlight reels show there’s a lot to the newest member of the Thunder. Though the clips only provide a snapshot of a player at his height.
Former NBA head coach and player Sam Mitchell provided some help on the matter, recently summarizing what he has seen from Bazley and how he projects:
He reminds me, when you watch him move, like Paul George. A little bit bigger Paul George. He’s very fluid with the basketball. Lefty, very athletic. Can get to the hole. Slightly build, but quick. Can do all the things modern-day NBA players do. Can step out and shoot the three. Can handle the ball. And with his size and length, with those long arms, when he’s switching on to guards and bigger guards, he can ‘defend his yard,’ as we say in the NBA.
Bazley also added on ESPN, “I think they got a steal when you look at OKC. … This kid has the chance to be something special.”
Comparing a rookie or prospect to an MVP finalist is aggressive. However, Mitchell’s assessment of Bazley outside of the George comparison still portrays the first-draft pick as a player who can play an important role in the organization going forward.
