The Thunder’s trade of Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks has opened up a fresh lane for one of Oklahoma City’s younger pieces, and that could mean real chances for second-round pick Otega Oweh.
Dort had become a key part of what Oklahoma City built over the past couple of seasons, and moving him was described as a financial necessity. Even so, his departure leaves a noticeable hole, both in the lineup and in the minutes that now have to be redistributed.
That missing time figures to go to familiar names such as Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, all of whom should get more room to keep developing. But Oweh may also benefit from the shakeup in a bigger way than expected.
The Thunder selected Oweh with the No. 41 pick in this year’s NBA draft, and at the time he had to be placed on a two-way contract because Oklahoma City used its first-round picks to fill out the roster. That arrangement still leaves his future uncertain, but it also gives him a clearer path to getting called up during the season.
At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, Oweh has the size to handle perimeter matchups, which is part of why he could fit the role Dort leaves behind. If he develops into the kind of defensive and offensive force he flashed in college, the Thunder may have found a real steal.
His final season at Kentucky backed that up. Oweh averaged 18.6 points per game while shooting 46.5% from the field, production that would help soften the blow of losing Dort if it carries over.
There is still a limit to what he can do on a two-way deal - he can appear in 50 NBA regular-season games - but that is still plenty of runway to make an impression. Oklahoma City may keep that final roster spot open for someone who earns it over the course of the year, and Oweh now has a much better shot at being that player.
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