The OKC Thunder may have secured two first-round talents in the 2024 NBA Draft, but so far this season, neither has seen significant playing time in regular-season games.
It was expected that lottery pick Nikola Topic would be sidelined for the entire year as he recovers from July surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. However, Dillon Jones, selected with the 26th pick, showed promise during the preseason, posting impressive averages of 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 47.8% overall and 46.7% from three-point range.
Now, a week into the 2024-25 season, the Thunder have announced that Jones will be sent to the G League to play for their affiliate team, the OKC Blue. This decision comes despite expectations that he could see early NBA action, especially given the injuries to Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Kenrich Williams, which have left the Thunder’s frontcourt thin.
After three games, Jones has logged just seven minutes and has not had a chance to make a significant impact. While this move may seem surprising, it is likely to provide him with valuable playing time as the Thunder’s key players recover from their injuries.
Playing in the G League will allow Jones to develop his skills against other emerging or established talents. The reigning G League champions will begin training camp soon and kick off their season against the Texas Legends on November 12.
