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The Oklahoma City Thunder's second-round pick Brooks Barnhizer has emerged as the standout among their rookies during the NBA Summer League, overshadowing their first-round selection Thomas Sorber. Barnhizer, selected 44th overall, has generated significant attention through five games in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas with his impressive two-way play. Averaging 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a Summer League record 3.6 steals per game over approximately 26 minutes while shooting 50% from the field, Barnhizer has made a substantial impact on both ends of the court. His performance has been particularly notable for setting the record for most steals in two consecutive contests. This breakout aligns with the Thunder's established pattern of identifying valuable talent later in the draft, as demonstrated by previous successes like Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell. The organization views Barnhizer's emergence as potential confirmation of their ability to build a championship-caliber team. Barnhizer's development is especially valuable under the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, where second-round picks provide significant financial flexibility. Their contracts can start at non-guaranteed minimum salaries that escalate slower than first-round deals, helping teams manage luxury tax concerns. This flexibility is crucial for Oklahoma City, whose payroll will increase dramatically following max contract extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. While some doubt their ability to build a championship roster around these expensive contracts (citing the Boston Celtics' situation as a cautionary example), the Thunder possess a distinct advantage: they hold 12 incoming second-round picks between 2026 and 2031, providing them with exceptional draft capital to supplement their roster affordably.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to take on significant ball-handling duties for the Milwaukee Bucks following Damian Lillard's departure, Kevin Porter Jr., likely the starting point guard, needs to provide consistent shooting, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations where he has previously excelled. Historically, catch-and-shoot specialists playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo tend to have career-best shooting seasons due to the abundance of open looks he generates, often leading to lucrative contracts the following season, as seen with players like Bryn Forbes and Malik Beasley, and potentially AJ Green. While Porter's role involves more than just shooting, excelling as a catch-and-shoot threat could significantly enhance his performance and fit with Giannis. During the 2021-22 season, Porter was the NBA's most efficient player on catch-and-shoot threes (48.2% on 114 attempts). However, his percentage plummeted to 30.8% last season, ranking among the league's worst. Much of this decline occurred during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers (23.7%). After joining the Bucks, Porter showed improvement, hitting 40.7% on catch-and-shoot threes, albeit in a small sample size. This rebound in Milwaukee provides a blueprint for success. Porter's primary role will be as a scorer and shot-creator to relieve pressure from Giannis. However, when defenses collapse on Giannis as he controls the offense, Porter will frequently be open on the perimeter for catch-and-shoot opportunities created by Giannis passes. Regaining his 2021-22 shooting efficiency in these situations would dramatically increase his impact. Porter, who re-signed with the Bucks recently and could enter free agency again next summer, has the opportunity to set himself up for a significant payday by rediscovering his elite catch-and-shoot form. Although not definitively confirmed as the starting point guard, the position is currently his to lose. If he capitalizes on the open looks provided by Giannis in Milwaukee's more athletic, fast-paced lineup, he could become the perfect fit.