The NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off their 2025 Summer League campaign in familiar fashion, opening the first leg in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Thunder are set for the foreseeable future and don’t need much in terms of roster additions—but there are a few things that Thunder fans, this writer, and likely Sam Presti wanted to see.
Although OKC dropped the opener to Memphis, 92-80, we saw exactly what we hoped from Nikola Topić, Ajay Mitchell, and Brooks Barnhizer—and it was promising.
Most anticipated was OKC’s 12th pick from last season: Nikola Topić. Two different scouts described him to me as “Josh Giddey with a shot.” That description—and his presence—helped soften the blow of Giddey’s departure.
After 26 minutes of play, it all made sense. Topić looked fluid with the ball in his hands. He started off a little shaky, missing his first three shots, but quickly found his rhythm. The 19-year-old Serbian point guard finished an efficient 6-of-8 from the field, with 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes.
What stood out most to me? His willingness to embrace contact on drives to the basket. Coming off a season-long injury, there’s usually a mental hurdle to overcome—one that often takes longer than the first quarter of your Summer League debut.
Ajay Mitchell looked like the most polished player on the floor for OKC—as he should. After playing 36 games for the Thunder last season and becoming an integral part of the rotation before injury sidelined him, the expectation was that he’d be faster, stronger, and more skilled than most others on the court. He was.
Mitchell finished with 24 points and 6 assists on 10-of-18 shooting against Memphis.
Then there’s OKC’s 44th pick: Brooks Barnhizer. The self-proclaimed follower of Alex Caruso and Lu Dort—and OKC’s early “glue guy.” As soon as I heard that, I was sold. Luckily, his game backed it up. He hustled on both ends, fought for extra possessions, and brought intensity on defense. It’s clear he’s one of those players who’ll do whatever it takes to earn minutes—even if it’s just a few.
Barnhizer closed with 9 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes.
The Thunder’s next Summer League matchup tips off Monday at 6 PM CT against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Great story on the new team members. Go Thunder!!!