Thunder's Usman Garuba: 'Glad I Went To the Team Where I Honestly Wanted To Be Drafted'

Oklahoma City has some tough decisions to make over the next few weeks. Even after waiving Rudy Gay, the team still has to make multiple moves to trim the roster down to 15 players.

The Thunder traded for Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington in a trade with Atlanta after the two young prospects were originally traded from Houston. As the duo gets acclimated with the Thunder, training camp will be the perfect time to prove their worth and showcase what they bring to the table.

Washington suited up on Oklahoma City’s Summer League team, but Garuba has been working out in Spain preparing for FIBA basketball. Even with Chet Holmgren slated to return, Oklahoma City doesn’t have a ton of depth in the frontcourt. If Garuba sticks around, he could give the Thunder another intriguing prospect alongside Holmgren for the future.

According to Garuba, he’s been in communication with Thunder brass and understands his potential role in OKC.

“Yes, I have spoken with the coach and I have spoken a lot with the general manager in recent days,” Garuba said in a translated response. “The transfer has been made official recently and we confirmed that everything was fine. They have told me that they trust me a lot, that they think I was not in the right situation in Houston and I agree with them.”

The Thunder’s system allows for lineup versatility and free-flowing basketball, which he thinks can help his individual game in a big way. Oklahoma City’s elite defensive game plan could be well suited for Garuba’s skillset.

“The Thunder are a team whose style of play can come in handy for me, and from the times I've played against them, I think I can benefit a lot from that system,” Garuba said. “I’m looking forward to meeting my colleagues. I really want to. The coach is counting on me although, obviously, anything can happen. We'll see how training camp goes, but I'm really glad I went to the team where I honestly wanted to be drafted.”

At just 21 years old, Garuba fits right in with the Thunder’s young core. If he sticks around with the team, he has a chance to grow and develop with the rest of the roster. There was also speculation that he might try and play overseas after drawing strong interest, but Garuba seems committed to carving out a role in the NBA.

“The youngest in the NBA along with Houston, I think,” Garuba said when talking about the Thunder. “That's where they must be. It is a young team, but they compete a lot. They have done it this season. I admire them a lot after having seen and played against them.

“My intention, if possible, is to do my entire career in the NBA and I'm going to push it to the maximum. I do not think in another thing. Anything can happen, but I only have in mind to continue in the NBA all my professional life.”