Last season, the up-and-coming OKC Thunder demonstrated they weren't years away from being true title contenders, establishing themselves as a force during the regular season and into the playoffs.
Unfortunately, their inexperience caught up with them in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, as the Dallas Mavericks disposed of them in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games.
As of this writing, the Oklahoma City Thunder currently hold the top seed in the NBA's Western Conference standings, boasting an impressive record of 11-2. Clearly, OKC is picking up right where they left off and is eager for another determined push toward title contention.
But something is keeping the Thunder from reaching their true potential.
While injuries aren't dropping the Thunder in the rankings, they are piling up, especially concerning their center depth. OKC has lost Isaiah Hartenstein (who's yet to suit up for the Thunder this season), Jaylin Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
That said, the Thunder have discovered a temporary solution to the problem as of November 16.
Sam Presti, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, announced that the team is signing 7-foot center Branden Carlson from Raptors 905 to a standard NBA deal. In an official news release from the team, the full terms of the agreement were withheld in accordance with team policy.
Thunder sign Branden Carlson to rest-of-season contract
HUGE congrats to @Raptors905 big man Branden Carlson on signing with the @okcthunder, the 6th #NBACallUp of the year! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8j4XifqY0U
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) November 17, 2024
In three starter appearances for the Raptors 905 this season, Carlson averaged 14.3 points on a 51.5% field goal percentage, along with 8.7 rebounds, three assists, and just over one and a half blocks in approximately 32 minutes of play per game.
At 25 years old, Carlson serves as an excellent test for any playoff-contending team to assess what an older collegiate player can contribute. Of course, he isn't being brought in with elite expectations, but Carlson is definitely worth taking a swing on given his length and ability to space the floor.
The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't ask for more from Carlson, especially given their severe depletion in that department. Relying on small-ball lineups with players like Ousmane Dieng or Jalen Williams at the five spot is not a sustainable long-term solution.
Alas, the prevailing hope is that Carlson can fill the gaps for now, while the Thunder anticipates a return to full health with Hartenstein, Williams, and Holmgren all cleared.
It's not a damning loss for Toronto or their Raptors 905 development program; they had the chance to lock down Carlson on a two-way deal this summer but chose to waive him instead. Clearly, the team saw more potential in players like Ulrich Chomche, D.J. Carton, and Jamison Battle, which led them to part ways with the former Utah Utes standout.
Nevertheless, they likely wish him well on his next journey, and only time will tell how impactful Carlson will be in Oklahoma City.