OKC Thunder Rookies Impress in 2025-26 NBA Preseason Debut
Three of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s newest additions made a strong impression during the team’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Even without 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber—who is likely out for the season with an ACL injury—the Thunder’s rookie class showcased plenty of promise.
Oklahoma City cruised to a 135-114 win to open their preseason schedule, with veteran Aaron Wiggins leading the team in scoring. On the other side, Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel paced the Hornets with 18 points, including four 3-pointers.
Beyond the top scorers, several Thunder rookies stood out.
Undrafted guard Chris Youngblood was particularly impressive off the bench, scoring 20 points in just 21 minutes while shooting an efficient 7-of-11 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. He also tallied three rebounds, one assist, and only one turnover. Youngblood, who played college ball at Kennesaw State, South Florida, and Alabama, went undrafted in 2025 but has continued to build momentum after a strong Summer League performance.
Though he’s unlikely to earn a full-time roster spot right away, the 6-foot-4, 221-pound guard could be in line for a two-way contract or a role with the Thunder’s G League affiliate this season.
Meanwhile, Nikola Topić, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, also contributed solid minutes. The 19-year-old Serbian guard posted 10 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and a steal while shooting 4-of-9 from the field. Although he went 0-for-3 from long range and committed three turnovers, his court vision and playmaking stood out once again—similar to his Summer League outings. Topić, already on a standard NBA deal, is fighting for a spot in head coach Mark Daigneault’s regular rotation.
Second-round pick Brooks Barnhizer (No. 44 overall) also made an impact, despite a quiet scoring night. In 25 minutes, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound wing notched six points, three rebounds, one assist, four steals, and a block—all without committing a turnover. Though he took just two shots, Barnhizer’s defensive activity was noticeable, and he appears poised to develop into a potential defensive asset. He’s currently on a two-way contract and is expected to spend much of the season developing in the G League.
Despite the setback with Sorber, the Thunder’s rookie class is already turning heads—with Youngblood, Topić, and Barnhizer each showing potential to carve out roles within the organization.
No Comment! Be the first one.