Oklahoma City Thunder: Summer League Roster, Key Storylines

Although they played brilliantly throughout the regular season and most of the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately came up short against the Miami Heat's Big Three in the NBA FInals. 

However, while the Heat celebrated in true South Florida fashion, the Thunder have quietly put together a solid offseason, which should keep them in prime position to get back to the NBA Finals. 

While the sting of falling to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh certainly lingers, Oklahoma City managed to add a potentially potent piece in Perry Jones III while keeping its core intact. 

With a summer league roster full of skilled big men, it'll be interesting to see how Jones responds to his first taste of NBA action. 

Let's take a look at the Thunder's summer league roster and the key storylines to follow. 

Oklahoma City's Summer League Schedule

Monday, July 9 at 12 p.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics

Tuesday, July 10 at 12 p.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

Wednesday, July 11 at 12 p.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons

Thursday, July 12 at 12 p.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets

Friday, July 13 at 7 a.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. vs. Utah Jazz

Cole Aldrich, C, Oklahoma City Thunder (2 Years Experience)

Player Profile: 6'11", 240 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, .6 blocks, 52.4 FG%, 92.9 FT%

Key Storyline: A two-year veteran, Cole Aldrich is one of the few current Thunder players on the 14-man summer league roster. The squad's only center with NBA experience was originally drafted 11th overall in 2010 by the New Orleans Hornets, but was immediately traded to the Thunder. 

In two seasons, he's seen very limited spot duty with the Western Conference's best team, although he's shined in D-League action, averaging 10.3 points, 8.6 boards and 2.6 blocks per game back in 2010-'11. 

With Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison, and Kendrick Perkins as the only viable big men on the roster, Aldrich needs to show he's capable of being a bigger contributor in the rotation. 

Prediction: Aldrich will be Perkins' backup, but should see an increase in minutes from last season. 

Morris Almond, G, Washington Wizards (3 Years Experience)

Player Profile: 6'6", 225 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 3.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, .5 assists, 1.8 steals, 35.3 FG%, 33.3 3P%

Key Storyline: Despite having only three years of NBA experience, Morris Almond has been around the league for much longer than that. The former Rice star entered the league as the 25th overall selection back in 2007, the same year that Kevin Durant went No. 2 overall. 

However, despite averaging 26.4 points per game as a senior, the small forward has never been able to earn consistent minutes in an NBA rotation. 

Although he was a prolific scorer in college, Almond just hasn't been able to find the hole like he did at Rice. 

At this point in his career, it's looking like Almond may be nothing more than a fringe journeyman. 

Prediction: Almond fails to impress off the bench and is sent back to the D-League or cut. 

Kent Bazemore, G/F, (Undrafted Free Agent)

Player Profile: 6'5", 195 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 15.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 40.7 FG%, 32.1 3P%

Key Storyline: Although he didn't play against elite competition, Kent Bazemore certainly caught the attention of those who watched him star at Old Dominion. 

The two-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year was also named First Team All-CAA last season after putting together another stellar season. 

The wiry guard/forward left Old Dominion ranked second in career steals and draws high marks for his team-first approach and defensive skills. 

Prediction: He won't make the Thunder's squad, but if he can play defense like he did in college, he might be able to latch on somewhere else. 

Dwight Buycks, G, Tulsa 66ers (1-Year D-League Experience)

Player Profile: 6'3", 190 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 15.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.25 steals, 49.7 FG%, 35.1 3P%

Key Storyline: A former leader at Marquette, Dwight Buycks went undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft, but was selected with the fifth pick in the second round of the D-League draft. 

The smallish shooting guard went on to have an excellent first season for the Tulsa 66ers, displaying a good shooting touch and the ability to hit shots from behind the arc. 

His impressive play earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team and certainly caught the eye of the Thunder's brass. 

Although he wasn't a prolific scorer in college, Buycks' initial season in the D-League opened some eyes. 

Prediction: If Buycks shows the ability to score that made him such a hit in the D-League, he'll find a way to make someone's roster. 

Marquez Haynes, G, Gran Canaria (No NBA Experience)

Player Profile: 6'3", 185 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 10.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, .9 steals, 47.4 FG%, 28.5 3P%

Key Storyline: After a nondescript two-year run at Boston College, Marquez Haynes finished out his college basketball career as a member of the University of Texas-Arlington squad. 

The change in scenery sparked a new beginning for the shooting guard as Haynes averaged 16.5 points per game as a junior before exploding for 22.5 as a senior. 

Despite those numbers, the only way Haynes was able to keep his dream alive was by playing overseas. 

He put up decent numbers in Spain last season, but isn't a lock to make the roster. 

Prediction: Haynes returns overseas.

Lazar Hayward, F, Oklahoma City Thunder (2 Years Experience)

Player Profile: 6'6", 225 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 1.4 points, .6 rebounds, .2 assists, 34.2 FG%, 28.6 3P%

Key Storyline: After starring at Marquette, Lazar Hayward snuck into the back end of the first round in 2010, going to the Washington Wizards with the 30th pick. 

The small forward was quickly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he managed to carve out a decent bench role as a rookie. 

In about 10 minutes per game, the 25-year-old averaged 3.8 points per game and shot 78.6% from the free-throw line. 

He earned his way back on the Thunder's squad after performing well in limited D-League action. 

Prediction: Hayward sticks on the back end of the roster. 

John Holland, G, Chorale Roanne Basket (No NBA Experience)

Player Profile: 6'5", 205 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 54.6 FG%, 41.2 3P%

Key Storyline: John Holland does one thing very well: score the basketball. Ever since his days at Boston University, the hybrid guard/small forward has been a go-to guy on offense. 

At BU, he averaged over 19 points per game his last two seasons, but still went undrafted. 

He impressed in his debut year playing in the top basketball league in France, proving he has the ability to put up points. 

Prediction: If he earns enough minutes, Holland could impress a team with his scoring ability and potentially earn a roster spot. 

Reggie Jackson, G, Oklahoma City Thunder (1 Year Experience)

Player Profile: 6'3", 208 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 3.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 32.1 FG%, 21.0 3P%

Key Storyline: Reggie Jackson is a former first-round pick who was drafted to be Russell Westbrook's backup. 

As a rookie last season, he saw action in 45 games, earning 11.1 minutes per game off the bench. 

However, he didn't play much later on in the season as Derek Fisher was Scott Brooks' top backup point guard. 

Jackson consistently grew as a player throughout his college career, so there's upside here. 

Prediction: Jackson earns his spot as the backup to Westbrook. 

Perry Jones III, F, Oklahoma City Thunder (Rookie)

Player Profile: 6'11", 235 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 13.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 50.0 FG%, 30.3 3P%, 69.6 FT%

Key Storyline: No player on the Thunder's summer league roster will be more scrutinized than the team's 2012 first-round pick. 

Jones was projected to be a lottery pick, but nearly fell all the way out of the first round amidst concerns about his knees, maturity and motor.  

In this case, it may have just been a perfect situation for both player and team. 

The Thunder can allow Jones to refine his offensive play by learning from the game's best scorer—Kevin Durant—while also allowing Jones to learn how to harness his size from the likes of Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. 

Prediction: Jones gets his head right and emerges as a key contributor in 2012-'13. 

James Mays, F, Mersin (No NBA Experience)

Player Profile: 6'8", 227 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 10.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 48.0 FG%, 30.4 3P%, 60.8 FT%

Key Storyline: James Mays is a bit of a tweener as an undersized power forward/center. 

He went undrafted out of Clemson in 2008, but has played overseas for a few years. 

He showed some ability playing in the Turkish league last season, but doesn't have big upside to his game.

Prediction: Mays returns overseas. 

Gary McGhee, C, Hacettepe Üniversitesi B.K. (No NBA Experience)

Player Profile: 6'10", 250 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 56.3 FG%, 45.6 FT%

Key Storyline: The burly Gary McGhee was a standout four-year player for a talented Pittsburgh squad.

Despite a solid career, the team's Defensive Player of the Year went undrafted and played overseas last season. 

After failing to top 6.9 points per game during his college career, McGee improved those scoring numbers while retaining his rebounding and shot-blocking skills. 

He has the bulk and effort to be a decent big man off the bench, but the Thunder have a solid rotation in place. 

Prediction: McGhee doesn't make the Thunder's squad and returns overseas. 

Ryan Reid, F, Tulsa 66ers (1 Year Experience)

Player Profile: 6'8", 235 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, .88 blocks, 51.2 FG%, 70.5 FT%

Key Storyline: Ryan Reid is a fan favorite because of his intense work ethic and selfless contributions on the floor. 

The former Florida State standout has shuffled between the 66ers and the Thunder several times, but continues to put in the work that may hopefully pay off in a roster spot.

With his length and hustle, Reid is a very good defender whose stats don't reflect the true story. 

Prediction: Reid remains in the D-League, but will be one of the first names to get called up. 

Garrett Temple, G, A.S. Junior Pallacanestro Casale (2 Years Experience)

Player Profile: 6'5", 200 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 39.8 FG%, 31.9 3P%, 83.0 FT%

Key Storyline: Garrett Temple is the classic case of a journeyman. The lengthy guard is LSU's all-time leader in minutes played, but has had a rough case of sticking on an NBA roster. 

Since going undrafted in '09, Temple has spent time in the D-League, played overseas and been a part of the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Bobcats. 

The former Tiger doesn't appear to be an long-term NBA player at this point. 

Prediction: Temple returns overseas. 

Latavious Williams, F, FIATC Joventut (No NBA Experience)

Player Profile: 6'8", 225 pounds

2011-'12 Per-Game Stats: 9.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 59.7 FG%, 70.0 FT%

Key Storyline: Latavious Williams is a former second-round selection by the Miami Heat who has never played in the NBA, but has shown flashes in D-League and international action. 

In 2010-'11, he starred for the Tulsa 66ers, averaging 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while converting nearly 64 percent of his field-goal attempts. 

Williams certainly has NBA talent, but he'll need a strong summer to prove he's worth keeping around. 

Prediction: Williams wins a tight battle for the 15th spot on the roster.