Thunder sign undrafted rookie Hollis Thompson

With two days to go in Summer League and players battling for an open 15th roster spot, the Thunder have already found their last man. Oklahoma City has signed undrafted rookie Hollis Thompson from Georgetown to a three-year deal, the team officially announced Wednesday.

Thompson isn’t playing for anyone in Summer League as he’s been dealing with some recent injuries. He’s a rangy 6-8 small forward that as a junior averaged 12.8 points, and 5.5 rebounds per game while hitting 43.0 percent from 3. He’s a shooter by trade, knocking down perimeter shots at a high clip.

Thompson will have a minor procedure on his left groin and will be available to return to activities in 3-4 weeks, the team says.

His likely role will be sitting in a suit and focusing on development, but he’s certainly an intriguing prospect just because of his shooting ability. Here’s what Draft Express says about him:

As an NBA prospect, Thompson’s calling card is his perimeter shooting, where he’s proven to be outstanding, knocking down a career-high 48% from 3-point range this season, despite an increase in attempts. He has textbook form, deep range, and a quick release, which along with his size at 6’8”, allow him to get off his shot without needing much space. Thompson ranks as one of the best shooters in college basketball, which in and of itself is enough to put him firmly on the NBA radar.

Thompson does most of his damage spotting up with his feet set, but he’s also shown that he’s capable of being run off screens, where he squares himself up nicely for his jumper. In addition to his catch-and-shoot abilities, Thompson is also very effective shooting off of a dribble or two on close-outs, connecting on an excellent 42% of his pull-up jumpers this season.

The Thunder like to use their 15th spot on players like this, providing flexibility while also having the chance to develop talent. Thompson will be extremely cheap (around $490,000 per year) and while his first season is a guaranteed deal, after that he could be waived. Or he could turn out to be good and a future replacement for someone.

What this means: The Thunder won’t be signing Grant Hill, Nazr Mohammed won’t be returning, Derek Fisher won’t be returning and Royal Ivey won’t be returning. By signing Hasheem Thabeet, drafting Perry Jones III and now reportedly signing Thompson, the Thunder have their full 15-man roster.

No, he’s not Ray Allen, but some Thunder fans don’t seem to understand why OKC’s not targeting big name veterans. This Thunder team has a very complicated future roster situation ahead and if you want them having a shot at retaining James Harden, Serge Ibaka and maybe even Eric Maynor, committing to anything long-term with big dollars attached makes zero sense. The Thunder are being extremely prudent and mindful to their financial predicament. Which is what you’d expect from this front office.

Oklahoma City’s roster has been virtually complete for the last two years. There isn’t really a piece to be added. Like the Thabeet signing, this is a low risk maneuver with the future in mind. And pretty much that’s all.

Via Casual Hoya