Former OKC Thunder Starter Signs With Guangdong Southern Tigers

According to Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype, Darius Bazley will sign with a team in China.

Jan 18, 2020; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul (3) talks with forward Darius Bazley (7) during a break in play against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 119-106. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Darius Bazley is coming off a season where he appeared in nine games for the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers.

He finished the year with averages of 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 60.0% from the field and 25.0% from the three-point range.

On Friday, Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype reported that Bazley will sign with a team in China (Guangdong Southern Tigers).

Via @chnhoops: "🇨🇳 @dariusbazley joins CBA Guangdong in the new season 🔥 #china #cba #nba #basketball"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HoopsChina (@chnhoops)

Bazley was the 23rd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

He spent part of four seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

During the 2021 season, Bazley averaged 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting 42.2% from the field in 69 games (53 starts).

Via OKC Thunder on August 9, 2020: "The rook put up a new career-high 23 points. (8-13 FG incl. 5-8 from downtown). "

The rook put up a new career-high 23 points. (8-13 FG incl. 5-8 from downtown). @BazleyDarius | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/QpPtk1m5SO

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 9, 2020

In addition to the Thunder, 76ers and Jazz, Bazley played for the Phoenix Suns in 2023.

His career averages are 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest while shooting 41.4% from the field and 30.4% from the three-point range in 237 regular season games.

He also appeared in seven NBA playoff games with the OKC Thunder during the 2020 season.

Apr 9, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Darius Bazley (55) slam dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

At just 24, Bazley has yet to hit the prime of his career.

Therefore, he could be a good candidate to return to the NBA at some point over the next three seasons.