Oklahoma City Thunder Sign New Center After Suns Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Branden Carlson.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti speaks during an introductory press conference for the 2024 Thunder draft picks at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June, 29, 2024. / SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Friday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns by a score of 99-83.

They are off to an incredible start to the season with an 11-2 record in their first 13 games, which has them as the first seed in the Western Conference.

❝We’re playing together.❞

And the guys are here together with @luthebeast and @NickAGallo postgame 🎤 pic.twitter.com/efzPH09xpZ

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 16, 2024

That said, the team is playing without starting center Chet Holmgren, who will be out for at least two months.

Following their victory over the Suns, the Thunder announced that they had signed rookie center Branden Carlson.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported more details.

Via Scotto: "The Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a one-year, standard NBA deal with Branden Carlson, Ross Aroyo and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told @hoopshype. OKC needs frontcourt depth. Carlson, a 7-foot center, is the all-time shot blocking leader for the University of Utah."

The Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a one-year, standard NBA deal with Branden Carlson, Ross Aroyo and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told @hoopshype. OKC needs frontcourt depth. Carlson, a 7-foot center, is the all-time shot blocking leader for the University of Utah. pic.twitter.com/Go3kxa53GA

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 16, 2024

Carlson finished his final year of college (last season) with averages of 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest while shooting 50.1% from the field and 37.9% from the three-point range in 36 games.

He played five seasons at Utah.

Via Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder: "OKC Thunder have signed center Branden Carlson.

Carlson (7-0, 220) has averaged 14.3 PTS, 8.7 REB, 3.0 AST and 1.67 BLK in 3 games with the G League’s Raptors 905."

OKC Thunder have signed center Branden Carlson.

Carlson (7-0, 220) has averaged 14.3 PTS, 8.7 REB, 3.0 AST and 1.67 BLK in 3 games with the G League’s Raptors 905. pic.twitter.com/5bfrdamp6v

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) November 16, 2024

The Thunder are in the middle of a three-game winning streak.

They will resume action on Sunday evening when they remain at home to host Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks in Oklahoma City.