Caleb McConnell Signs Exhibit 10 Contract, Gives Thunder Defensive Upside on Summer League Roster

Caleb McConnell wasn’t the top option at Rutgers, but his defense and high motor gives him a chance to get to the NBA.

With the NBA draft now in the past, teams now turn to signing rookies who didn’t hear their names called on the stage of the draft.

The players have what could be their one shot to prove themselves and earn a spot in the NBA. After the draft the first announced Thunder signing was Rutgers wing Caleb McConnell to an Exhibit-10 contract.

McConnell will have an uphill battle to earn a roster spot in OKC, but the contract will give him a chance to earn a two-way or end up with the Blue.

McConnell does play in a role that OKC could use added depth at. McConnell played four seasons with Rutgers, where he wasn’t a key offensive weapon for the Scarlet Knights. Last season he averaged 9.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. McConnell struggled as a shooter overall shooting just 39.5% from the field last year to a large part because of a 20% mark from 3-point range.

At 6-foot-7 and nearly 200-pounds he is an athletic swing man with a high motor. His motor helps him space the floor despite a limited offense. McConnell’s biggest add comes with his high defensive upside.

McConnell stifles opposing offenses with his defensive presence. He can use his length to grab steals and stop drives from opposing wings. McConnell plays extremely unselfish which will help him in the pros, but at times he is unselfish to a fault.

Overall, McConnell provides upside on defense and with his athleticism, but his offensive struggles may make it difficult to find a footing in a battle for a roster spot. 

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