OKC Thunder Adds Veteran Big Ahead of All-Star Break

Bismack Biyombo is officially a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBA trade deadline officially passed on Thursday, but the Oklahoma City Thunder hadn't made a deal for a backup big. As good as Chet Holmgren is, this roster still had a clear void as is related to size in the frontcourt. 

With one full-time roster spot remaining, Oklahoma City made a move on the free agent market on Saturday afternoon in signing Bismack Biyombo, as first reported by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. 

Biyombo has played in 30 games this season (27 starts) for the Memphis Grizzlies, posting averages of 5.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He isn't a floor spacer, and is actually undersized for a center at 6-foot-8, but is extremely strong and will help enhance the Thunder's physicality. He also boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan which is why he's so effective as a center without being a 7-footer.

Biambo is a proven shot blocker, producing 1.3 rejections per game over the course of his career. He is the type of player who doesn't need the ball in his hands to make an impact, which is exactly what OKC needs off the bench. 

At 31 years old, Biyombo also provides a veteran presence for Oklahoma City with over 850 career games played at the NBA level, including 40 playoff contests.

It's unclear when Biyombo will officially join the team, but at minimum, he will begin to be inserted into the lineup following the NBA All-Star break.

As more information comes of this signing, Inside the Thunder will keep you in the loop.

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