Three Potential Teams to Sign Usman Garuba

Which NBA teams should give ex-OKC Thunder center Usman Garuba a chance at training camp?

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived Usman Garuba on Monday, the team announced. Assuming he clears waivers, the 6-foot-8 big man will have the choice to select his next team and battle for a roster spot. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder has waived forward Usman Garuba, per Thunder PR.

— Kade Kimble (@kadekimble) August 21, 2023

So, which teams should look to make a move on the former first-round pick?

Dallas Mavericks: Garuba would be able to head to Dallas for training camp, where he would be able to battle for a roster spot and provide frontcourt depth. The team has seen inconsistencies in that position, and having drafted Dereck Lively Jr., the team seems to be willing to invest in the position. 

Tyson Chandler, NBA champion with the Mavericks, is helping develop and mentor Lively. If Garuba, 21-years-old, could even listen in to the conversations being had, his development would begin on the right trajectory. This is a low-risk shot the Mavericks could take as they currently struggle with depth in the frontcourt. 

Phoenix Suns: The Suns gutted both their draft assets and roster to bring Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant to Devin Booker's support for the upcoming season. They're stacked at the top of their roster, and they brought in a solid amount of depth all on veteran minimum contracts. 

However, with the future unknown with Deandre Ayton, who new head coach Frank Vogel believes in, the frontcourt could get stretched thin for the Suns. Especially since they signed Bol Bol, a flyer signing this offseason that could amount to nothing. Garuba provides a training camp battle to fight to add frontcourt depth to the team.

New York Knicks: Garuba, again, could provide frontcourt depth for the Knicks. His ability to play the power forward or center percentage. The Spanish big man has a high motor and would take advantage of the opportunities given.

The Knicks signed former Thunder Isaiah Roby to add to their frontcourt depth already, and Garuba would get another chance to battle for those depth minutes. Evidently, playing at a place where the market is big and eyes will be on him, Garuba may be able to prove his addition to winning. 

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