Oliver Sarr Adds Possibility of More Center Depth
Oliver Sarr is back under contract with the Thunder.
After signing Eugene Omoruyi to a full time NBA deal for the remainder of the season, the Thunder had an open two-way contract slot. Oklahoma City inked a deal with Sarr to join Lindy Waters as the OKC two-way players.
This isn’t Sarr’s first stint with OKC. He played in 22 games for OKC last season when injuries mounted at the end of the year. He even started two games during his stretch.
Last season he averaged seven points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His best outings came at the end of the year. He notched 24 points and six rebounds against the Suns on April 3, and then posted a 12 point, 10 rebound double-double, April 5 against Portland.
Sarr has a growing log jam ahead of him at center and will likely spend most of his time in the G League, but the signing gives OKC a full roster and more depth inside if needed.
Injuries have not been kind to OKC in the paint this season with both Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Aleksej Pokusevski missing extended periods, which makes the ability for OKC to utilize Sarr much more crucial.
Sarr joins a room currently manned by Jaylin Williams, with Robsinson-Earl expected to return soon and Dario Saric entering the fold after the trade deadline. Pokusevski is still a ways from his return from a significant leg injury.
Sarr will be an emergency piece in the room, but has the experience to answer the call when needed if injuries do pop up.
OKC has utilized two-way players a bit this season. Omoruyi has played in 22 games and Waters has played in 21, so Sarr could see playing time in his future.
The big piece is OKC has shown a commitment to help the depth inside and Sarr is another piece to the puzzle as the position gets healthier.
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