Branden Carlson talks ‘super special’ return to Utah against Jazz

Oklahoma City ThunderBranden Carlson, who was once cut from his high school basketball team in South Jordan, Utah, has come a long way to becoming an NBA champion, as the undrafted center will face the Utah Jazz on Friday. Before the NBA Cup game, in which The Thunder will look to improve on their 15-1 recordCarlson explained the significance of playing in Utah.

for Carlson, it’s good to be home where the Thunder will face the Jazz in front of Branden’s friends and family.

“It’s super special. The fact that I’m even here is a huge blessing, and I couldn’t have done it without my family, my parents, especially, who did what they did for me,” Carlson said. “So to be able to play in this building tonight and just come home is always fun. Basically, you have a lot of support.”

While coming home brings back many memories, Carlson had trouble pinpointing the ones that mean the most. However, it is all a collective feeling of nostalgia.

“There are too many to really name. You go through adversity from being cut from high school to injuries to tough teammates to all of this,” Carlson added. “There’s a lot of things you can put into it. But I think a lot of it comes down to the people you surround yourself with — what they can do to help you and put you in the best position, and what you do with that.”

The Thunder’s Branden Karlsson returns home to face the Jazz

Thunder center Branden Carlson agreed to a two-way contract ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Karlsson, who made the Thunder’s roster last season due to injuries to starters Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, before spending most of the season with the Oklahoma City Blue, OKC’s league affiliate.

After Holmgren and Hartenstein returned from injuries, Karlsson signed two 10-day contracts before ultimately remaining in the Thunder organization. He won a championship last season and is happy to be back in the state that raised him through high school and college, where Carlson attended the University of Utah.

“It never gets old,” Carlson said of returning to Utah. “I think it’s always fun to come back here. Growing up and going to games in this building and being able to play on this field is always fun. I have a lot of friends and family that come to the games. So we get a pretty good fan base here for OKC.”

The Thunder will look to extend their seven-game winning streak on Friday.