OKC rookie reveals lofty goals inspired by SGA, Jaylen Williams

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie Chris Youngblood made a critical block at the rim, then a 3-pointer, then hit another to force overtime in the fourth quarter of the G League OKC Blue’s 124-123 win against the South Bay Lakers. Youngblood knows that shooting gave him a two-way victory contract, which stood out in the Thunder’s Summer League. But he plans to evolve into a better player during his time in the G League.

Youngblood says time spent around Thunder All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams has paid dividends this season, as his two-way contract gives him the flexibility to split time between the Blues and Thunder.

“You can just tell how they go about their business. I’m fortunate enough to watch every day from the inside how they go about their business. How they approach the game, even wins and losses,” Youngblood said. “I learn a lot from them, and then I can apply it down there. I’ll end up with the Thunder applying it.”

Youngblood finished with 32 points on 11-of-23 shooting, including 5-of-13 from deep, nine rebounds and two assists, helping Oklahoma City erase a 19-point deficit in the Blues’ overtime win against the Lakers on Saturday.

“Offense really isn’t my problem. Defense is where I want to make big strides,” Youngblood said. “So I was focused on that the whole game. Almost the whole season, and the offense will take care of itself.”

Youngblood shot effectively as an undrafted guard on the Thunder’s summer league roster. He made 12 of 27 three-point attempts in four games, eventually earning a roster spot for OKC.

“That’s what got me into the league — being able to shoot the ball at a high level,” Youngblood added. “And I do a lot of things well. But I’ve always been a shooter. That’s one of the things they want me to do; shoot a lot of threes.”

Chris Youngblood’s biggest influence before joining the Thunder

While shooting is undoubtedly one of the most impressive parts of Thunder rookie Chris Youngblood’s game, veteran Isaiah Joe says Youngblood always asks for defense. After Saturday’s win, the undrafted rookie talked about the NBA players who inspired him growing up.

“Kobe Bryant. I kind of got his mindset and the way he approaches the game,” Youngblood said. “My favorite players are watching Kobe Bryant, Devin Booker, D-Wade. Just how they play the game. Their rhythm. I try to take a little bit from all of them. I don’t post like Kobe, just his mentality. D-Book: The way he makes rebounds is pretty impressive, the way he uses D-Wade is pretty impressive. nice.”

The Thunder will host the 76ers on the front end of a back-to-back at home.