The promising rookie gets the promise of growth from Isaiah Joe

OKLAHOMA CITY — In the midst of a string of injuries Oklahoma City ThunderIsaiah Joe made his regular-season debut Thursday, but was a backup to undrafted rookie Chris Youngblood. In a 127-108 win over the Washington Wizards, Youngblood scored 20 points, including five 3-pointers. His shooting fell early and often. That’s not always the case, though, as he talked about while reflecting on his conversations with the two-way rookie.

Joe says Youngblood’s an intuitive approach is felt throughout the team, especially for him as one of the team’s elite scorers.

“At our shooting position, you make and miss shots, but you always want to find ways to stay on the floor even if your shots aren’t going. So he’s always asking about defense,” Joe said. “Or if he wants to find ways to squeeze out a look, he asks questions. Not just me. He asks everything. He’s a true student and he’s going to grow because of it.”

Youngblood made four 3-pointers in the preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, as his outside touch has stood out since Summer League and sharpened in training camp. While watching the Thunder’s Isaiah Joe, Youngblood drained an incredible 14 3-pointers in the preseason. With injuries to Jalen Williams, Chet Homgren and Kenrich Williams, Youngblood is ready for any opportunity during the early stages of his NBA season.

Mark Daigneault hints at increased role for Thunder rookie

With Thunder first-round pick Thomas Sorber recovering from a season-ending ACL injury and his undrafted guard Chris Youngblood in the mix, second-round pick Brooks Barnheiser answered the call. Marc Daigneault revealed how Barnheiser earned his small role so far.

“The biggest thing he’s done is come in with the right attitude, attitude, work ethic and competitive level — that’s what stands out,” Daigneault said. “Some guys, when they come to the NBA, they have to learn the level of competition that the game demands, and they don’t have to learn that. He has to learn a lot, but that’s not one of the things he has to learn. That was impressive — it was great.”

Barnheiser’s defense and rebounding have produced brief efforts in the first two weeks of his NBA career, including 14 and 11 minutes in tight games, such as a double-overtime thriller against the Pacers, followed by a seven-point road win against the Hawks.