The calendar has flipped to August. Which means we're in the dog days of the NBA's year-round calendar. Little will happen over the next two months as teams across the league prepare for the 2026-27 season. Before we move on, though, let's reflect one last time on last year.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a league-best 64-18 regular-season record. Juggling injuries all year, they overcame notable absences all year. Alas, they fell short of a second NBA championship with a 2026 Western Conference Finals exit.
To reflect on their 2025-26 season, Thunder Wire will conduct player grades for all 20 players who suited up for them this past year. Sixteenth up is Otega Oweh, who is on a two-way deal:
Show defensive talent
When the Thunder added Oweh, the top comparison was Lu Dort. In his four years at college, he was known for his tenacious defense. He averaged 1.5 steals in his collegiate career. If he wants to carve out an NBA role, he must excel on that side of the floor. He's not exactly a polished defender per se, but his engine gives him a great starting point. He should welcome the next level of physicality in the NBA.
I think he's pretty far away from being Dort. That comparison seems to underplay his developmental story over the years as one of the top point-of-attack defenders at his peak. But Oweh has a chance to be a solid defender. That's how you get playing time on the Thunder.
Put up G League numbers
Because Oweh is on a two-way deal, he'll naturally play a ton in the G League. He can only be active for 50 regular-season games. That means he'll spend plenty of time on the OKC Blue. When that happens, he has to put up numbers. Maybe similar to what he did as Kentucky's best scorer in his final two collegiate years. He should get plenty of on-ball reps.
If you're a two-way player hoping to get a standard NBA roster spot, then you have to dominate at the G League level. In Oweh's case, he has to be a defensive machine and put up plenty of steals and blocks. He should also put up decent scoring numbers and be a decent outside shooter. He'll at least make OKC's G League games watchable as one of their top prospects.
Be a fan favorite
For the first time since the Thunder relocated, they have a former Sooner on their roster. Oweh spent his first two years at Oklahoma before transferring to Kentucky. The transfer portal decision paid off dividends. He developed significantly on offense at the blue-blood program. Given their rich basketball history, it shouldn't be a surprise to see him pop off there.
Now, Oweh has a chance to be a local fan favorite again. Maybe there were some sour feelings about his decision to leave Oklahoma, but I think most understand why. He returns to play for the Thunder. Let's see if he can become a fan favorite. OKC fans love an underdog story. Especially when you're a blue-collar style of defender. That's what two-way players naturally are.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder 3 goals: Otega Oweh can quickly become a fan favorite