The Oklahoma City Thunder filled their final 15-player roster spot with the addition of veteran center Bismack Biyombo. He’ll be available for the Thunder in their first post-All-Star break contest against the LA Clippers on Thursday.
The 31-year-old was a prominent starter for the Memphis Grizzlies this season before being waived in January. In 30 games, he averaged 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault clarified his role, stating Biyombo will be used in spurts instead of being a regular part of OKC’s rotation. The six-foot-eight big provides the Thunder some size that can be advantageous against certain opponents.
“He is a great professional, very serious competitor, and I think will help the environment in that way,” Daigneault said.
As a third-string center, Biyombo is a great situational player who can match size for size against some of the larger frontcourts in the Western Conference. Daigneault said they were upfront about his role with him before he signed on for the rest of the season.
Biyombo joins Gordon Hayward as the Thunder’s newest additions to the roster. Hayward spoke with the media for the first time since being traded, declaring he’s ready to return after missing nearly two months with a calf strain.
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