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One of the newest additions to the Oklahoma City Thunder roster was third-year center Usman Garuba.
After spending his first two seasons with the Houston Rockets, Garuba was acquired by the Thunder in a multi-player trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He will fight for a roster spot during training camp: He is near the bottom of the depth chart on OKC’s 21-player roster.
Practicing with Spain for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Garuba talked about being traded to the Thunder with Spain’s media outlet Marca’s Nacho Duke. In his interview, he talked about how much contact he’s had with the Thunder and what he expects during his time in OKC.
“They have told me that they trust me a lot, that they think I was not in the right situation in Houston and I agree with them,” Garuba said. “The Thunder are a team whose style of play can come in handy for me, and from the times I’ve played against them, I think I can benefit a lot from that system.”
Garuba also complimented the Thunder’s young core, mentioning how their style fits him.
“It is a young team, but they compete a lot,” Garuba said. “They have done it this season. I admire them a lot after having seen and played against them.”
Garuba was drafted 23rd in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft. In two seasons, he averaged 2.8 points and 3.9 rebounds.
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