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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie watch at the halfway point of the season

By Matthew Hallett

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder
Jan 15, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie watch – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

The Oklahoma City Thunder really made the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft work for them. We have already mentioned how well their two-way player, Aaron Wiggins, is playing, but they also took Jeremiah Robinson-Earl with the 32nd pick.

Standing at 6-9, Robinson Earl is a little undersized at the pivot position, but you would not know it. He is averaging 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game. He has played 38 games on the season, starting 30 of them, despite the Thunder having the services of the veteran Derrick Favors.

One thing that Robinson-Earl brings to the table is his floor spacing. Yes, he is only shooting 33.3 percent from behind the arc, but you have to defend him. His floor spacing allows players like Lu Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Josh Giddey room to create by getting into the paint. They are able to score themselves or kick out to players like Robinson-Earl for the three-ball.

The other area where Robinson-Earl shines is that he is a player with tremendous energy who makes things happen. This is evidenced by his 1.7 offensive rebounds per game.

Robinson-Earl is not afraid of the dirty work, and the Thunder are benefitting as a result. His play has put Isaiah Roby into the G League for some games, a player some believed has the capacity to be an All-Star

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