Oklahoma City Thunder Officially Sign 2025 NBA Draft Picks Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer to Bolster Championship-Caliber Young Core

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to make all the right moves as they shape their roster for sustained success, officially announcing the signings of 2025 NBA Draft selections Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer on Thursday. The Thunder, fresh off a breakthrough season that cemented them as one of the league’s most dangerous young teams, wasted no time securing their prized rookies as part of a long-term vision that revolves around elite player development, versatility, and depth.

General Manager Sam Presti, widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most strategic executives, doubled down on that reputation during the 2025 draft, selecting both Sorber and Barnhizer with an eye toward complementing the existing nucleus led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey. With both draftees now under contract, the Thunder are positioned to build upon last season’s momentum, which saw them emerge as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.

Thomas Sorber: Interior Enforcer with Modern Upside

Selected with the 18th overall pick, Thomas Sorber arrives in Oklahoma City after an impressive collegiate career that showcased his bruising physicality and underrated skill set. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 255 pounds, Sorber made his name as one of the most dominant big men in college basketball, blending old-school toughness with flashes of modern offensive versatility.

During his sophomore season, Sorber averaged 15.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 57% from the field. His combination of rim protection, rebounding prowess, and interior scoring made him a coveted prospect, especially for a Thunder squad still seeking additional physicality and depth in the frontcourt behind Holmgren.

Though Sorber may not possess the same floor-stretching ability that defines many modern bigs, his soft touch around the basket, relentless motor, and defensive IQ provide immediate value. Scouts also noted his improved footwork and developing passing instincts, elements that align with Oklahoma City’s free-flowing, positionless brand of basketball.

In a statement released by the team, Presti expressed confidence in Sorber’s ability to make an impact early in his NBA career.

“Thomas brings an edge to our frontcourt that we’ve been looking for,” Presti said. “His physical presence, commitment to defense, and willingness to embrace the dirty work fit perfectly with the culture we’ve established here. We believe his best basketball is still ahead of him, and we’re excited to help him grow within our system.”

With Holmgren’s perimeter skill set and Sorber’s interior presence, the Thunder now have the makings of a complementary big-man duo capable of matching up with the West’s elite frontcourts. Sorber’s arrival also alleviates some pressure on Holmgren to handle heavy physical matchups in the post, giving head coach Mark Daigneault more tactical flexibility.

Brooks Barnhizer: The Ultimate Versatile Wing Built for OKC’s System

With their second-round selection, the Thunder added another intriguing piece to their deep wing rotation, selecting Brooks Barnhizer—a 6-foot-6 Swiss Army knife out of Northwestern known for his versatility, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ. Barnhizer, taken with the 41st overall pick, might not have carried the same hype as lottery selections, but his skill set mirrors many of the attributes that have defined Oklahoma City’s recent draft successes.

Barnhizer’s senior campaign with the Wildcats was a revelation, as he averaged 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 36% from beyond the arc. His ability to guard multiple positions, operate as a secondary playmaker, and knock down open shots made him an ideal target for a Thunder team that prioritizes versatility, length, and defensive switchability.

At Northwestern, Barnhizer often found himself guarding the opponent’s best perimeter threat while simultaneously contributing as a connector on offense—a role he projects to fill in Oklahoma City’s scheme. His unselfishness, work ethic, and feel for the game earned rave reviews from scouts, with many predicting he’ll carve out a long NBA career as a reliable 3-and-D wing.

During Thursday’s announcement, Daigneault emphasized Barnhizer’s alignment with the Thunder’s organizational identity.

“Brooks exemplifies the type of competitor and teammate we want in our locker room,” Daigneault said. “His versatility on both ends of the floor, coupled with his willingness to make winning plays, will be invaluable as we continue to build toward our goals. He understands how to impact the game without dominating the ball, and that fits seamlessly with how we operate.”

Given the Thunder’s emphasis on depth and positionless basketball, Barnhizer figures to have an immediate opportunity to compete for rotational minutes, especially as Oklahoma City continues to experiment with lineups built around length, switchability, and defensive disruption.

A Youth Movement with Championship Aspirations

The signings of Sorber and Barnhizer underscore Oklahoma City’s patient, methodical approach to roster construction, which has seen them accumulate a war chest of draft assets while developing one of the league’s most exciting young cores. Last season’s playoff run—where the Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals—proved that this group is ahead of schedule, but Presti and his staff remain focused on sustainable, long-term success.

With Gilgeous-Alexander blossoming into a perennial MVP candidate, Holmgren showing All-Defensive potential, and emerging stars like Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey providing elite complementary production, the Thunder have built a foundation that rivals any young team in the NBA.

Adding Sorber and Barnhizer to the mix enhances both the immediate depth and future outlook of the roster. Sorber gives Oklahoma City a physical interior presence capable of anchoring the defense and battling on the boards, while Barnhizer’s versatility and defensive acumen add even more layers to an already dangerous wing group.

The Thunder’s cap flexibility, deep draft capital, and elite player development infrastructure position them to not only compete in the loaded Western Conference but also maintain their status as one of the league’s most feared up-and-coming contenders.

Looking Ahead: Summer League and Training Camp Opportunities

Fans won’t have to wait long to get their first glimpse of Sorber and Barnhizer in Thunder uniforms, as both rookies are expected to suit up for Oklahoma City’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas later this month. The Summer League offers a valuable proving ground for young players to showcase their skills, adapt to the NBA’s pace, and begin building chemistry with teammates.

For Sorber, the event provides an opportunity to establish himself as a defensive anchor and physical force against NBA-caliber competition, while Barnhizer can demonstrate his ability to defend multiple positions, hit open shots, and thrive within the Thunder’s free-flowing offensive schemes.

Training camp this fall will also serve as a crucial developmental period for both rookies as they integrate into the team’s culture and compete for roles within one of the deepest rotations in the league. Given Daigneault’s track record of empowering young players and Oklahoma City’s emphasis on merit-based playing time, both Sorber and Barnhizer are expected to have every opportunity to contribute during their rookie seasons.

Final Thoughts: Thunder Remain Committed to Long-Term Success

The official signings of Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer are another testament to Oklahoma City’s commitment to building through the draft, developing talent from within, and maintaining flexibility for future moves. As the Thunder set their sights on the next stage of their championship pursuit, these additions provide vital depth, toughness, and versatility to a roster already brimming with promise.

With one of the NBA’s brightest young cores, elite organizational leadership, and a clear vision for sustained success, the Thunder’s future has never looked brighter. And now, with Sorber and Barnhizer officially in the fold, Oklahoma City’s journey toward championship contention continues full steam ahead.