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. Twentieth up is Buddy Boeheim, who was briefly on a two-way deal:
2025-26 statistics:
- 1.5 points
- 0.0 rebounds
- 0.0 assists
- 33.3% shooting
- 33.3% 3-point shooting
- 0.0% free-throw shooting
Advanced stats:
- True-shooting percentage: 50.0%
- Usage rate: 17.3%
- Win shares: 0.0
- VORP: 0.0
Significant Percentile Finishes:
- N/A
Contract:
- N/A
Thoughts:
Being a good organization soldier for a couple
of years, Boeheim had his hard work rewarded. The Thunder offered him a cup of coffee in the NBA. He signed a two-way deal in Feb. 2026. A month later, he was waived. In that time, he had four appearances. He totaled 16 minutes of garbage time and had a chance to spend time on the then-reigning NBA champions.
Cool to see the Thunder give Boeheim a hefty pay raise. That's one way teams utilize their two-way spots. Not all three have to go to longshot developmental projects. Like when baseball teams call up minor-league veterans in September as a chance to get a serious contract for all their years of grinding behind the scenes.
Of course, Boeheim had previously been on a two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons. He spent two seasons there from 2022-24. At this point, though, he's likely content with his role in the basketball world. He's a G League player who can help your program and complement your top prospects.
Boeheim has done that over the last two seasons. Both in the G League and in Summer League. He can space the floor with his outside shot. Considering his father is Syracuse legend Jim Boeheim, the 26-year-old has been around basketball his whole life.
Moving Forward:
Considering the Thunder brought him back for their Summer League, I think there's a strong chance Boeheim is on the OKC Blue for a third season. He seems to have found a home with that program. Considering how grueling the G League season can be with constant roster changes, you need guys who can play either a ton of minutes or none at all. Depending on who's with them. He fits that role to a tee.
Not much room for Boeheim to grow as a player. At 26 years old, he is who he is at this point. He can shoot the ball well from the outside. But that's about it. Still, he can carve out a lengthy G League career if he's interested. Even if he doesn't get another two-way deal, he's had enough to deem his professional career a success.
You always need guys like him filling up your G League roster. It's not the most glamorous position. Most fans don't even think about it. But guys like Boeheim are the lifeblood of the developmental league. He allows OKC's top prospects to feel comfortable as primary ball-handlers. Embracing that teacher role is how you stay in the pros for a long time.
Final Grade: D
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: 2025-26 Thunder player grades: Buddy Boeheim
