Usman Garuba is very much motivated to deliver a necessary bounce back from a tough setback he experienced in his young professional career.
Hours before it was announced that he was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, Garuba didn’t hesitate to pledge that he’ll come back with a strong vengeance.
With OKC having a logjam to its roster, Garuba served as the second player they waived following rookie TyTy Washington.
The Spanish forward started his career in the Houston Rockets, but he wasn’t able to grasp much development exposure as he just averaged 2.8 points and 3.9 boards across two seasons with them. Garuba was then dealt to the Atlanta Hawks earlier this offseason before landing with the Thunder afterwards.
Still young at age, the 20-year-old certainly has more room to grow and can only benefit from being on another NBA team that can help him maximize his untapped potential. Garuba is known for being a highly versatile big man at the defensive end and a surprisingly good passer at his position, but his offensive intangibles remain a question.
His participation for Spain at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup might serve as a stepping stone for Garuba to be back once again in the league and carve that first outline in his redemption tour.
