The NBA draft concluded on June 26. Alabama had four players declare for this year’s draft, but all went undrafted. Among those four was guard Chris Youngblood, who transferred to the University of Alabama for the 2024-25 season.
After the draft, Youngblood signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an undrafted free agent, allowing him to participate in the Summer League and training camp with the team.
Youngblood has made the most of his Summer League debut. He is averaging 20 points, shooting 63% from the field and 61.5% from beyond the arc, according to The Oklahoman. On July 10, he shined in his first game against the Brooklyn Nets, earning a game-high of 19 points, going 7-for-10 from the field, and grabbing five rebounds. This great start to the Summer League helped lead the Thunder to a 90-81 victory over the Nets.
Following the win, Connor Johnson, the Thunder’s head coach for the Las Vegas Summer League, praised Youngblood for his performance. “I think (Youngblood) can really shoot,” said Johnson. “It kind of helps everybody out to create more space. He had a bit of a challenge, too, guarding bigger players on the other end. I thought he did a good job with that.”
That performance was just the beginning. On July 12, Youngblood had an even better performance, earning 21 points, three assists, and two rebounds in a 104-85 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
With Youngblood showing his scoring ability, he could earn himself a two-way contract. He’s currently on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Thunder, which is a one-year, minimum salary agreement that isn’t guaranteed, although it can be converted into a two-way contract.
The Thunder has one more two-way contract available; two have already gone to Branden Carlson and rookie forward Brooks Barnhizer.
NBA Summer League ends on July 20. If Youngblood keeps the momentum, it will be interesting to see where his future stands.
Jalen Milroe Football Camp July 12, 2025 – Hoover High
Jalen Milroe Football Camp, at Hoover High, July 12, 2025
Gallery Credit: Jackson O’Bryant