The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to use the Summer League as a showcase for young players and G-League stars to better evaluate potential diamonds in the rough. With only three players in this rookie class, one of whom will not play the entire season, there was a great opportunity to dig for gold.
The OKC Thunder took advantage of this by signing standout G-League player Kylor Kelley, who played center for the Boston Celtics’ G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, on their way to the NBA G League finals, where they ultimately lost to the OKC Blue.
Kelley was named the Thunder’s main big man in the Summer League, where he averaged nearly five points and six rebounds per game in a total of seven games, despite playing with a less than optimal guard at times.
For the Maine Celtics during the 2023–24 season, Kelley averaged seven points, one assist, five rebounds and two blocks per game while excelling in the pick-and-roll game, scoring 1,068 points per game as the Celtics G-League team’s pick-and-roll partner.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the Lakers signed Kelley to an Exhibit Ten contract, which would add the basket-running big man to the Purple and Gold’s training camp roster.
The Lakers have signed center Kylor Kelley to an Exhibit 10 contract, league sources said @TheAthletic. Kelley played last season in the G League with the Maine Celtics.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) 14 August 2024
When Jovan Buha from the Athletic reportsSince this is an Exhibit 10 contract, it’s safe to assume Kelley will eventually move to the South Bay Lakers to secure his G-League rights. With his basket protection and finishing ability, Kelley is a guard’s best friend as he continues to develop on the court.
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