The Thunder are signing former Rutgers wing Caleb McConnell to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to the school.
McConnell, who went undrafted on Thursday, spent five years at Rutgers, taking advantage of the extra year of NCAA eligibility he was granted due to COVID-19. As a super-senior in 2022/23, he averaged 9.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 2.5 SPG in 28 contests (33.7 MPG).
McConnell isn’t much of a threat on offense. He shot 39.0% from the floor over the course of his college career, including just 26.3% on three-pointers. However, he became the Scarlet Knights’ all-time leader in steals and won a pair of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards.
McConnell’s Exhibit 10 contract should give him an opportunity to suit up for the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, as a rookie in 2023/24. He could earn a bonus worth up to $75K if he’s waived by the Thunder and then spends up to 60 days with the Blue. McConnell’s Exhibit 10 deal could also be converted into a two-way contract if OKC decides it wants to keep him on the NBA roster.
A good defensive player
As an RU fan, it’s exciting to see him get a chance. His offense will need to improve to give him a chance to stick but there’s no denying the threat he is on defense.
McConnell was a reason Rutgers won a lot of those tough big 10 games. He is an elite defender. If he can find a bench role where he locks up a team’s best weapon and can score or set up a few buckets, he can be a fun player.