Alex Ducas Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Thunder Notes: Mitchell, Flagler, Ducas, Dort

August 28th, 2024 at 9:54pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

No. 38 overall draft pick Ajay Mitchell is seen as the “headliner” of the Thunder‘s three two-way players for the 2024/25 season, per Nick Crain of Forbes.

The 6’4″ rookie combo guard projects as having rotation-caliber NBA upside, Crain writes , noting that Mitchell is a three-level scorer and can thrive both on and off the ball should the need arise. The three-time All-Big West guard averaged 20.0 points per game on .535/.393/.858 shooting during his final NCAA season in 2023/24, adding 4.0 dimes, 4.0 boards and 1.2 steals per night.

There’s more out of Oklahoma City:

The only returning two-way Thunder player from the 2023/24 season is Adam Flagler, writes Crain. Flager, who claimed an NCAA title while at Baylor, was a critical contributor for the Oklahoma City Blue’s championship squad in 2023/24. Of the Thunder’s other two-way players from last season, forward Keyontae Johnson signed a two-way deal with the Hornets and center Olivier Sarr, the older brother of Wizards rookie Alex Sarr, remains a free agent after rupturing his Achilles in April. Crain notes that Flagler is a clever point guard with good ball control and a solid three-point shot. He connected on 40.6% of his 6.9 attempts per game from beyond the arc with the Blue last season, and averaged 14.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds overall. The 6’3″ guard appeared in just two contests for the Thunder.
Australian swingman Alex Ducas, sharpshooting rookie swingman out of Saint Mary’s, is seen by Crain as a useful occasional sniper from beyond the arc. During his last two collegiate seasons, Ducas connected on 42.5% of his 5.7 three-point tries per contest. Crain adds that, given that Oklahoma City still has one opening on its 15-man standard roster, it’s still possible one of the Thunder’s three two-way players could earn a promotion.
Despite the Thunder’s recent trade acquisition of two-time All-Defensive Teamer Alex Caruso, incumbent top perimeter stopper Luguentz Dort seems primed to retain a pivotal role on what is likely to be an elite West power this season, opines Ross Lovelace of Sports Illustrated.

Thunder Officially Sign Alex Ducas To Two-Way Contract

July 16th, 2024 at 9:42am CST by Luke Adams

As expected, the Thunder have signed undrafted rookie free agent Alex Ducas to a two-way contract, the team announced today in a press release. The agreement between the two sides was first reported shortly after the draft concluded last month.

Ducas spent all five of his college seasons at Saint Mary’s. In 34 games in 2023/24, the 6’6″ Australian sharpshooter averaged 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 28.1 minutes per contest while knocking down 43.8% of his three-point attempts.

Ducas ranked 32nd on ESPN’s list of the draft-eligible players who weren’t among the 58 selected in June.

All three of the Thunder’s two-way slots are now filled. In addition to Ducas, the team is carrying Adam Flagler and Ajay Mitchell on two-way deals.

Oklahoma City also has 14 players on standard contracts (13 fully guaranteed) and has reportedly agreed to sign Malevy Leons and Buddy Boeheim to Exhibit 10 deals.

Thunder To Sign Alex Ducas, Malevy Leons

June 27th, 2024 at 7:57pm CST by Rory Maher

The Thunder plan to sign free agent guard Alex Ducas, who went undrafted out of Saint Mary’s, to a two-way contract, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Oklahoma City will also ink free agent forward Malevy Leons to an Exhibit 10 contract, per Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.com (Twitter link).

Ranked No. 32 on ESPN’s best undrafted players list, Ducas spent all five of his college seasons with the Gaels. In 2023/24, the 6’6″ Australian sharpshooter averaged 9.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 1.9 APG while knocking down 43.8% of his three-point attempts in 34 games (28.1 MPG).

A 6’9″ forward who hails from the Netherlands, Leons spent his final three collegiate seasons with Bradley after attending a junior college in Missouri. He averaged 13.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG on .488/.341/.783 shooting in 35 games (34.4 MPG) last season for the Braves.

If Leons is waived by the Thunder before the ’24/25 season begins and spends at least 60 days with their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, he could earn a bonus worth up to nearly $78K.