Who Is Dalen Terry, OKC Thunder’s Newest Player To Replace Jalen Williams?
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Who Is Dalen Terry, OKC Thunder’s Newest Player To Replace Jalen Williams?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 28: Dalen Terry #25 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at the United Center on December 28, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Getty
Rob Andrew Lo·HEAVY
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5 min read
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Dalen Terry #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Getty
SAN ANTONIO, TX -OCTOBER 20: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts with teammates in the closing seconds of the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on October 20, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) Getty
The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed wing Dalen Terry to a two-year contract in an attempt to fill the void left by Jalen Williams.
The Thunder got the 24-year-old guard directly from the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State's G League affiliate, where he was set to begin the 2026–27 season after spending training camp with the main roster.
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The Thunder utilized their 15th and final standard roster spot on Terry as a direct response to a massive wave of injuries such as those of Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso.
The Thunder initially reached an agreement to sign free-agent wing Ochai Agbaji to their final standard roster spot. However, once the severity of Holmgren's knee injury was diagnosed, the front office halted that deal to reassess their options. They then pivoted to Terry, prioritizing his frame, athletic tools, and defensive upside to weather their crisis.
Who is Dalen Terry?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Dalen Terry #14 of thePhiladelphia 76ersdribbles the ball during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Dalen Terry is a 6-foot-7 guard, who was selected 18th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by theChicago Bullsout of the University of Arizona.
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Terry spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, had stints moving through theNew York KnicksandNew Orleans Pelicans, and played last season with the Philadelphia 76ers on both two-way and standard contracts.
Most recently, he attended training camp with theGolden State Warriorsand played in their system before joining OKC.
Terry holds career averages of 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. His half-court offensive game and 31.4% career 3-point shooting remain a work in progress.
His defensive length and high-motor hustle will allow him to slide right into head coach Mark Daigneault's shorthanded rotation.
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He boasts an incredible 7'0.75″ wingspan, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots effectively, and play bigger than his position, just like Jalen Williams when he was healthy.
At theNBADraft Combine, his standing reach was measured at 8'10". This tied for first among all guards in his draft class, providing him with a vertical reach similar to many standard power forwards.
He is noticeably wiry or skinny in his frame.
How Dalen Terry Would Fit With The Thunder?
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX -OCTOBER 20:Shai Gilgeous-Alexander#2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts with teammates in the closing seconds of the second half against theSan Antonio Spursat Frost Bank Center on October 20, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Terry, in theory, excels as a multi-positional "switch" defender. He has the lateral quickness to lock down point guards at the point of attack while possessing the length to contest shooting guards and small forwards.
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Based on his latest film, Terry is explosive in the open floor. He uses long strides to quickly push the ball in transition, slice past defenders as a slasher, and finish above the rim.
He should thrive on the Thunder's fiery defensive style, and should get good looks playing alongside the likes of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, andJared McCain.
Terry is expected to be inserted into a roster that is still moving on from the horrific injuries of some of its players.
Thunder starting centerIsaiah Hartensteinexplained the team's current mental state.
"I think just the energy around the team has been better. I'm not gonna lie, there's a human part to it. I think when you lose that many guys and you don't have the depth that we've had in those years past. We've lost guys before, but we've always had guys to fill in," Hartenstein said. "To be honest, I think those two games did kinda take a toll a little bit. But I think we're just ready to move on. I'm excited for what we can keep improving on. I'm excited to keep moving forward."
