McGary Shows Why He Was A First Round Pick

By Addam Francisco

There's been a lot of talk about the Thunder front court. Some are fans, some aren't, but you can't help but be pleased by the play of rookie forward Mitch McGary. At just 22 years old Mitch, has a promising and in my opinion an All-Star caliber future. He sat out a large portion of the year and had a slow start so he only averages about seven points per game and five rebounds but the energy he brings to the court is unrivaled by any rookie in the league.

Mitch's road to the NBA was unorthodox. His decision to enter the NBA after two years were forced upon him basically because of a failed drug test during the NCAA tournament. This was apparently out of character for him according to his college coach at the University Michigan, John Beilein. It was surprising to coach and regretful for Mitch but he's put that behind him and done what he needed to do for the Oklahoma Thunder, as one of their high character players.

The Thunder look for the 6-foot-10 player to be a leader both in the locker room and on the court in the near future. Turning 23 years old in June, he is one of the older rookies in the league, in this one-and-done age in college basketball.

Monday night, against the Dallas Mavericks, McGary had a double-double after just nine minutes of play and finished the game with 12 points and 13 rebounds. This is something that I believe will continue, provided Coach Scott Brooks gives him sufficient playing time. He obviously doesn't need much time to put up big numbers.