Imagine being passed over in the NBA Draft, only to earn a spot with the defending champions—that’s exactly what former Alabama guard Chris Youngblood has achieved. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a testament to his resilience, or does it highlight the flaws in the draft system? Let’s dive in.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their 2024-25 NBA championship win, announced on Saturday that they’ve signed Youngblood to a two-way contract. For those unfamiliar, a two-way deal is a unique arrangement in the NBA. Each team can have up to three such players, who don’t count toward the standard 15-player roster. Instead, they can play up to 50 games with the NBA team while also suiting up for the team’s G League affiliate—in this case, the Oklahoma City Blue. The catch? They’re paid a single salary, typically half of the NBA’s minimum wage, which for the 2025-26 season is $420,000. And this is the part most people miss: It’s a grind, but it’s also a golden opportunity to prove yourself at the highest level.
Youngblood’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring. After three seasons at Kennesaw State and one at South Florida, he spent a single season at Alabama, where he averaged 10.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 28 games. His standout moment? Winning the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Award for the 2023-24 season. Despite his college success, he was overlooked in the 2025 NBA Draft. But Youngblood didn’t let that stop him. He showcased his talent in the NBA Summer League, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in Las Vegas—a significant improvement from his Salt Lake City Summer League performance. His preseason with the Thunder was even more impressive, with averages of 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals, including a stellar 44.4% three-point shooting percentage.
Here’s the bold question: Does Youngblood’s story challenge the notion that the NBA Draft is the ultimate gateway to the league? Or is his success an exception that proves the rule? Share your thoughts in the comments.
As the Thunder prepare to tip off their 2025-26 season against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday at Paycor City, Youngblood’s role will be one to watch. Will he become a key contributor, or will he remain a developmental project? Only time will tell. Either way, his journey is a reminder that perseverance can open doors—even in the highly competitive world of the NBA.
