In a stunning turn of events, the Oklahoma City Thunder have signed center/forward Alex Reese to a standard contract for their regular-season roster. The move comes in the wake of starting center Isaiah Hartenstein being sidelined for an expected 5-6 weeks due to a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand.
Thunder Bolster Frontcourt as Hartenstein Recovers
With Hartenstein out of commission, the Thunder acted swiftly to shore up their frontcourt depth by bringing in the 25-year-old Reese. The 6’9″ big man spent the preseason with OKC before being waived earlier this week. Now, he finds himself back with the team on a non-guaranteed deal.
From Bartender to the Big Leagues
Reese’s path to this NBA contract is nothing short of remarkable. After playing four college seasons at Alabama, he made the surprising decision to quit basketball entirely in 2021. For the next year, Reese traded in his basketball shorts for a bartender’s apron, mixing drinks instead of draining jumpers.
But the allure of the hardwood proved too strong to resist. In 2022, Reese made his return to basketball, signing with a team in Luxembourg. His impressive play caught the attention of the Portland Trail Blazers, who brought him on to their G League affiliate for the 2022-23 season.
“Alex’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and following your passion,” a source close to Reese revealed. “He never lost sight of his dream, even when he was pouring drinks instead of playing ball.”
A Golden Opportunity in OKC
Now, Reese finds himself with a golden opportunity to prove himself at the NBA level. With Hartenstein sidelined, he’ll likely see significant minutes in the Thunder’s frontcourt rotation to start the season.
It’s a chance Reese is determined not to let slip away. Those close to the young big man say he’s been putting in extra work to be ready when his number is called.
- Reese’s stint in Luxembourg helped him refine his game and build confidence.
- His time in the G League with Portland allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of pro basketball in the US.
- Playing with OKC in the preseason gave Reese familiarity with the team’s system and personnel.
The Thunder’s Hartenstein Dilemma
For OKC, Hartenstein’s injury is an undeniable blow. The 24-year-old center was expected to anchor the Thunder’s defense and provide a steady presence in the post. His absence will force head coach Mark Daigneault to get creative with his lineups and rotations.
“Losing Isaiah is tough, there’s no way around it,” a Thunder staffer admitted. “But this team is resilient. Next man up has always been our mentality, and Alex [Reese] is ready to step up and contribute.”
The Thunder are no strangers to adversity, having navigated a bevy of injuries and roster turnover in recent years. But with a promising young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, the team remains optimistic about its future.
A Chance to Shine
For Reese, Hartenstein’s misfortune opens the door for a potentially life-changing opportunity. If he can provide solid minutes and make an impact for the Thunder, it could earn him a longer look from OKC or another NBA team down the line.
It’s a lot of pressure for a player who was mixing margaritas just a year ago. But if Reese’s unconventional path to the NBA has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. In a league where unheralded players can become household names overnight, Reese’s signing is a reminder that every player on the roster has a story, and a chance to write a new chapter.
As the Thunder prepare to open their season, all eyes will be on how they weather Hartenstein’s absence. For Alex Reese, it’s a chance to show that he belongs on basketball’s biggest stage, and that his bartending days are firmly behind him.
