OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams' two-week set back in his recovery , coach Mark Daigneault teased that more playing time for rookie Brooks Barnhizer could be on the horizon. The second-round pick earned playing time off an impressive showing throughout training camp and preseason. In the first five games of his NBA career, Barnhizer is averaging 8.2 minutes per game.

However, his immediate impact for the Thunder isn't always reflected on the box score, but Daigneault sees something in Barnhizer that he admits is often a hurdle for some NBA rookies.

“The biggest thing that he's done is come in with the right approach, attitude, work ethic, and competitive level — that's the thing that stands out,” Daigneault said. “Some guys, when they come into

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