Vit Krejci assigned to the OKC Blue

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced in a press release that they have assigned Vit Krejci to the Oklahoma City Blue.

Krejci has played in two games this season, totally two point and two rebounds in nine minutes of action.

This move comes a day after Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault commented on how the team will use the Blue more often to give players a chance to play consistent minutes and be a focal point on offense.

“You can reallocate minutes. It’s a win win. It’s not a demotion,” said Daigneault. “We’re gonna do that pretty liberally. It’s a good development opportunity all the way around.”

Krejci was drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He spent his rookie season rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in Sept. 2020.

The 21-year-old played his first professional game back last week after not being able to play in preseason due to visa issues that have now been resolved.

The Blue kicks off their season on Nov. 5.

This move makes a lot of sense; Krejci was never going to get the chance to play consistent minutes with the Thunder this season as he is buried on the depth chart. It is better to bring him along slowly as he returns from his knee injury by letting him play heavy minutes in a low stress environment against G League talent.

It is interesting to hear that Daigneault said multiple players will go through the same process. Krejci is the first to go and will soon be followed suit by other players in similar situations where NBA playing time is not a guarantee.