Michigan Hoops: Charting the Wolverines in the NBA
By Joel Greer
Mitch McGary
(U-M, 2012-14)
6-10, 255
Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft: 2014, 1st round, 21st overall
Oct 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) passes the ball while being defended by Denver Nuggets forward Jerrelle Benimon (20) and center Jusuf Nurkic (23) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
McGary, who last week finally made his NBA debut by scoring three points and four rebounds in six minutes.
“His minutes were good,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “His conditioning is still ongoing. It’s going to continue to be worked on. But he’s worked hard to be back. I liked what I saw.” McGary has been out of the lineup since fracturing a foot in the season opener.
Drafted by Oklahoma 21st overall, McGary paved his was to collegiate and possibly NBA stardom by helping Michigan reach the 2012-13 national title game.
His 10-point, 12-rebound performance (national semifinal) and six-point, six -rebound outing (NCAA final) helped land McGary on the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.