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Thunder Sign Great Falls Native Josh Huestis

Huestis graduated from C.M. Russell High in Great Falls and played at Stanford

By Dillon Tabish

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Montana native Josh Huestis to a four-year contract.

Huestis is a 6-foot-7-inch, 230-pound forward who was chosen by the Thunder with the 29th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He agreed to a “draft and stash” that called for him to play in the NBA Developmental League last season at a salary of about $25,000. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assist and nearly 1.6 blocked shots per game for the Oklahoma City Blue.

Some considered the move risky, but his mother Bonnie Huestis said his agents knew what they were doing and the team has been phenomenal.

“There were so many doubters about the way he did it,” Bonnie Huestis told the Great Falls Tribune. “And it was so right. So right.”

Agent Toby Bailey said Huestis’ contract, announced Thursday, includes two guaranteed seasons at $1 million each and two option years.

Bonnie Huestis said Josh had surgery on both knees recently, is recovering from a pectoral muscle injury and may still see time in the Developmental League this season.

Huestis graduated from C.M. Russell High in Great Falls and played at Stanford, helping the team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a senior.

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