Former Iowa basketball star makes NBA debut, scores first points
Former Iowa basketball star Payton Sandfort made his NBA debut on Wednesday night, scoring his first career points with the OKC Thunder.
After perfecting his craft with the Oklahoma City Thunder 's G-League affiliate, Oklahoma City Blue, on a two-way contract signed this past summer as a 2025 undrafted free agent, former Iowa basketball star guard Payton Sandfort's hard work finally paid off on Wednesday, March 18, when he recorded his first career points in his NBA debut. Sandfort, who averages 10. 9 points, 5.
8 rebounds, and 2. 4 assists in 17 games with the OKC Blue, made his debut with the Thunder on Wednesday at Brooklyn's Barclays Center during the Thunder's 121-92 landslide victory over the Brooklyn Nets . With the game well in hand, Sandfort finally got his moment to shine on the NBA stage by playing the game's final 4:44, where he collected one rebound and shot 1-for-3 from the floor and 1-for-2 from 3-point range.
It was only a matter of time 👏💸 @payton_20_ x #Hawkeyes https://t. co/0pXfPc810V — Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) March 19, 2026 Sandfort's lone bucket of the night came with just 46. 6 seconds remaining, as he drained a quick catch-and-shoot 3-pointer on the wing, to the delight of the entire Thunder bench for notching the memorable personal milestone.
Although it is uncertain what role Sandfort will have with the Thunder moving forward as the team eventually regains health, the former Hawkeye will certainly be willing to put forth maximum effort to help the defending NBA champions secure another deep playoff run this spring. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa basketball star makes NBA debut, scores first points