The NBA Draft is right around the corner, two weeks from now, and the Thunder only have one selection during the two-day extravaganza on June 26-27––the 12th pick via the Houston Rockets.
If the buzz around this draft seems a bit subdued, it’s because OKC’s key players have already been established. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are the promising trio that could shape OKC’s future. With a successful season that saw them reach the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in years, the focus now shifts to building a strong supporting cast for this star-studded core.
Let’s dive into some mock drafts from experts across the league and my own prediction, offering a comprehensive view of the potential draft picks for the Thunder.
PG: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky, 6’2″, 165 pounds (Freshman)
Written by Logan Struck, Sports Illustrated
“Coming off their best season in a decade, Oklahoma City secured the one-seed in the West and made it past the first round of the playoffs. With not many weaknesses on their roster, the Thunder can look to add a bench spark in Rob Dillingham, one of the most gifted scorers in the class.”
SG: Cody Williams, Colorado, 6’7, 178 pounds (Freshman)
Written by Cameron Salerno, CBS Sports
“Williams to the Thunder makes sense for a multitude of reasons. The obvious one is his older brother, Jalen Williams, is a rising star on the Thunder. The other is that he could be the best two-way wing in the class. The Thunder have a treasure chest of future picks, and drafting a player who once had buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick is tremendous value at the end of the lottery.”
C: Kel’el Ware, Indiana, 7-1, 230 pounds (Sophomore)
“The Thunder are in need of a bigman and could go in a number of different directions including moving up or moving back. Donovan Clingan is an option. however, Ware is the superior athlete, and has a massive frame in his own right. Ware would fit in well with OKC’s young core, adding some floor spacing from the center position as well as rim protection.”
SG: Cody Williams, Colorado, 6’7, 178 pounds (Freshman)
Written by Jeff Zillgitt and Scooby Axson
“Williams’ perimeter defense and scoring ability make him a prime candidate for a top-10 pick. Can get to the rim with ease, and finishes with power although listed at 6-6, 178 pounds. Has 3-point range, and his mid-range game is solid at the college level.”
C: Zach Edey, Purdue, 7’4, 300 pounds (Senior)
Written by Kevin O’Connor, the Ringer
“Edey addresses Oklahoma City’s need for size and adds a totally different interior ingredient to their offense with his interior scoring, offensive rebounding, and screening. And if there’s anyone who can turn Edey’s touch around the basket into reliable 3-point shooting, it’s assistant coach Chip Engelland.”
SG: Cody Williams, Colorado, 6’7, 178 pounds (Freshman)
Written by Addam M. Francisco, the Suave Report
“Looking back, what’s Sam Presti’s type? Two-way athletic wings. Lately, “3-and-D” guys. Williams shot 41.5 percent from 3 in his lone season with Colorado and is a defensive-minded wing. He has a high character and fits the Thunder mold. He’s passed up on more talented players in the past for the perfect fit, and I don’t think he’ll stop now. I expect Williams to be focused and fully invested due to his work ethic and spending time around the Thunder organization and his brother, Jalen Williams, who’s embarking on his third season with the Thunder.”
Love the speculative predictions/suggestions!