The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the second round with the No. 37 pick. Whoever Oklahoma City selects at this spot is likely headed for a two-way contract. I could also see the Thunder trading back and picking up additional cash considerations, which could prove valuable given their financial outlook this summer.
Quadir Copeland | 6’6″ | 220 lbs | Senior | 22.8 years old
Quadir Copeland is a jumbo guard from NC State. Copeland had a breakout season, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field, 40% from three, and 78% from the free-throw line. He also added an impressive 1.8 steals per game.
Copeland’s value starts on the defensive end. He has the frame, athleticism, and instincts to defend positions 1 through 4 at a high level. Offensively, he uses his size to make advanced playmaking reads and quietly posted an absurd 40% assist rate. Quadir is one of the best passers in this draft class.
The Thunder have historically valued older, productive players in the second round, and Copeland feels like a natural fit.
Ryan Conwell | 6’3″ | 215 lbs | Senior | 22 years old
Ryan Conwell is a combo guard from Louisville. Conwell averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field, 34% from three, and 83% from the free-throw line.
Despite a somewhat down shooting year, Conwell has consistently been one of the better shooters in college basketball throughout his career. My first impression of him is that he’s a thick, tough guard. He’s not a point guard, and he’s not your traditional shooting guard either. He’s more of a power guard.
Conwell is physically strong and doesn’t have the tightest handle, but he has enough shiftiness to create advantages. Defensively, his stocky build gives him a low center of gravity and allows him to hold his ground. The appeal with Conwell is his ability to provide situational shooting off the bench, particularly at the end of quarters or in lineups that need additional spacing.
Emmanuel Sharp | 6’4″ | 210 lbs | Senior | 22.2 years old
Emmanuel Sharp is a guard from Houston. During his senior season, Sharp averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while posting 41/37/90 shooting splits.
Sharp is one of the most reliable 3-and-D guards in this draft class. He can shoot while relocating, thrive as an off-movement shooter, and knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities at a high level. He’s a high-volume sniper who gets his shot off quickly and requires very little space.
Defensively, calling him stout might undersell him. Almost Lu Dort-like in his approach, Sharp is a pest at the point of attack, using his strong frame to fight through screens and disrupt opposing guards. His steal rate over the past three seasons ranks among the best in the country. He plays with a high basketball IQ, limits turnovers, and consistently makes winning plays.
Sharp is talented enough to command a standard NBA contract, so it will be interesting to see whether he’d be willing to accept a two-way deal.
Darrion Williams | 6’6″ | 235 lbs | Senior | 23.1 years old
Darrion Williams is a forward from NC State. Williams averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this past season while shooting 41% from the field, 40% from three, and 77% from the free-throw line.
Those numbers were somewhat underwhelming given his collegiate reputation. After being named the preseason ACC Player of the Year, Williams didn’t have the season many expected. It was an awkward fit at NC State, but I still believe there’s a quality prospect here.
The appeal with Williams is his ability to make advanced playmaking reads at his size. He combines quick processing speed with a strong feel for the game, traits that fit seamlessly into almost any offense. The term “connector” gets thrown around frequently, but Williams genuinely fits that description. He can plug into different lineups, fill multiple roles, and keep the ball moving, something he showcased throughout his time at Texas Tech.
And hey, adding another Williams to the roster wouldn’t be the worst idea, either.
