Wounds might still be fresh from the depressing loss against the Spurs, but we all have to move on. KD and Russell Westbrook are still approaching their primes, and Thabo Sefolosha and other vets may be on their way out. This gives the perfect opportunity for the Thunder organization to do what they do best, draft. Touted as one of the best and deepest draft classes, this draft lets the Thunder freshen up their bench, and add some fresh legs to a veteran filled second unit. Since we hold the picks to the 21st and the 29th pick, we'd be checking out some of the prospects in that range.
Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State Senior) - 21st pick
6'10, 7'4 wingspan, 50.3 FG%, 53.6 2-pt FG%, 42.3 3-pt FG% (on 3.4 3PA/gm), 10.3 rpg
WHAT A WINGSPAN!! With a 7'4 measured wingspan in the Draft Combine, he's surely one of the longest prospects out there. He's also incredibly gifted offensively, something OKC craves at the big man spot. He'd be a good backup to Serge Ibaka, and possibly a new offensive threat off the bench. He's very polished on the offensive end, with a freak wingspan, he's perfect for the OKC system. He also scored 68.3% in the paint last year. The only catch is that he's already 23 years old and is a defensive liability. But with his rebounding ability and Steven Adams' defense, he can be a good fit to the second unit. Also, since our main concerns in the off-season are at the backup PF and 3-pt specialist spots, so why not have both? All jokes aside, while he may not be the 3-pt specialist we need, a post scorer not named Serge Ibaka is all we fans deserve. His age might be a turn off to most teams, but he might be the biggest steal in the draft.
Jordan Adams (SG, UCLA Sophomore) - 21st pick
6'5, 6'10 wingspan, 48.5 FG%, 55.1 2-pt FG%, 35% 3-pt FG%, 17.4 ppg, 2.6 spg, 19 years old!!!
Though he's not really one of the most athletic prospects in the draft, this guy can power his way down the lane. Weighing 209 lbs, with a slightly chubby build, this guy is strong. With his improving jump shot (increased form 30%, and his strong driving ability, this kid can score, not to mention his length and intercepting abilities. He also has room to improve on his build and his athleticism at 19. With Reggie heading to the starting lineup next year, our bench scoring options will be even thinner. Our bench was outscored 51-5 on that game 6, and one of the main reasons was that we didn't have legitimate bench scorers. (Derek Fisher isn't). Our second unit next year might be the Jeremy Lamb show (I'm hoping he improves), it won't be hard for defenses to lock down on him and shut down our bench. Thus a naturally talented scorer may be what the second unit needs.
Glenn Robinson III (SG/SF, Michigan, Sophomore) - 29th pick
6'7, 6'10 wingspan, 48.8 FG%, 56.2 2-pt FG%, 20 years old
Son of the NBA-All Star Glenn Robinson, this kid has NBA pedigree, he just needs the motor that can bring him to the next level. Gifted with athleticism and length that could make him an elite defender and a decent scorer. While his skills aren't at all NBA ready, his youth, raw athleticism and length, could make him a project for OKC, somewhat like Reggie Jackson, Steven Adams, and Perry Jones. He has the potential, but will he make the best out of it? With Scott Brooks' anit-meritocracy system, it's a hit-or-miss with Glenn Robinson.
Isaiah Austin (C, Baylor, Sophomore) - 29th pick
7'0, 7'4.5 wingspan, 44.3 FG%,
Ray Ban Rb4151, 3.2 bpg, 5.6 rpg, 20 years old
Not a particularly good post scorer, nor is he a good rebounder, but he's a pretty good defender. He's like a lesser, weaker, Steven Adams, could replace Hasheem Thabeet in the lineup? Somewhat of a risk despite his tools because of his being blind in one eye, but hey, there's not much to risk with the 29th pick. I don't really have much to say, but he's a gifted long athlete who could possibly develop into a decent role player, should he overcome his blind eye.