Views from OKC: How Sam Presti can get into the lottery
By Tony Heim
Views from OKC is a public diary from an OKC Thunder fan. Today we address last night’s lottery and the teams who might be willing to trade their pick.
One thing I’ve learned in my ten years following Sam Presti is to never underestimate the man behind the thin-wired glasses and pristine haircut. The upcoming NBA draft will be no different.
Last year the Thunder entered with 0 draft picks yet left with a lottery pick. Even with Domantas Sabonis‘ mediocre numbers this season, the 11th pick in 2016 still looked more prepared and better suited than a few of the players picked before him.
Fast forward to this season and fortunes have changed in Oklahoma City. The need to add proven talent is a must for a team that wants to contend again – at the same time giving Presti a chance to draft in this loaded lottery may sound sweeter.
The Thunder have the 21st pick. Any trade up will assuredly include that pick as well as one of OKC’s best young talents: Steven Adams, Enes Kanter (the most likely choice) or Victor Oladipo. At the end of the day it depends just how high Presti would be willing/is able to make a deal.
Teams in the top seven
Philadelphia 76ers: Last night Joel Embiid said he thinks his Philly team will be ready to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. Adding Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum – two players who need time to develop – won’t help with that proclamation. At some point the 76ers need to add a proven piece and Oladipo would be a nice fit for this team.
1% chance
Phoenix Suns: The Suns are in an interesting dilemma. The top of the 2017 draft board is point guard and stretch forward heavy, two positions Phoenix have already heavily invested in. Instead of trading their actual pick to the Thunder, however, we could see Eric Bledsoe moving to OKC to free up the starting point guard spot for a De’Aaron Fox or Dennis Smith, Jr.
5% chance
Minnesota Timberwolves: Tom Thibodeau is ready to get back to the playoffs – the seventh pick in the draft won’t do that. But a deal centering around Oladipo would give Minnesota the defensive shooting guard they need while also putting Presti in range to draft my favorite fit for the Thunder: Johnathan Isaac.
15% chance
Teams in the bottom seven
New York Knicks: Can we ever rule out the Knicks from doing anything? Especially when the Thunder possess the perfect big man for Phil Jackson’s triangle offense: Enes Kanter. Although New York desperately needs to add a young talented piece to pair with Kristaps Porzingis, we can’t assume they will make the smart decision come draft night.
3% chance
Sacramento Kings: Like New York, you can never rule out the Kings from making a poor decision. And with the 5th pick in the draft they have the ability to move back with the 10th pick in order to bring in an established player. Vlade Divac loves big men so both Adams and Kanter could be in play with this one.
Either 0% chance or 30% chance, depending on SAC’s strategy
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- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are one piece away from the playoffs; the 13th pick won’t tilt the balance for next season. Wilson Chandler wants out of Denver and he is a perfect fit for OKC, so we could see a “blockbuster” deal that moves around multiple players on both sides including a pick swap.
10% chance
The other fives Lottery teams (Boston and Los Angeles are excluded) all could be in play, but it doesn’t seem likely on paper.
Although Kanter seems to be the most likely to get traded, don’t be shocked if Adams or Oladipo becomes the centerpiece of a deal. Both players have much more value in the league and are on longer contracts.
Sam Presti has a plan. I’m sure of it. Here’s to 36 more days of speculating.
#inPrestiwetrust