Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Alec Peters

Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders forward Alec Peters (25) passes the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

The OKC Thunder, like Thunderous Intentions, is hitting the white board with notes on the 2017 NBA Draft class. There are a variety of sleepers in this year’s draft including Alec Peters.

One thing the OKC Thunder will attempt to acquire in this draft is a possible stretch four. This, of course, is something the Thunder longed for last season following the trade of Serge Ibaka. While Jerami Grant is a nice pick-up for the Thunder, he didn’t fill the void left by Serge.

Taj Gibson is the most likely candidate for the stretch four. However, his status is up in the air with free agency looming. Which turns our attention to Alec Peters of Valparaiso University. Peters actually entered the 2016 NBA Draft as a junior, then, elected to return for his senior season.

The 6’9 power forward was outstanding for the Crusaders last season. Peters averaged 22.5 points a game, leading Valparaiso to the Horizon League Championship game. A game in which Milwaukee would win in overtime 43-41. Valparaiso also lost their first round of the NIT tournament game versus Illinois.

Alec Peters provides something OKC didn’t have last season. A stretch four that can shoot the three. OKC struggled to make shots from the three almost consistently last season. Peters, however, shot a clean 42.5% from three last season at five attempts per game.

Specifics:

Height: 6’9

Weight: 225 lbs

Wingspan: 6’10

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22 years, 2 months

Statline: 22.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks

College: Valparaiso

Home Town: Washington, Illinois

Current rankings:

Please note, rankings come from versions as of time of writing. However, not all mock drafts provide second round ranks or updates. Due to this if rankings change after posting it’s likely due to updates and a shift in the rankings.

DraftExpress: 31st overall prospect

NBA DraftNet: 48th

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 58th

CBS Sports: 27th

Basketball Insiders: 35th

Weakness:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Obviously, a great catch-and-shoot player is unskilled playing off the dribble. His ability to create his own shot needs work. He’s clearly a system player who uses a ton of screens to get open. His wingspan makes him vulnerable to other stretch fours closer to 7’0. He’ll struggle to adjust to the NBA defensively. Some would even argue that he’s a bigger Kyle Korver at this stage in his career. His height and wingspan will make rebounding problematic at the NBA level. Peters might actually be considered a small forward or a shooting guard by the NBA standard.

The fit:

Peters is a potential fit with the OKC Thunder. His game is similar to a former Thunder stretch four, Mitch McGary. Peters has the ability to stretch the floor and allow for the offense to flow from the inside out. One important key with Peter’s is his outside shooting. The Thunder thrived when Serge Ibaka could lock up the paint defensively and step out and shoot the three offensively.

Peters also was known to thrive in the pick-and-pop offense in Valpo. This is something that could easily carry over to Oklahoma City. He has a quick release on his catch-and-shoot shots. His ability shoot quickly is comparable to Ray Allen or Michael Redd. He does a great job of moving without the ball and shoots coming off picks. He also is a decent passer who will pass up a good shot for a great shot.

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