OKC Thunder Draft: Breaking Down Team’s Top Choices

Dec 2, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Myles Turner (center) shoots a free throw against the Texas-Arlington Mavericks during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Texas beat Texas-Arlington 63-53. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Turner

Reviewer: Shawn Woods (@shawn_woods15)

Strengths: Turner is a fantastic defensive rebounder that has the ability to end possessions as he obtained a 25 percent defensive rebounding percentage in his only season in Austin. Turner’s rebounding isn’t his only ability on the defensive end as he was an excellent rim protector and averaged 2.6 blocks per game. Turner shows some of the same traits of Andrew Bogut as he does an excellent job challenging shots late so the ball-handler has no choice but to force up a shot over the 7-footer, something Turner’s 7-foot-4 wingspan makes increasingly difficult. Turner has a reliable jump shot from the mid-range, and his high release gives scouts reason to believe he could become even more efficient in the future. Although he shot only 27 percent from three-point range last season, his 84 percent free throw percentage shows that there is hope for the big man to extend his range in the NBA.

Weaknesses: There are areas for concern after evaluating Turner. At only 240 pounds, the seven-footer got pushed around on the offensive glass last season, and his frame doesn’t seem to suggest there is much room to grow. Turner also amassed only 20 assists for the entire season, or one really good Russell Westbrook game. Turner has a long wingspan, but had difficulty finishing over length at the college level which is concerning as his only position in the NBA would be at center. While he’s an NBA-type rim protector, Turner would struggle in almost all other areas of defense in the NBA. His slow feet and poor instincts allowed teams to punish him in the pick-and-roll last season, something every NBA offense has in its playbook in some form. He’s a big man with poor athleticism in an era where teams seem to be moving toward position-less players.

How Does He Fit? Turner reminds me of a far less athletic Serge Ibaka at a young age, and Ibaka was fortunate enough to develop overseas for a season before coming over. Turner is a good rim protector, has enough range on his shot to pull big men from the basket, but doesn’t possess any of the jumping ability that makes Ibaka feared around the rim. In a front court that already has Ibaka, Steven Adams, Mitch McGary, Nick Collison and possibly Enes Kanter (if he re-signs), Turner will struggle to find meaningful minutes for the Thunder.

Next: Proven Player Who Might Not Fit