Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

Apr 10, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach

gestures from the sidelines against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 90-75. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

#14 – Current Thunder Player – Perry Jones, III

Jake’s Historic Counterpart – Monty Williams

Stats per 36 minutes:

This comparison works on so many levels.

First, both players were highly-regarded, lanky small-forwards coming out of high school. In fact, Perry Jones peaked as the 7th-best overall prospect in the nation during his senior year. Continuing on that parallel, despite strong collegiate careers for both guys, both fell in the draft due to health concerns (Jones injured his knee while Williams had a heart issue).

Unfortunately  for both players, slipping in the draft proved incredibly detrimental to their development as they were buried on stacked rosters without ever really getting a chance to make good on their prep-school potential. It is interesting, however, that Williams has now joined the Thunder’s staff and will get a hand in hopefully resurrecting Jones’ career.

(Note: I’m casually ignoring that Williams was drafted in ‘94…rules are bent to be broken!)

Next: #13 - The Seldom-Used Athletic Swingman