Thunder NBA draft prospect series: Rodions Kuruc
By Tony Heim
Rodions Kuruc is a 19-year old small forward from Spain; his sharpshooting and athletic ability could lead the OKC Thunder to drafting him.
If you fell in love with Alex Abrines this season, chances are you’re going to be a fan of Rodions Kuruc. The similarities are endless: both entered the draft while playing for Barcelona, both are wings who can shoot the lights out and both need to put on a good amount of weight to succeed in the NBA.
Specifics
Height: 6’8
Weight: 190 Ibs
Position: Small Forward
Age: 19
Team: Barcelona 2
Statline: 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, .8 steals, .8 blocks
Current rankings:
(note – rankings are taken on day of article posting and therefore may be listed at a similar rank as previously posted prospect reviews)
DraftExpress: 18th overall prospect
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 17th overall prospect
CBS Sports: 39th overall prospect
Skills
Kuruc is a relative unknown entering the draft, but there is a lot to like about his game even with the little amount of film that is available. The 19-year old has a complete offensive game; he can shoot from deep and take it to the hole if that’s what the defense is giving. He scored over 9 points a game on 43% shooting, including 56% from two-point range.
Kuruc also is a very good athlete that uses it to his advantage as much as possible. That plus his uncanny length made him a huge matchup advantage when Barcelona would play him at shooting guard. That ability to play up to three positions should translate to the NBA, especially if he puts on weight.
Kuruc only averaged 1.4 assists a game but he’s shown potential to be a good passer with practice. Like most European players, he has a great fundamental feel for the game.
Weaknesses
Although Kuruc has the ability to be a good defender he isn’t there yet – mostly because of his skinny build. He puts in effort on defense much like Abrines, but his instincts are lacking. Kuruc falls for fakes too easily, lets his opponent get his first step and doesn’t read the help side well.
Although he’s 6’8 he weighs 15 pounds lighter than Clippers backup point guard Raymond Felton. Kuruc’s frame should allow him to add weight, and that should help with his proneness to injury.
Honors and awards
NIJT All-Tournament Team (2016)
The fit
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A lot of mock drafts have Kuruc slotted to the Thunder because the overall fit is perfect. Oklahoma City desperately needs shooting, and Kuruc’s athleticism would fit nicely in transition alongside Russell Westbrook. At the same time, the Thunder don’t necessarily want/need another project that needs time to develop.
If Sam Presti does in fact draft Kuruc OKC fans should be happy about it. European prospects are hard to scout, but they tend to fall in the draft because of the relative unknown – it’s possible Kuruc would be a lottery pick if he played college ball.
Alongside Abrines and Doug McDermott, the Thunder would have a solid stable of shooters coming off the bench. Oklahoma City loves versatility, and Kuruc would add to a roster of players who can play multiple positions.
Picking Rodions Kuruc isn’t a move to help this season, but a move for the future. He could spend his rookie season developing his skills and adding weight, in time becoming a solid sixth man spark plug off the bench.