Cameron Oliver: OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

Feb 22, 2017; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cameron Oliver (0 celebrates with his teammates after taking the lead over the Boise State Broncos in the second half at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Nevada sophomore Cameron Oliver is the next big man Thunderous Intentions examines in TI’s NBA Draft Prospect Preview.

With the withdrawal of 36 international prospects from the draft Cameron Oliver was one prospect who made a major rise up pundits lists. Consequently, Oliver rose over ten spots on several ranking lists.

In spite of this rise up ladders Robinson isn’t a player Thunder fans should expect GM Sam Presti to target.

Specifics:

Height: 6’8″

Weight: 225 lbs

Wingspan: 7’1.25 ”

Position: Power Forward

Age: 20 years, 9 months

Statline: 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.6 blocks

College: Nevada (sophomore)

Home Town: Sacramento, California

Current rankings:

Please note, these rankings are taken as current as this writing, and are subject to change.

DraftExpress: 51st

NBA DraftNet: 51st

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 52nd

CBS Sports: 45th

Basketball Insiders: 59th

Skills:

Offensive versatility tops the list of assets Cameron Oliver brings to the court. Specifically, his 38.4 percent 3-point efficiency is highly appealing. Couple this asset with his NBA ready body which allows him to also finish in the paint. Moreover he’s demonstrated the potential to defend his position based on his sheer strength.

While so many of the bigs in this year’s class display one or two offensive moves Oliver showcases a host of options. And, those moves go beyond inside -outside potential. Rather, he can score above the rim, in the pick and roll, with his back to the basket as well as extend all the way out behind the arc. This myriad of offensive weapons is complimented by some defensive potential. Although he is undersized at 6’8″ his hops allow him to block shots and his weight plus strength translate into an ability to defend either the 4 or 5. Hey, with Draymond Green making strides as arguably the best League defender, no smaller sized big can be ignored again.

Weaknesses:

Like most NCAA prospects defense tends to be the area of their games requiring extra growth. In Oliver’s case these limitations extend beyond consistency. The greatest concern is his desire fluctuates, too often leaning to the disinterested side of the equation. This factor speaks to his lack of motor. Ryan Tomson of Draft Express sums it up well which is likely why he doesn’t rank higher.

"At this stage, Oliver is a tremendous athlete who has shown flashes of being a versatile offensive player with his shooting and finishing ability, but his basketball IQ and inconsistent motor leave much to be desired. If Oliver can find a way to play hard on every possession and learn to make the right play consistently, he could have a chance to stick in the NBA as players with his athletic profile who can make shots, switch defensively, and block shots aren’t easy to come by."

Honors and awards:

Mountain West, All-Defensive Team, 2017

MW, All-Conference 2nd Team, 2017

MW, All-Tournament Team, 2016

2016 MW, All-Defensive Team

MW, All-Conference 3rd Team, 2016

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list pegs Collins ceiling as Kenneth Faried, J.J. Hickson.

Interesting O’Connor compares Oliver to Faried who is noted for his motor, energy and compete level. Since those are the areas Oliver is most frequently questioned about the comparison seems odd.

The fit:

Unlike most of the other big men prospects TI previewed Oliver checks off more than a single box of desirables. In spite of that, with a horde of big talents already on the roster Oliver isn’t likely to have Presti pushing to pick him up in the draft. If any trait was designated as synonymous with what defines a Thunder player it would be constant effort. The fact this is arguably Oliver’s worst weakness makes him even less desirable.

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