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Four First Round Draft prospects the Thunder should avoid

By Austin Sternlicht

Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Conference Tournament championship game at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 71-56. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Wilson

The Michigan power forward made a name for himself during March Madness, leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and Sweet Sixteen birth. As a result, his draft stock skyrocketed and is now projected to be a late first round pick. While Wilson is an interesting prospect, he does not fit what the Thunder are looking for.

Wilson struggled with physicality, especially for a big man. He averaged just 3.8 rebounds per 40 minutes – this can also be seen on the offensive end of the floor. He’ll settle for tough jumpers in order to avoid contact. When smaller players switch onto him, he doesn’t have the natural tendency to call for the ball and post up.

Part of the issue with Wilson is that he is still adjusting to being a full-time power forward. Wilson grew up playing as a wing, and thanks to a late growth spurt, transitioned into a power forward. Despite being a junior, Wilson really has just one year of real experience under his belt. He missed all but four games his freshman year due to a knee injury. During his sophomore year, he barely played, averaging less than seven minutes a game.

Wilson has the potential to be a great modern NBA big man. Again, the Thunder don’t need to draft a power forward, especially one who is going to need time to develop. There are many more NBA-ready players the Thunder could draft in this position that could help the team next year.

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