Thunderous Intentions
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Thunder Draft history – 2014

By Matthew Hallett

Apr 12, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Huestis (34) blocks a shot attempt by Denver Nuggets forward Juan Hernangomez (41) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Huestis (34) blocks a shot attempt by Denver Nuggets forward Juan Hernangomez (41) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) celebrates with Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) celebrates with Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

In the next post of the OKC Thunder draft history series, we look at the 2014 draft.

Everything was great in 2014. The OKC Thunder had the second best record in the NBA once again. Kevin Durant was named MVP and the Thunder were knocked out of the Conference Finals by the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs. It was not perfect, they did not won the title. But it did not appear the loss of James Harden had hit the OKC Thunder too hard.

First Round

The OKC Thunder had the 21st pick in the draft and with it they selected Mitch McGary. Unfortunately for the Thunder, McGary was a regular in the rotation in his rookie year. I say unfortunately because of all the injuries suffered by the franchise that year. McGary played 32 games in his first year averaging 5.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over these games.

McGary, however, did not play much defense, and when Enes Kanter arrived at the club via trade, it was almost impossible to have the two big men on the court at the same time. McGary would only play 20 games in the following season; Oklahoma City waived McGary for disciplinary reasons prior to the start of the 2016-17.

More from Thunderous Intentions

The OKC Thunder also had pick 29 in this draft – with it they selected Josh Huestis. The Stanford University product has only managed seven games in a Thunder uniform, despite there being a shortage of small forwards at the Thunder at the start of the season. He has spent his time in the D-League with the OKC Blue.

Remaining Players

When the OKC Thunder picked, they could have selected some high level talent . Players of the ilk of Nikola Jokic, Dwight Powell and Jordan Clarkson were all second round picks in the draft who have helped their clubs more than these two.

More players in Thunder uniforms

Apart from McGary and Huestis, there are a number of players from this draft who now play for the OKC Thunder. The number 11 pick, Doug McDermott, arrived at the franchise through trade at the All Star break. The 39th pick, Jerami Grant, also arrived at the franchise through trade early in the season. The final player of the draft who now plays for the OKC Thunder is Semaj Christon. Christon, a deep second round pick, was traded to the Thunder on draft night.

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