Thunderous Intentions
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Thunder Draft history – 2015

By Matthew Hallett

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; OKC Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) drives around defended Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half of the game at United Center. Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; OKC Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) drives around defended Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half of the game at United Center. Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

In the second-to-last OKC Thunder draft history series we look at the 2015 draft.

There were only two positives I can see out of the 2014-15 season. First, locker room poison Reggie Jackson forced a trade. Secondly, the OKC Thunder picked up a lottery pick. I would certainly have rather seen the Thunder up where they belong at the top of the NBA standings, but there are some things that cannot be.

First Round

Thanks to the heroics of Russell Westbrook, the OKC Thunder finished just outside the Playoffs. With less ping-pong balls available, the OKC Thunder managed to pick at number 14. With this pick, the Thunder chose Cameron Payne, a point guard out of Murray State University. Payne is a high energy, high tempo guard primarily used as a backup – and dance partner – for Westbrook.

Unfortunately, when the OKC Thunder traded for Randy Foye, the development of Payne stalled. The less said about this trade the better.

With the offseason changes on the OKC Thunder roster, Payne was going to be a vital piece moving forward. Unfortunately, Payne got injured in the pre-season so Semaj Christon received the early season playing time.

More from Thunderous Intentions

It was thanks to Payne the OKC Thunder were able to acquire Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson at the All-Star break in the 2016-17 season. This move was certainly advantageous for the Thunder, thanks to the play of Gibson.

Second Round

With the 48th pick the OKC Thunder selected Dakari Johnson. To date, Johnson has not played a game in the NBA, but I believe he will this coming season. Johnson has been a beast in the D-League, ending up being the youngest player selected to the All Star Game. His 18.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season will be helpful when Steven Adams is off his game.

Players remaining

None of the players after pick 48 have made an impact in the NBA. However, players left after pick 14 were solid players like Kelly Oubre Jr, Sam Dekker, Jerian Grant or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

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