Thunderous Intentions
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Ten prospects for the Thunder to watch during the Draft

By Tony Heim

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Semi Ojeleye, Small Forward

If Semi Ojeleye is on the Oklahoma City Thunder by the end of tonight the Draft will be considered a major success. Ojeleye has everything the Thunder want/need in a perimeter prospect like Jackson but a little more raw and with slightly less upside.

The SMU product essentially played one season of college basketball because he was unable to carve out a role in his two seasons at Duke. In that one season he showed the ability to do a little bit of everything on the basketball court.

Standing at 6’7 and 235 Ibs, Ojeleye is a truck for a small forward. He’s physically big enough to guard power forwards in the NBA but quick enough to stretch out and defend small forwards on the perimeter as well. His offensive game is a combination of strength and finesse; he takes whatever the defense gives him.

Ojeleye is also like Jackson in that he can step in and immediately contribute. He wouldn’t be a starter for the Thunder his rookie season, but he would be an important bench piece alongside Jerami Grant and Alex Abrines. As he continues to work – Ojeleye has a well-documented work ethic – he’ll evolve into a true NBA starter.

Everything about Ojeleye makes sense. The position/skillset of need, the ability to contribute immediately, the incredible mentality. Most mocks have Semi going after #21 meaning Oklahoma City would have to give up zilch in order to draft him.

And for that, Semi Ojeleye is the best value prospect for the Thunder to pick tonight.

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