6. Derrick White, Point Guard
And now we’ve officially reached #21 pick territory. Derrick White is the backup point guard/tertiary scoring option the Oklahoma City Thunder desperately need, but whether or not the value is worth it at #21 is yet to be seen.
White has become a hot name around NBA circles because of his size and scoring ability at the point guard position. He isn’t an incredible athlete, but White makes up for that with a strong feel for the game. The 23-year old plays with the fluidity of James Harden; it could be a nice change-of-pace for a team run by Russell Westbrook.
MUST READ: Derrick White prospect review
If the Thunder believe White can play off-the-ball with Westbrook then he will be their pick. Oklahoma City can find a backup point guard in the second round or even in free agency, but it’s not as easy to find someone who can play as both a lead guard and an off-the-ball floor spacer. White’s 40% three-point average, 18 points and 4 assist per game average makes me believe he could be that guy.
Still, there’s five other prospects the Thunder would be better off selecting.