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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 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) takes the ball to the net after getting past Arizona Wildcats defenders in the first half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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