Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) celebrates a three point shot against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) celebrates a three point shot against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

3. Luke Kennard, Shooting Guard

Luke Kennard and the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed like a match made in heaven only a few months ago. But as teams began to workout players, and scouts spent more time dissecting prospects, Kennard rose up draft boards.

Now the 21-year old is a little too high. Kennard is one of the safest, if not the safest, pick in the 11-15 range. He’s never going to be an All-Star; he’s also not going to be a bust. Kennard will have a spot in this league until he’s 33 because he’s that knockdown from deep. The sophomore hit nearly 44% of his three-point attempts this season, but it’s his ability to score in other ways that makes him a near sure-fire lottery pick.

Related Story: Luke Kennard prospect review

In a perfect world Kennard falls to Oklahoma City at #21. The Thunder already have two shooters on the perimeter in Alex Abrines and Doug McDermott, but neither are under contract past 2019. Bringing Kennard into OKC ensures that they will have an elite-shooting prospect under control for a few years.

If he doesn’t fall to #21, however, I don’t see the Thunder trading up to grab him. Kennard is a similar player to Abrines and McDermott in that they are good scorers, but that’s about it. Oklahoma City is better off finding a lesser shooting prospect who can do more things on the court. Like the next guy on this list.

Home/Thunder Draft