Thunderous Intentions
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2018 NBA Draft: Gary Trent Jr. could be perimeter sniper OKC Thunder need

By Benjamin McCoy

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 29: Gary Trent, Jr. #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 88-66. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Gary Trent Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 29: Gary Trent, Jr. #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 88-66. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Gary Trent Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Gary Trent Jr.,
CORAL GABLES, FL – JANUARY 15: Duke guard Gary Trent, Jr. (2) shoots against Miami guard Lonnie Walker IV (4) during a college basketball game between the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of Miami Hurricanes on January 15, 2018 at the Watsco Center, Coral Gables, Florida. Duke defeated Miami 83-75. (Photo by Richard C. Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Awards and honors:

2018 NCAA Tournament All-Region
McDonald’s All-American (2017)
Jordan Brand Classic (2017)
FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship MVP (2015)

Pro comparison:

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor has compared him to Doug McDermott, Jeremy Lamb, and Hollis Thompson which I suppose is a decent grab if he falls to the middle of the second round, but personally, I think he has more to his game than that.

If we are talking potential, Gary Trent Jr. should fall somewhere between Allen Crabbe and Klay Thompson depending on how he develops on the defensive side of the ball.

He is already a knockdown three-point shooter with the size, length, and athleticism to develop into a really good defender, pair that with an improved finishing ability and some good coaching and you got yourself a heck of a basketball player. Now I’m not saying he is going to be one of the best shooters of all time in Klay Thompson, but he is certainly going to be a better player than Doug McDermott.

Current ranking:

More from Thunderous Intentions

ESPN/DraftExpress: 39th

The Ringer: 42nd

Draft Net: 20th

CBS Sports: 23rd

Sports Illustrated: 42nd

Bleacher Report: 33rd

Basketball Insider: 30th

Sporting News: 40th

Fit with OKC Thunder:

Right now draft boards have Garry Trent Jr. going anywhere between 20th and 43rd. So, he may not be the most realistic option for the OKC Thunder unless he falls further than expected. Or Sam Presti could decide to package the two picks and move up. But if they do manage to get their hands on him, he could fill an immediate need with his perimeter shooting.

So many times last year it just felt like Russ needed a reliable shooter on the perimeter as the OKC Thunder finished 22nd in perimeter efficiency. Heading into the draft Presti may feel OKC has a more immediate position need. Or perhaps he’ll seek out someone a little more versatile like Landry Shamet who could backup Westbrook at the point and offer reliable perimeter scoring.

Next: Shake Milton hopes to play close to home in Oklahoma

Whatever happens, Gary Trent Jr. is a player to keep an eye on as a possible option for the OKC Thunder in the upcoming NBA Draft.

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