Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft first round plus OKC Thunder picks

By Tamberlyn Richardson

TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic (R) celebrates with team mate Real Madrid's French forward Fabien Causeur their team's 85-80 win in the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic (R) celebrates with team mate Real Madrid's French forward Fabien Causeur their team's 85-80 win in the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Prospect Series: Shai Gilgeous- Alexander
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018, at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 11. player. 170. . PG/SG. Kentucky

Although some expect Collin Sexton to be the selection at 11 it seems more logical to pair a defensive, gritty point guard to a Hornets team in desperate need of defensive improvement. And, if Walker stays SGA  also seems like a better fit given his height advantage (6’6)” vs Sexton who is 6’2″. Notably, moments after typing this above notation this popped up on my phone:

So, I’m thinking I was on the money with this instinct.

Full prospect preview: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offers elite role player potential

Team needs:

Heading in the draft the big question in Charlotte was what Kemba Walker‘s future would be with the team. Then the bombshell trade to send Dwight Howard out the door occurred.  And while pundits were still cycling the trade impact through their minds, news broke (via Woj)  the Nets will buy out Howard.

Now the burning question is whether the move was made due to the locker room situation with Howard, or if this was just the first of many moves launching a re-build. Rumors have persisted that Walker may end up in Cleveland to be married alongside LeBron James and many will be paying particular attention to picks eight and 11, in particular, this evening to see what the fall out may be.

As for needs, the Hornets were said to be interested in adding another point guard presumably as the backup to Walker. This was given greater credence considering the Hornets were at their best when Walker and Jeremy Lin flourished.  With Howard leaving Charlotte will be looking to add frontcourt help at both positions. Which again, begs the question —Kemba Walker for Kevin Love?

Free Agents:

Picks in 2018 NBA Draft:

First Round: 11th

Second Round: 45, 55 with potential to add Nets 40th pick as part of the Dwight Howard trade.

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