2018 NBA Mock Draft first round plus OKC Thunder picks
149. . SF/PF. Villanova. Omari Spellman,. 53. player
The OKC Thunder may be the most difficult team to predict the selection for, or maybe I’m just too close to it. Or maybe I’m just exhausted after my computer kept malfunctioning. Total segue, but doesn’t that silly circle that indicates buffering drive you crazy?
Okay back to the matters at hand I’ve liked this kid Spellman from the get and I know he has lots of areas to improve upon, but the fact he was on the NCAA winning team and delivered when the lights shone brightest speaks volumes. He also impressed at the NBA Draft Combine.
Although undersized for a forward the best part of his game is his mind! This is a guy whole muck it up and then turn around and hit a knockdown trey. Putting the numbers in perspective Spellman has a 7’2″ reach despite only being 6’9″. And, he shot 43.3 percent from behind the arc.
He may not project to be of superstar ilk, but the Thunder doesn’t need another superstar- they need a guy who’ll help lead, fill in from a character standpoint. With Collison gone that factor cannot be ignored.
He’ll need to work on the defensive end, but what rookie doesn’t? He’s projected to be Diaw like and that type of player is generational in their own manner.
Bottom line, as OKC fans all you want is a player who can play next year and contribute. Ideally, they are a frontcourt player with more than one transferable skill. Spellman checks all those boxes. So much so, I don’t think he’ll still be on the board (but I’m crossing my fingers).
Spellman may not be the name you expected or wanted me to toss out. But, I can confidently say if Presti has a shot at him he HAS to take him. Even if it means combining the picks to do so. To borrow from as Nike— JUST DO IT Sam!
For a more detailed breakdown check out my full profile: Omari Spellman tantalizing skillset and upside are ideal for OKC