Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder: 3 ‘what if’ moments that changed the franchise’s trajectory

By Lawrence George

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks to the media during a press conference after Game Five against the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks to the media during a press conference after Game Five against the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder past target Kristaps Porzingis
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 31: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Unicorn

Projected to be a top 10 pick in the 2015 NBA draft, OKC promised to select Kristaps Porzingis with the 21st pick in 2014. At 7’3 and 18 years of age at the time, he was a physical anomaly who combined impressive athleticism and perimeter shooting. Despite only averaging 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, one block in 14 minutes per game for Cajasol Sevilla (a second division team in Spain), he possessed tremendous upside.

However, would Porzingis fall to OKC at 21?

Judging by what teams were searching for at the time of the draft, Porzingis may well have been available. Very rarely does Presti promise prospects to be selected at certain positions unless he is absolutely sure they will fall to him. If falling to 21 was a genuine concern, Presti had both the 21st pick and 29th pick at his disposal. It is likely the Thunder GM would have packaged the picks with either a player or another second round pick depending on what teams were looking for to obtain the Latvian.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, Porzingis elected to stay in Spain one more season to improve his stock. Had the Thunder selected the unicorn, OKC’s roster would’ve featured Russ, KD, Ibaka, Adams, Jackson and Porzingis.  Instead the Thunder selected two duds in McGary and Josh Huestis, both of which are now out of the league.

As Thunder fans, Porzingis would’ve been welcomed with open arms as oppose to the ungrateful New York Knicks fans on draft night.

With receptions like this, many fans outside of New York wished the Knicks picked another dud in the draft. Porzingis went on to embarrass Knicks fans who booed him on draft night and quickly established himself as a future star.

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