Top draft prospect R.J. Barrett won’t be in consideration for the OKC Thunder, but his long term projections could find him emulating the career of an OKC star.
As with any of the top 10 to 15 draft prospects in the 2019 class, short of Sam Presti making a deal to trade a viable asset on the existing roster the OKC Thunder aren’t going to land R.J. Barrett or any of the top 10 to 15 prospects. That doesn’t mean Presti wouldn’t try — just that it’s highly unlikely.
With that, this particular preview looks at my fellow Canadian R.J. Barrett who entered his lone College year as the top ranked draft prospect. Shortly after the NCAA season began, however, Barrett’s own teammate Zion Williamson vaulted past him along with Ja Morant on most mock drafts.
It reminded me of the year Andrew Wiggins was pegged as the top seed and also saw his teammate Joel Embiid give reason to consider him as the top draft pick. If not for injuries to Embiid it’s very likely the same thing would’ve (and arguably should’ve) happened.
But make no mistake, Barrett is not Wiggins. Sure they are both Canadian wings with athleticism and untapped talent. The criticism of Wiggins is mostly based on his consistency, work ethic and some suggest a hesitance to take the ‘big shot’. I feel confident in stating Barrett won’t fall victim to those same limitations. In fact, I won’t be surprised if Barrett’s career mirrors one of the OKC Thunder superstars.
Read on to discover why.
Specifics:
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- Height: 6’7”
- Weight: 202
- Wingspan: 6’10”
- Position: Forward
- Age: Turns 19 this week (June 14)
- College: Duke
- Stat line: 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.9 steals
- Home Town: Mississauga, Canada
Per Game Table Season G MP FGA FG% 2PA 2P% 3PA 3P% FTA FT% DRB TRB AST STL TOV PTS 2018-19 38 35.3 18.5 .454 12.2 .529 6.2 .308 5.9 .665 6.0 7.6 4.3 0.9 3.2 22.6 Career 38 35.3 18.5 .454 12.2 .529 6.2 .308 5.9 .665 6.0 7.6 4.3 0.9 3.2 22.6 Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/25/2019.