What is the best case scenario for Darius Bazley and the OKC Thunder?
The best case scenario for the OKC Thunder is that Darius Bazley can turn into a viable starting level player who can help Russell Westbrook carry the load on the offensive end as Westbrook ages and Paul George potentially finds a new home when his contract expires.
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Or, if Paul George re-up’s with the OKC Thunder, Bazley could turn into an elite sixth man off the Thunder bench, or even a positionless wing finding his way into the starting lineup.
What would be the worst case scenario?
The worst case scenario would be that Darius Bazley never pans out, obviously. Specifically that he never grows into his body, becomes a defensive threat at the NBA level, or an NBA shot.
This is a big swing for Sam Presti because it is so risky. The OKC Thunder could have used a win now player, like Grant Williams or Brandon Clarke in the first round of this draft. They have little avenues left to explore on improving a team that has disappointed for two straight years.
With no money to spend, and only Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder providing some value on the trade market, Presti had to hit this pick to solidify the Thunder’s window of opportunity. This is a very high risk but high reward move.
The OKC Thunder hope to have landed a steal in the NBA Draft, but one thing is for sure, they got a potential human highlight reel.