Next up in the OKC Thunder 30 for 30 roundtable the writing team picks the two most appealing draft prospects from this class.
Yesterday, the writing team dove into what the OKC Thunder should prioritize if they have an option – draft picks or playoff seeding. For the purposes of this question, let’s assume the league returns to action this season and the Thunder find a way to move down to 11th overall.
In than scenario the Thunder would retain their first-round pick along with the one obtained from the Nuggets in the trade for Jerami Grant. Currently, the picks would likely fall in the 21st and 25th positions.
The key question that needs to be resolved prior to draft selections is what changes the franchise intends to make and/or expects. Such as – – will the team select ‘best available’ player or will they prioritize need and fit?
Prior to the draft presumably, Presti will have talked to Danilo Gallinari regarding his potential to stay or go this offseason (Gallinari is an unrestricted free agent). No doubt the GM and Chris Paul will also have talked to register if Paul is open to continuing in OKC if Presti were to add additional assets to improve the team.
The other key factor will be if the season returns how the Thunder performs in the postseason. Should they win the first round and either push a team deep in the second round or shock everyone to get to the Western Conference Finals that result could accelerate Presti’s plans for next season.
With that, I give you question 25 from the series…