OKC Thunder re-grade: Add Mitch McGary to a long line of what ifs

Mitch McGary did not have the career we thought, what is his final regrade?

Despite his potential, despite the expectations, and despite the on-court ability he displayed, Mitch McGary could not stay out of trouble. The biggest reason Mitch McGary did not pan out and is no longer in the NBA is not his play at all.

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Talent-wise, what he can do with the basketball, should have kept him in the league to this day. However, he couldn’t stay drug-free. From his NCAA marijuana suspension to his countless NBA bans, it ended his career.

McGary was suspended twice within the 2016-17 season alone!

At the end of the day, Mitch McGary could not overcome his off the floor issues. No matter how good he was on the hardwood. Which presents yet another What if in OKC Thunder history.

If Mitch McGary could get out of his own way, I believe he could’ve been a difference-maker in this league. With the ceiling of present-day Domantas Sabonis.

Given the short shelf-life, the suspensions, and the guys Sam Presti missed on in favor of taking a high upside big with a red flag already attached to him, you can expect this re-grade will not be a pretty one.

Anytime you whiff on at least three players that could’ve not only changed the landscape of the organization but in all likelihood would’ve helped the gang hoist the Larry O and possibly kept KD in OKC, you have to be crushed for it.

Spending two first-round picks on Josh Huestis and Mitch McGary in the same year, while missing out on All-Stars sets your win-now team back that has limited roster flexibility, and a low free agency appeal.

The Final Grade: F

The F- is saved for players who do not even leave us with at least one memory to cling to. I will be the first to raise my hand, I was all-in on Mitch McGary. I was wrong.

Do you even remember now professional bowler Mitch McGary?