OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Cole Anthony

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer lists Kemba Walker, Austin Rivers, Patty Mills as possible NBA comparisons.

A wide-ranging diversity of talents from O’Connor and an odd assortment given each of that trio are decent defenders while Anthony doesn’t project to be a two-way player (but does have the natural athleticism to develop if he lands with the right team).

OKC Thunder fit:

It’s hard to ignore the myriad of offensive tools Cole Anthony can summon in spite of his youth. And, while this year highlighted his weaknesses, having to undergo surgery to repair the partial meniscus tear also played a big factor.  It warrants the question of whether this was an outlier season especially considering the terrible floor spacing of the Tar Heels which added to Anthony’s regression.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

At a minimum, the OKC Thunder are running back at least two guards in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort. Chris Paul is expected to be traded and rumors seem to back that happening prior to the season start. Dennis Schroder is also potentially being shopped so there may be the need to add another guard to the rotation.

For as much as Anthony brings copious offensive talents the lesson learned from his freshman season at North Carolina is he’ll be best served on a team with ample floor spacing and perimeter shooters.

The rebuilding Thunder won’t be that initially. The next part of the equation is whether Anthony would benefit from joining a team that could initially limit his offensive growth but eventually could provide the opportunity and circumstance for him to be a microwave scorer off the bench while developing his defensive prowess in the interim.