OKC Thunder: 5 second-round sleepers to look out for

Payton Pritchard prospect preview:

Oregon guard, Payton Pritchard is definitely NBA ready with four years of college basketball under his belt.

The 22-year-old is ranked by the Ringer at number 42 but has the hallmarks of a successful NBA leader and great point-guard. He is a smart player who does his best to make the right decisions even under pressure. He’s a legitimate scorer who knows how to run the offense and get his teammates involved.

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 11/18/2020.

With his experience and playmaking ability, I’m surprised he isn’t projected higher. He’s the type of player who can come in and have a substantial contribution right away. Pritchard plays with hunger which is what you want from any player. He’s also been compared to the Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet.

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Pritchard became the first player in Pac-12 history to record 1,900 points, 500 rebounds, and 600 assists. He also joined the distinguished company of Gary Payton, Damon Stoudamire, and Jason Terry as the only players in Pac-12 conference history to lead the league in assists and scoring. So there’s no doubt he is a high-achiever.

As for fit, I think he’d make a huge impact on a young team needing an offensive operator and winning spark. Or as a back-up point guard. It would be hard to see the OKC Thunder go for Pritchard, already having SGA and Rubio but I believe he’s definitely going to be a steal. And with OKC building for the future maybe time spent playing alongside Rubio and Danny Green would be immensely beneficial.

Fun facts: 

• Grew up a Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade fan.
• Was introduced to basketball in kindergarten.
• Had verbally committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners before changing to Oregon.

To end, I just want to say all the best and congratulations to everyone getting drafted this year! After a challenging 2020, it has led to this well-deserved moment and I hope everyone gets to enjoy it. So excited to see the next generation of talent make their dreams a reality.