OKC Thunder NBA Mock Draft: Jalen Suggs linked to Sooner State

While we may be just a quarter of the way into the 2020-21 season, for the OKC Thunder, their eyes are intently zeroed in on the future.

Sure, they’ve surprised many to date, as they boast a record of 8-11, are constantly revolving in and out of the playoff picture out in the Western Conference standings, and have their fans growing less fond of the preseason tank mentality, but, with a potential total of 16 first-round picks over the next seven years, the NBA Draft is one of the highest priorities for Sam Presti and co. moving forward.

Though we’re still a ways away from the 2021 draft, many media outlets are already getting a head start on how the festivities could play out by publishing “way-too-early” mocks.

Recently, Bleacher Report hopped into the mix and listed the OKC Thunder as having the fourth overall pick, where they would go on to have them select Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs.

Bleacher Report links NBA prospect Jalen Suggs to the OKC Thunder

Citing his early-season production coupled with his all-around skill set as reasons for him to be a top-five lock in the draft, writer Jonathan Wasserman believes that the 19-year-old could be a quality fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Sooner State:

"He’s impacting games as both a lead guard and energizer, capable of running offense or beating opponents with hustle plays at both ends.The Oklahoma City Thunder won’t need to worry about fit with Suggs, who shouldn’t come with a label. He’s interchangeable with an ability to run pick-and-rolls, cut for baskets from the wing, guard the point of attack and make defensive plays off the ball.His shooting may take the longest to translate, particularly when he’s spotting up. But it’s still not a major concern based on his mechanics and three-point pull-up game (94th percentile)."

While the fanbase has been preaching “fade for Cade” in reference to Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham — who went No. 1 in B/R’s mock — seemingly all season, with the way the Thunder have been playing during the early stages of this season, they may be too good to land the top selection.

As of right now, Suggs at four looks to be a realistic scenario.