Thunderous Intentions
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B/R views OKC Thunder as prime destination for G League star

By Mark Nilon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder are a team building for the future.

Despite having gone to the postseason10 times during their 13-year existence, the 2020-21 season is more about developing than contending, which likely will wind up ending their current playoff streak at five seasons.

Generally speaking, teams in rebuild present ample playing opportunities for talents that typically would not find them elsewhere except for, perhaps, the G League.

Because of OKC’s apparent desire to cultivate as much value in the upcoming draft, they have been playing younger/ less experienced players frequently in an effort to help mold them and, in turn, give the franchise a better shot at attaining the No. 1 overall pick, where they hope to land Oklahoma State standout Cade Cunningham.

The OKC Thunder should consider targeting G League star Jalen Green

Though the OKC Thunder fanbase may have their sights set on Cunningham, this upcoming draft is expected to be flush with talent and, in past mocks, we’ve seen quite a few intriguing young ballers linked to the franchise.

At the moment, despite their ranking of 12 in the Western Conference standings, as currently constructed this team is too good to be the “worst team in the league”, which might not bode well for them landing the top selection.

Luckily, should they fall from such a spot, there will still be a plethora of other prospects to choose from, one of whom is currently killing it for the NBA G League Ignite.

Through eight games played in his inaugural professional campaign, the shooting guard is posting sound averages of 17.6 points and 2.5 assists while converting on 50 percent of his overall attempts from the field and 38 percent from deep.

Seemingly a solid fit for virtually every team expecting to find themselves in the lottery, in a recent article by Bleacher Report, writer Jonathan Wasserman listed Oklahoma City as one of the best fits for the projected top-tier pick:

"The Thunder are in the early stages of a rebuild, which has tempered short-term expectations. Green may feel as though he could play more freely, without the pressure to immediately win games or intimidating veterans to please.His on-court fit with the Thunder looks promising as well. He could pair his explosiveness next to the craftier Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.Even with Gilgeous-Alexander soaking up touches, Green wouldn’t be facing a shortage of opportunities. OKC would build its identity around its backcourt."

Fret not OKC Thunder fans, even if we miss out on Cunningham, there are many other routes Sam Presti and co. can go in order to be successful.

Jalen Green is now seen as one of those routes.

Next. 3 players that could realistically be dealt by trade deadline. dark

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