OKC Thunder: B/R planning ahead, drafts Jabari Smith in 2022 mock

In a “way-too-soon” 2022 NBA Mock Draft, Bleacher Report has Jabari Smith heading to the OKC Thunder

The OKC Thunder are a team building for the future.

After five straight seasons seeing playoff action, and a total of 10 throughout their 13-year existence, Sam Presti and co. have called it quits on contention and, instead, have this team b-lining its way to a full-fledged rebuild.

Thanks to the stupendous wheeling and dealing ways from the front office over the last several seasons, Oklahoma City has managed to come into possession of 34 total draft picks through the year 2027, with 17 of which finding themselves falling within the first round.

In order to execute this phase of their plan to perfection, plotting ahead will certainly be a must.

Though we at TI have been focusing our attention on the immediate future, concocting lists centered around who the Thunder could wind up selecting in this upcoming draft, the folks at Bleacher Report have gone a bit further and have already started thinking about who might be finding their way to the Sooner State in 2022.

Writer Johnathan Wasserman went about and concocted a “way-too-soon” mock a little over a year in advance of the big night and, with the fourth overall pick, had Auburn commit, Jabari Smith, heading to the OKC Thunder.

Citing his combination of size and skill, Wasserman believes Smith has the makings to be a standout frosh right from the jump with the Tigers come next season:

"Another textbook fit for today’s NBA power forward spot, Jabari Smith should immediately pop at Auburn with his 6’9″ size, refined skill and shooting touch.Though not the most creative ball-handler, Smith has moves to go to from different spots on the floor, with an ability to jab step into jumpers, create with his back to the basket or attack closeouts. And he’s developed into a reliable three-point shooter with a projectable stroke for the next levels.With an excellent physical profile for shot-blocking and containing in space, Smith comes off as a well-rounded, fundamentally-sound big that teams can use to run offense through in the post, stretch the floor or switch defensively."

Though we still believe the majority of focus for their rebuild should obviously be on what’s right in front of them — i.e. the 2021 NBA Draft –, it’s never too early to plan ahead.