OKC Thunder draft Jonathan Kuminga with Rockets pick in recent mock

The OKC Thunder are in a full-fledged franchise rebuild mode, and the journey back to legitimacy begins this offseason, specifically during the 2021 NBA Draft.

Thanks to the impressive wheeling and dealing by Sam Presti and co. over the last several years, Oklahoma City has managed to come into the possession of 34 total draft picks through the year 2027, 17 of which could find themselves falling within the first round.

This year alone, the Thunder hold the rights to a couple of first-round picks, which will be the best two out of their own, the Miami Heat’s, and the Houston Rockets’ (top-four protected).

Now, obviously, due to the fact that the Heat are once again primed for a deep playoff run, their draft rights are less desirable to obtain than Houston’s, who are currently the holders of the worst record in the association.

Should it fall out of the top-four in the pecking order on the draft board, the OKC Thunder would obviously snag up the rights, thus giving them two top selections on the night.

With this pick, we at TI have many different ideas about who Presti should consider targeting, and recently, in a mock draft concocted by Bleacher Report, we saw them taking one of said prospects at fifth overall in G League Ignite forward, Jonathan Kuminga.

Citing his length and positionless skill set, writer Jonathan Wasserman goes about claiming the 18-year-old to be another wunderkind talent like Aleksej Pokusevski to add to their frontcourt:

"Compared to Aleksej Pokusevski, Kuminga is tougher attacking downhill at 6’8″, 220 pounds. But he’s also flashed perimeter skill as a shot-creator and shot-maker, as well as the strength, length and mobility to guard opposing teams’ wings.At this point, Oklahoma City is focused on stockpiling assets. The front office will worry about how everyone fits together later in the process. There is a perceived gap between Kuminga and the No. 6 prospect, so he’s the popular prediction at No. 5 for whoever winds up picking here."

Though perhaps overshadowed a bit by teammate, Jalen Green — a fellow lottery selection –, Kuminga’s lone season in the G League was quite impressive and productive.

In 32.8 minutes a game, the forward posted averages of 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, one steal, and just shy of a block.

Jonathan Kuminga’s versatility and potential is something that should absolutely intrigue NBA teams heading into draft night, and, should he be available when the OKC Thunder find themselves back on the board with Houston’s pick — assuming it falls out of the top-four –, the front office should strongly consider snatching him up.