OKC Thunder: 3 options for pick No. 6 after NBA Draft Lottery

OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect option to select 6th – Franz Wagner

Although Keon Johnson and James Bouknight will get plenty of shine as the sixth selection – another player to consider is Michigan forward Franz Wagner.

Whereas Kuminga and Barnes each have pronounced shortcomings that will require work in the development stage Wagner already demonstrates two-way ability. In two seasons with Michigan the 19-year-old experienced growth and offered legitimate two-way ability. He averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game this season.

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Unlike the prior two candidates, he can spread the court hitting his perimeter shots both as a spot-up shooter or off the dribble. His playmaking improved in his sophomore season and at 6’9″ offers size with the tools and ability to fill up the stat sheet on the glass and help with playmaking.

Wagner is a high I.Q. player who has natural instincts defensively. At 19 he fits the timeline and although he’s not likely to become an All-Star talent he’ll fit in as a role player and if he projects to the comparison the Ringer offered (Danilo Gallinari) we’ve already seen how effective a player of that skillset works in OKC.

Ultimately, there will be several options for Sam Presti to choose from with the sixth pick but the bigger question will be whether he tries to move up. That seems very likely given the six picks this season and another 32 in the next six seasons which is a ton of leverage to put together a package.