OKC Thunder: 3 valuable lessons learned during NBA Draft Combine

OKC Thunder lesson No. 3: 2021 Draft class is very deep with lots of enticing talents

While the top prospects weren’t in Chicago numerous players made an impression. Some prospects didn’t participate in all the drills but made a mark just with their measurements.

The aforementioned, recent riser Scottie Barnes is drawing comparison to Kawhi Leonard for a few reasons. First, both were known for their defensive acumen in college. But the other reason is Barnes’ hands measured on the larger size. In addition, his wingspan is 7’3″ (he’s 6’8″).

Barnes is on many boards to go at 6th which would mean he’s in the OKC Thunder mix, but again, several top teams and especially the Raptors seem very interested.

Keon Johnson’s leaping ability blew up social media when he set the Combine records for his vertical leap (48″) and standing vertical (41.5″). The former was 2 1/2 inches higher than the previous record.

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Draft expert, Chad Ford noted two players whose performance likely will result in their stock rising up draft boards was 6’10” forward Jericho Sims and 6’6″ guard Joe Wieskamp.

Moving forward 14 different agencies are holding “pro days” in Chicago between the 26th and 29th. These events are less restrictive with the individuals showcasing their strengths as opposed to having to complete the drills and tests the Combine requires.

As per Jonathan Givony, some of those elite talents who avoided the Combine could be in play at these events such as Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Corey Kispert, and James Bouknight.

It’s also likely the team will spend ample time evaluating the Olympic Qualifying Tournament games since there weren’t a ton of Europeans at the Combine.

Ultimately, the takeaway for the OKC Thunder is this class is as advertised — very deep. That includes those individuals considered generational talents as well as athletic players with upside.

Over the next month, the Thunder will undoubtedly be extremely busy figuring out their draft board and who they’ll be adding to next season’s roster.  The fan base will equally be wondering if Presti will reach into his draft closet to pull together a package worthy of landing one of the players at the very top of the ladder.