Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder NBA draft prospect profile: Rapid riser Jalen Green

By Tamberlyn Richardson

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 prospect series: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite passes around Louis King #2 . (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Pro Comparison:

If you’re wondering what all the buzz is about the fact Kevin O’Connor’s comparison for Green includes Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal should explain why. Other players cited as possible doppelgangers are Malik Monk and Eddie Jones.

Green adapted quickly to the G-League as one of the most exciting young stars and given his age there is good reason to believe in the hype.

OKC Thunder fit:

While Intentions noted how Sam Presti could negotiate a package to move up for Cade Cunningham the same could be said for Green. I’d say it’s far less likely the OKC Thunder magician would be invested in giving up numerous picks to get Green though (although I have no solid confirmation that’s the case).

Nor would it seem likely Rafael Stone would be moved to swap picks or take a package since he’s likely feeling the pressure to get the Rockets back in the postseason quickly. Plus there is the matter of finding another shooting guard given that bearded man left town.

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All of this to say it’s just not likely Jalen Green would wind up in Oklahoma City. If something strange happened to change that dynamic you won’t find us saying it’s a bad idea.

A backcourt featuring Green and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be intriguing. Think of the versatility of SGA utilizing his change of pace dribble drives and Green slamming it down opponent’s throats.

The issue of course would be playmaking since SGA is still considered more of a shooting guard than a point guard and Green needs to develop his playmaking. At 19 though he definitely fits the timeline and his passing and playmaking can be developed.

Plus, with the positionless scheme, Mark Daigneault utilizes it’s conceivable the goal is to develop everyone on the roster into above-average playmakers taking the onus off any one individual.

Ultimately, I’ll come back to the fact I don’t envision Presti giving up the farm to land Green as he might consider for Cunningham. Also with the Rockets deadset on selecting Green, it’s almost conceivable they would want more than the Pistons would to shift for Cunningham.

Next. 3 options for draft pick No. 6. dark

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