OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Scottie Barnes – point forward potential

Pro Comparison:

Analysts clearly envision a defensive specialist with the potential to affect the game given the nods to Draymond Green, Pascal Siakam as comparisons.

Other players analysts noted as doppelgangers were a taller and bulkier Michael Carter-Williams and Jabari Parker. MCW is a point guard not a forward but I can understand the pick. However, I’m seriously at a loss for how Parker was tapped especially given his defensive shortcomings when Barnes is an elite defender.

OKC Thunder fit:

Truthfully the prospect of having Barnes and Dort on the floor together would have opposing offenses quaking in their kicks. Unfortunately in any scheme other than run and gun would find opposing defenses licking their lips.

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Look – Dort wasn’t considered a 3-point shooter nor was Lonzo Ball who like Barnes had mechanical issues with his shot.

Guaranteed the youngster will put in the work so it’s not inconceivable he could adapt and improve quickly. Just the fact that Toronto was more excited about Barnes should offer optimism for whatever club selects him as their development group must believe his shot can be easily tweaked.

Frankly, I’m in the camp who believes Presti will trade up to nab one of the top three players but if he stands pat landing Scottie Barnes with the sixth pick wouldn’t be a bad choice. Especially if Barnes is projected to turn into a player with the ability to run the point and lead the team’s defense. The question is how Presti would envision playing Barnes when he already is investing in Aleksej Pokusevski – who is yet another forward who could run the offense.