The NBA Draft is now less than two weeks away and with the event drawing near things are heating up. The OKC Thunder has six picks in the 2021 class including the sixth, 16th, 18th, 34th, 36th, and 55th.
Four players have consistently ranked as the top four picks with Cade Cunningham the definitive choice to be selected first. What isn’t certain is the selection order of the vaunted trio behind Cunningham.
That triad of Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, and Jalen Suggs could theoretically fit with any of the teams selecting second (Rockets), third (Cavaliers), and fourth (Raptors). That said, there are preferences and also potential for one of all of that group to make trades.
With the OKC Thunder holding 10 percent of the picks and Sam Presti’s history of draft night trades anything is possible. Cunningham is the perfect player for the Thunder system and timeline but seemingly out of realistic reach. Intentions opined on the Thunder Magician trading or swapping picks to move into that top four and it may still happen.
Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer dropped some intriguing bits of fodder from his sources regarding the looming draft. KO’C confirmed the elite prospect quartet remains entrenched atop the draft ladder. He further notes discussions are ongoing regarding movement via pick swaps or trades and offers historic context. In the last 40 years on 14 occasions, teams with a top-five pick have traded down.
OKC Thunder rumored to be targeting James Bouknight with 6th pick
Yet the revelation in the article is who the OKC Thunder would select at sixth. Scottie Barnes was the prospect initially earmarked. Yet, his stock rose so much now he could be taken in the top five. So drumroll please — the prospect OKC is said to prefer is UConn sophomore guard James Bouknight.
"League sources say the Magic are high on Florida State forward Scottie Barnes with the fifth pick, while the Thunder prefer Barnes or UConn guard James Bouknight with the sixth selection.Jonathan Kuminga, ranked fifth on most big boards after playing one season in the G League alongside Green, has been scarcely mentioned in league circles as a favorite to be selected by Orlando or Oklahoma City. Could he slip seventh to the Warriors?"
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Intentions previously noted that Jonatan Kuminga was the prospect that was slipping in favor of Barnes and some others who were gaining traction. However, if OKC isn’t enamored with Kuminga it’s not simply because he’s young and raw.
OKC is fully entrenched in rebuilding for the future and has a first-class group of development coaches. If Presti believed Kuminga would eventually rise to meet the projected high upside best believe the Thunder would be selecting him.
As you’ll see in our prospect profile Bouknight is ranked from a high of fifth to a low of 23rd on the major sites mock drafts.
If O’Connor’s sources are accurate this pick would be a bit of a surprise. It’s not like Presti hasn’t made unconventional picks or gone against the grain before.
Nor would Bouknight be considered unworthy. Several analysts view the UConn guard as a major offensive weapon so pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his backcourt running mate would satisfy several needs.
First of all, SGA could remain at the point but have a lethal scoring partner beside him. With OKC needing to add offensive weapons it would make sense to satisfy the backcourt pairing as the priority.
Now, of course, OKC could still shock and Presti could pull that rabbit out of his hat but fans should be excited with either Scottie Barnes or James Bouknight if they end up being the sixth pick.
Our prospect profile on Barnes can be viewed here and look for our Bouknight profile this weekend.