The NBA Draft is less than a week away, the OKC Thunder currently have the sixth pick with a few options to consider. One of their top targets appears to be Florida State product, Scottie Barnes. Since the NBA Lottery a month ago, Barnes is flying up draft boards. Some experts have him as high as three and as low as six. It is anyone’s guess where Barnes will fall.
What does it mean for the OKC Thunder if the Raptors select Scottie Barnes?
During his zoom session with the media, Scottie Barnes talked about nearly every team in the top-six. Including a popular destination for him in some mocks that go off the grid. The Toronto Raptors are an unpredictable organization, with one of the brightest minds leading their team in Masai Ujiri.
The Raptors are the beneficiaries of Lottery luck, after an unexpected season filled with COVID complications and injuries, the Raps disappointing season was rewarded with a top-four pick. Slotting in at four, most project Jalen Suggs to land in Toronto on July 29th.
However, as NBA Draft expert and insider Kevin O’Connor notes in his mock draft, executives around the NBA think the Raptors’ interest in Barnes is real. Scottie Barnes would love for Canada’s franchise to select him at pick four.
Scottie Barnes thinks Toronto should select him at four. Said at the Raptors workout they had him shoot the ball a lot.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) July 23, 2021
Barnes notes that Nick Nurse and his staff have done a phenomenal job developing talent, especially progressing players as shooters. The prospect’s biggest knock is the fact he is lacking a jumper.
Much like the OKC Thunder, Toronto is not afraid to go against the grain, surprising some and selecting Barnes over the highly coveted Jalen Suggs.
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If Masai Ujiri makes said move, what does that mean for the rest of the NBA Draft? Chaos.
It dares the Orlando Magic to select Suggs. While they should do so without hesitation, would they view the position as a logjam? It would be rather puzzling to prioritize Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, RJ Hampton, or any other player on their roster over a Jalen Suggs caliber of prospect, it is not too much of a stretch.
Even if the Magic would select Jalen Suggs when staying at five, if they prioritize Jonathan Kuminga, that is an easy swap to make for Sam Presti.
Giving up pick 6 (Kuminga) and a future first (or 16/18) would be well worth it for the Gonzaga product.
Landing the consensus All-American, and a 2021-22 member of the NCAA All-tournament team at six would be a dream come true for Oklahoma City.