OKC Thunder: 3 bust potential prospects

The OKC Thunder are in search of their next NBA star to pair with current star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Of course, the NBA Draft presents the best avenue for a small market organization to acquire star talent.

The cold reality of the NBA Draft is that most players will wash out of the league within their rookie contract. No matter how much pre-draft hype they have, not everyone can work out.

The OKC Thunder should be wary of these NBA Draft prospects who has bust potential

Who are the scariest NBA Draft prospects entering a class that could be as loaded as the historic 2003 NBA Draft?

Jonathan Kuminga is the true definition of a boom-or-bust prospect. While the G-League Ignite product has Kawhi like potential, he also is a prime candidate to be out of the league in five or six years.

If Kuminga never develops a jump shot, struggles as a playmaker, and is limited at the rim as the athletes in the NBA catch up to his NBA-ready body, it is a scary proposition.

There will be no middle ground for whichever GM selects Kuminga tonight. They will either look back on a draft-day steal or one of the biggest busts in NBA history.

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I have more confidence in Kuminga than most, especially if he goes to a quality organization. However, I understand the fear some have with the project forward.

Scottie Barnes makes the list at number two but it is worth a debate. While I do not think Barnes will wash out of the league, I struggle to see a viable path for the FSU product to play to the value of a top-6 selection.

Without a jump shot or even an overwhelming finishing ability, he quickly can turn into a liability offensively.

Struggling from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, his only offensive attribute is playmaking at his size.

Though Three things are for sure with the potential top-6 pick, Barnes will be an elite defender, an incredibly hard worker, and a fun personality.

Davion Mitchell, depending on where Mitchell is drafted, I struggle seeing him living up to the hype. At just 6’0 his size will be a concern that could negate his best NBA skillset, his defense.

While he had a shooting outburst last season at Baylor, his free throw percentage never caught up with his three-point percentage. That could lead some to believe his improved numbers from distances are a flash in the pan.

Which prospect are you most scared of entering the 2021 NBA Draft?