The OKC Thunder are staring down the barrel of one of the most important NBA Drafts in franchise history. That is not hyperbole even as an organization that had a historic run of drafting three straight MVPs.
Despite poor lottery luck, the Thunder still need to find a co-star for their rising star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Of course, if the ping pong balls would have bounced their way, this quest would be easier, but it still is not impossible.
Top 5 potential stars in the NBA Draft for the OKC Thunder to evaluate
This is a loaded NBA Draft, with media members, prospects, and scouts alike proclaiming this is the best draft since the historic 2003 class. A class that gave us the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Kirk Hinrich, Nick Collinson, and Kendrick Perkins. From NBA Hall of Famers to players with incredibly long careers.
The top of the NBA Draft is clear, with the Pistons selecting Cade Cunningham, the Rockets leaning toward Jalen Green, and the Cavs picking up Evan Mobley if they do not move the pick, the draft truly starts at four. Despite the top three names making my mouth salivate, the star power does not stop there.
Cade Cunningham is everyone’s prize possession, as he has been for the entire pre-draft process. The Oklahoma State product is the closest thing to a perfect prospect you can get. With his great perimeter shooting, size to score in the paint, and jaw-dropping play-making ability, it is hard to knock the 19-year-old.
The lone drawback to his game is the number of turnovers in college. However, those are easily explained by the lack of spacing at the NCAA level, a poor offensive system, and simply trying to do too much as defenses are able to only key in on him.
Jalen Green, who ranks second on my big board, is the player that I am most fascinated by. If the G-League ignite product does not lead this league in scoring multiple times, I will print this article out and truly eat my words. His blend of defensive potential, athleticism, and three-level scoring ability makes him a can’t miss prospect. The lone downside? He will be dominating in Houston.
Evan Mobley represents the start of the star grades that I am shaky on. I struggle to find a path where Grenn or Cunningham do not reach their potential. With Mobley and the rest of these names, there is at least a reasonable chance they fail.
The USC Product has flashed the potential of stretching the floor, but that is always a hard thing to bank on. However, even without that modern skill his shot-blocking, post-scoring, defensive ability, and playmaking at his size are the reasons why so many are high on him.
I also struggle to bet on big men, but Mobley alleviates a ton of my worries. Especially if the 19-year-old, who grew up an OKC Thunder fan, is paired with a guard of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber.
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Jonathan Kuminga is the definition of star potential. This might surprise you, as it appears he is falling down draft boards. Sure, there are questions about his knees and his potential three-point shooting, but there are legitimate reasons for optimism.
Kuminga is going to be an impact defender right away, with the frame and athletic ability to eventually become a top defender in the NBA. With his great finishing ability and above-average playmaking for his size, he is not a zero offensively long-term.
With Kuminga being so comfortable shooting from beyond the arc, there is hope that a team can create more success on his jumpers in the future. Many around the G-League Ignite program see Kawhi Leonard potential for Jonathan Kuminga.
Jalen Suggs and James Bouknight create an interesting battle for the fifth spot. Ultimately, I have settled on conventional wisdom with Suggs taking the fifth place honors and Bouknight a close sixth.
For the first time in his life, Jalen Suggs will get to focus on basketball for a full calendar year(s), instead of balancing playing football as well as school. He says that is “scary” for his potential.
Suggs is a proven winner that has all the intangibles in the world. He is a very good athlete, with amazing playmaking ability, and smooth scoring ability. Questions of how he fits off-ball, but ultimately you bet on the 19-year-olds upside.