Thunderous Intentions
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What should you expect the OKC Thunder to do with the second overall pick?

By Rylan Stiles

Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the Good Sam Empire Classic basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Chippewas 107-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the Good Sam Empire Classic basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Chippewas 107-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
Jaden Ivey #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers jumps to dunk the ball in the first half of the game against the St. Peter’s Peacocks in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Center on March 25, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder rumors have revolved around Jaden Ivey, could they pick him with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been involved in a ton of rumors, and that will not slow down any time soon. Not only is this the NBA, and the rumor mill spins year-round, but the OKC Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a prized young player that other fanbases can not stop salivating over, they have a historic amount of future draft assets, and a ton of future cap space despite being hamstrung this summer.

This year, the rumor of choice has been about Jaden Ivey. “The next Russell Westbrook, he is just like Ja Morant” has been thrown around to describe the Purdue product, and some teams do have Ivey in their top three of this draft class.

Ivey produced 17-points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and nearly a block per game. He is an explosive athlete that applies pressure at the rim and can space the floor while playing off-ball.

Look, I get it, I was skeptical too, drafting another guard? How does he fit with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey? Will there eventually be an odd man out? Believe me, I went through all the emotions when this was first reported as an option. At this point in the draft process, I have watched every second of Ivey’s season as well as talked to people within the NBA and at every turn, I have been assured the Purdue guard can play off-ball.

light. Related Story. How much should you believe in NBA Draft rumors?

Jaden Ivey shot 35 percent on the catch and shoot, and when left open for a catch-and-shoot opportunity, Ivey shot 39 percent which are chances he will see more of in the NBA as better spacing and teammates set him up for success. Defensively, this would not be your average three-guard lineup, Josh Giddey is 6’8, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sports a nearly seven-foot wingspan so Ivey’s 6’4 frame will not be a huge issue.

However, would OKC select Ivey with the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft? I still doubt it, I think if Ivey is their guy the team would simply trade down with the Sacramento Kings and select Ivey at four.

The most exciting possibility is staying put at two and selecting one of the three other players listed above, and then trading back up from the 12th pick to the fourth overall pick to grab Jaden Ivey. Though, as is the case in life, the most exciting option is the least likely.

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