3 Options for the OKC Thunder at pick 37 in the 2023 NBA Draft

Kobe Brown could provide a nice scoring punch off the bench for the OKC Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could use the 37th overall pick to fill an area of need, with one of those being bench scoring. That is where Missouri product Kobe Brown comes in. Ranking in the 97th percentile in overall offense a year ago, the playmaking big man has the defense to go along with his scoring punch, making him an NBA-ready-made second-round prospect.

Kobe Brown measured at 6’6 without shoes, coming in at 252 pounds, and a 7’0 wingspan. At Missouri, Brown averaged 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and 1.9 STOCKS per game, shooting 55 percent from the floor, 45 percent from three, and 79 percent at the line.

Brown is one of my favorite prospects in the draft, though many project him to still be available at pick 37. On offense, the Tiger product ranked in the 97th percentile on post-ups, 95th percentile on cuts, 93rd percentile on spot-ups, 90th percentile in transition, and the 95th percentile as a Pick-and-Roll Ball Handler.

Brown nailed catch-and-shoot jumpers at a 44 percent clip, with excellent finishes at the cup to shake the rim, take on contact, and provide a spark for his squad. Along with his scoring ability, the forward was able to be a connective passer at Missouri to keep the offense in rhythm.

On the defensive end, his length makes him a versatile defender ranking in the 93rd percentile in isolation, and he flashed a high-level ability to close out on jump shots. His scoring prowess and defensive upside make him a great OKC Thunder target.

For my money, Kobe Brown should not be around at pick 37. However, many mocks feel differently, so it is worth highlighting his fit with the OKC Thunder. At age 23, many will look past the Tiger, but he has too many NBA skills to let the year he was born bother you.