What if the OKC Thunder nailed every draft pick since 2011?
By Rylan Stiles
What if Sam Presti pulled the trigger on a project prospect that the OKC Thunder liked, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in the 2013 NBA Draft?
In the 2013 NBA Draft, Sam Presti grabbed Steven Adams with the 12th overall pick—a college big man out of Pittsburgh University by way of New Zealand. Adams made the 2013-14 All-Rookie team and instantly became a fan favorite. It is obvious the contributions Adams made on the floor to help the OKC Thunder win a lot of basketball games. His career in Bricktown lasted seven seasons, averaging nine points, seven rebounds, an assist, and 1.9 STOCKS per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor during his time with the Thunder.
While Adams never made an NBA All-Star team, his impact was undeniable as the anchor of the OKC Thunder, laying hard screens, finishing around the rim in a dynamic pick-and-roll with Russell Westbrook, his world-famous football-style outlet passes, and lovable interviews; it is not that this was a bad pick.
However, for a General Manager who gets a reputation for always swinging on project prospects and who liked Giannis Antetokounmpo in the draft, to let him fall to the Bucks at pick 15 is a mistake in hindsight.
Antetokounmpo has gone on to win two MVP awards, an NBA Championship, seven All-Star, and All-NBA appearances, and has been tabbed as a top-75 player of all time so far in his decade-long career.
Again, imagine pairing “The Greek Freak” with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and company.
Even if we stopped this exercise right now, the Thunder lineup would be Russell Westbrook, Khris Middleton, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Serge Ibaka, with Jimmy Butler, Kendrick Perkins, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler, and Thabo Sefolosha coming off the bench.