What if the OKC Thunder nailed every draft pick since 2011?
By Rylan Stiles
Finding the best role player in the 2015 NBA Draft to replace Cameron Payne.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had another Lottery Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Cameron Payne out of Murray State. Payne was a fantastic dance partner for Russell Westbrook and company during his time in Bricktown, but he never caught on with the OKC Thunder. After a long journey, he eventually resurfaced on the Phoenix Suns as a quality backup guard. Payne’s story individually is an incredible case of resilience.
While there were no surefire incredible, All-Star-level picks behind Payne, there were some awesome role players in this 2015 Draft. It is sort of a pick-your-poison draft. Who would you rather have between Kelly Oubre Jr., Terry Rozier, Bobby Portis, Larry Nance Jr, Kevon Looney, Montrezl Harrell, Josh Richardson, and Pat Connaughton?
Ultimately, I would settle on Kevon Looney for the OKC Thunder, but you can make an appealing case for the hometown hero Josh Richardson.
Josh Richardson had a fantastic four-year stretch in Miami before leveling off as a solid roll player at many different stops going through six teams in eight seasons.
Kevon Looney brings such an incredible rebounding skill set and provides a complimentary role for the OKC Thunder as he has for the Golden State Warriors, specifically last season in their title run, playing an instrumental role in beating Boston.