The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2024 NBA Draft armed with the No. 12 pick, a gift from the Russell Westbrook trade. Already one of the league's best teams at that point -- and just a year away from winning the championship -- the Thunder had a chance to add a lottery talent to their already-loaded roster.
The Thunder used that pick on Serbian point guard Nikola Topic, who missed almost all of his first two seasons recovering from injury and battling cancer. The Thunder have very little idea whether Topic will be a bust, a star, or something in-between. Their chance to add a star talent in the draft has thus far been a whiff.
Except that the Thunder have ended up with two other players from the chaotic 2024 Draft, each of which is a premier offensive talent. Ajay Mitchell was originally taken 35th overall and has blossomed into the team's bench engine, while Jared McCain went 16th and was a crucial member of the rotation for the Thunder in the playoffs.
The 2024 Draft was regarded as a mess before it occurred, and the reality has only proven that to be true. Multiple players from the Top 10 have completely flamed out already. No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher has already been dumped by the Atlanta Hawks.
If the 2024 Draft was to happen right now, with two years of information, what would change? The answer is almost everything. Let's briefly run through the 2024 Lottery, ignoring team fit and merely pointing out which players deserve to go higher or lower with the benefit of hindsight.
Redrafting the 2024 Draft Lottery
No. 1: Stephon Castle, Guard, UConn
Concerns about his lack of shooting have been overblown, as Castle does everything else well and is a force of nature at both ends of the court. He was a fringe All-Star in just his second season and helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals last year.
No. 2: Alex Sarr, Big, France
The size and versatility of Sarr keeps him in the No. 2 slot, exactly where he originally went on draft night. He is mobile defensively and an excellent paint protector, and on offense he can score from multiple levels, including from 3-point range.
No. 3: Ajay Mitchell, Guard, UC Santa Barbara
From the 38th pick to the 3rd pick, Ajay Mitchell is the steal of the 2024 Draft. He is relentless attacking opposing defenses, his passing is solid, and he doesn't choke up the ball very often. He also competes on defense and generates steals in the Thunder's high-pressure system. He may be an All-Star before this is said and done.
No. 4: Matas Buzelis, Forward, G League Ignite
While some of his peers have failed to produce but theoretically still have a high potential ceiling, Buzelis has filled up the stat sheet for the Chicago Bulls and still boasts that upside. He can score from multiple levels and is a solid weakside shot blocker.
No. 5: Zach Edey, Big, Purdue
The massive Edey has battled injuries upon entering the league which call into question whether he will survive an NBA schedule. If he can stay on the court, however, his impact is incredible. He grabs every rebound, walls off the rim, and is an efficient finisher. Questions of whether his game would translate to the NBA have been emphatically answered.
No. 6: Jared McCain, Guard, Duke
The Thunder look like geniuses for snatching up Jared McCain at the nadir of his value. He regained his form immediately upon arriving in OKC, and his scoring and playmaking were too much for opponents to handle coming off the bench. He won't be an impact defender, but his offensive sizzle is real.
No. 7: Jaylon Tyson, Wing, California
Somewhat underrated despite playing for a Conference Finalist in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylon Tyson has a burgeoning offensive skillset that includes scoring, playmaking and shooting. If he can be a consistent defender of multiple positions this year, he has a chance to become a two-way starter for the Cavs.
No. 8: Kyshawn George, Wing, Miami
Both George and the next player have become classic 3-and-D wings for their respective teams, but George has also shown some flashes of on-ball shot creation enough to bump him slightly ahead. On a suddenly loaded Washington Wizards team, his role will diminish; if he can thrive in that environment as well, it will mean a lot for his long-term impact.
No. 9: Ja'Kobe Walter, Wing, Baylor
The Toronto Raptors will likely end up starting Walter this season, a testament to his versatile defensive ability and shooting ability. He has been good in a number of areas, and if he can become great at one or two things he'll be a 10-year starter in the league.
No. 10: Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky
This is the biggest upside swing in the redraft, as Sheppard hasn't yet put things together for the Houston Rockets. His feel and shooting potential remain extremely high, but he has to actually perform consistently to protect his place in Houston's plans and the redraft lottery.
No. 11: Donovan Clingan, Big, UConn
Clingan remains gigantic and an effective rim protector, but his offensive game has not come around despite attempts to become a stretch-5. If the upside of the players ahead of him falls through, he could settle in as the 5th-8th best player from this class fairly easily.
No. 12: Kel'el Ware, Big, Indiana
The hype around Kel'el Ware has exceeded the reality, but he is still very intriguing as a mobile defender who can shoot the ball. Whether or not he can be a long-term center will make a major impact on his value.
No. 13: Jaylen Wells, Wing, Washington State
The second of three Memphis players in the lottery, Wells was an All-Rookie First Team selection but had a quieter second season. He is an excellent perimeter defender but will likely be a team's worst offensive player in a starting lineup.
No. 14: Cam Spencer, Guard, UConn
The best shooter in the class, Spencer has blossomed in relative obscurity on a bad Memphis Grizzlies team. As they ascend, his shooting ability and gravity will become more well-known.
Honorable Mention - No. 34: Nikola Topic, Guard, Serbia
The beginning of the second round seems about right for Topic, who remains a mystery box because of all he has gone through. He probably won't become a star, but he could still be a solid backup point guard if he can finally catch a break and get some NBA experience under his belt.
Add us as a preferred source on Google