There is a world in which the Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely sweep the draft this season, coming away with four first-round picks in a year that, while top-loaded, still boasts some impressive prospects.
There is also a world in which they could lose their premier pair of picks to protections. Both the Utah Jazz's selection and the Philadelphia 76ers have protections at the top of the draft. At this point, Philadelphia is not likely to fall in that bracket, and their pick will convey.
The Jazz, however, are teetering on the edge. Their pick is top-eight protected, meaning that it will convey to the Thunder if they fall outside the top eight selections in the draft. Yet they are 3-7 in their last 10 games after a promising start to the season. It appears they might be bottoming out.
This would not necessarily be a devastating development. Oklahoma City is already stocked with talent, and they will still have the opportunity to make a number of other first-round selections.
However, with the team being linked to Florida power forward Thomas Haugh in CBS Sports' recent mock draft, there remains a painful reminder of what they could miss out on.
Thomas Haugh would be an ideal prospect for the Thunder
In his Junior season at Florida, Haugh has routinely received first-round grades despite his elevated age. Yet as the season has worn on, he's continued to prove himself to scouts and draft analysts alike.
Through 20 games, he's averaging 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and two assists while knocking down 33.6% of his shots from beyond the arc. At 6'9" and 210 lbs, he's an impactful defender and a staunch all-around forward.
Over the next few seasons, the Thunder will need to make some tough roster decisions. Gaining league-ready talent in the draft will be a huge boost to their ability to maintain their depth.
Haugh, without a doubt, represents that.
Yet, with the Los Angeles Clippers entering the fringes of play-in contention and the Jazz entering dangerous lottery territory, there's a real possibility that both of their premier draft assets lose major value.
What's truly frustrating is that Utah should be better than they are. Although they are an abysmal defensive team, they have shown flashes of offensive competency. They have hope for the young core they've assembled.
But the results aren't there, and the Thunder could be iced out of one of their top selections in the draft as a result.