The NBA Draft Lottery came and went on Sunday afternoon, and the OKC Thunder are positioned as expected. The league breathed a collective sigh of relief when Oklahoma City's lottery pick was cemented at 12, and not the possible top-four slot many were fearing.
Despite the commotion regarding the pick, it's actually the 17th overall spot in which they could see the most benefit.
In ESPN's latest mock draft following the lottery results, experts are projecting general manager Sam Presti to draft a big, more specifically, Washington University product, Hannes Steinbach.
The German big man led the Huskies with 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds as a Freshman last year.
Albeit a slightly undersized center at the NBA level, Steinbach provides a similar (yet slightly underdeveloped) inside-out offensive game to Chet Holmgren. He shot 34.0 percent from beyond the arc, and his strength and 7-foot-1 wingspan more than make up for the few inches he lacks.
Thunder must draft rim help for blatantly obvious reason
Aside from the fact that Steinbach is a more-than-respectable prospect, there is a clear reason why Presti would elect for more depth down in the frontcourt.
Isaiah Hartenstein's team option will arguably be the biggest storyline to watch after the postseason, as the Thunder attempt to stay under the second apron heading into 2026-27.
If OKC decides to let him walk, adding Steinbach to a rim-protecting room featuring Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, Branden Carlson, and red-shirted rookie Thomas Sorber could provide a bit more insurance.
Combining the Washington freshman with the unproven Sorber specifically could hedge OKC's bets, so to speak.
Such insurance is clearly needed more in the frontcourt.
Their collection of perimeter talent is currently one of the steadiest, most dominant in the game. Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander serves as the head of the snake, followed by emerging talents in Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace.
Add in high-upside young players Jared McCain and Nikola Topic, and the Thunder's guard play is some of the best in the league.
In a draft class that is somewhat light on bigs, walking away with Hannes Steinbach with the 17th selection would be a steal.
Regardless of who Presti decides to draft in June, the Thunder will return a star-studded cast for next year's campaign.
In fact, it is not even a given that Steinbach would find an immediate spot in the Thunder's everyday rotation.
What's certain is that Presti and company are playing with house money this year. The Thunder could even trade their picks away in exchange for future assets if they wanted to.
But their frontcourt situation will be worth monitoring throughout the offseason. It's anybody's guess as to whether Presti and coach Mark Daigneault feel like they need to add bodies around the rim.
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