Though some fans may be upset at the fact that the OKC Thunder didn't follow in the 2025 Dallas Mavericks' footsteps and land the top-overall selection here in 2026, it's important to remember one thing: Sam Presti didn't build this dynasty-pushing core with number one picks.
In fact, the majority of this team's foundational players weren't even top-10 picks.
Following Sunday's draft lottery, Oklahoma City heads into June's NBA Draft with the 12 overall selection on the night, courtesy of the LA Clippers.
This Thunder front office is certainly no stranger to heading on the clock at such a spot on the board, as some of the most beloved members of the organization were snatched up by using this exact pick.
From legends like Nick Collison and Steven Adams to more recent fixtures like rising studs Cason Wallace (technically the 10 pick, though OKC traded the 12 to get him) and Nikola Topic, and even All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, history suggests Oklahoma City should still be able to come away with a game-changing talent in the back-end of the lottery.
If the fact that OKC could realistically win back-to-back NBA Championships and go on to add a top-12 prospect to their arsenal directly after wasn't already nightmare-fuel for the rest of the league, then perhaps their tremendous track record when selecting at such a spot in the festivities will bring them there.
Thunder star should have full month of rest ahead of conference finals
Speaking of the club's greatest 12 overall selection in Jalen Williams, should the Thunder down the Lakers on Monday night and, in turn, sweep their way toward a second straight Western Conference Finals, he will have had roughly a month's worth of rest and recovery under his belt before the start of round three.
The last time the forward suited up for in-game action was in OKC's Game 2 quarterfinal matchup against the Phoenix Suns back on April 22, where, in the second half, he unfortunately sustained a left hamstring strain.
2025-26 has been a campaign filled to the brim with injury woes for Williams.
From starting things off while recovering from right wrist surgery to enduring two flare-ups of a right hamstring strain, the 25-year-old missed a total of 49 games in the regular season
Combined with playoff action, he's played just five games since the start of April.
Despite his inactivity, however, both fans and his teammates haven't forgotten just how integral an available J-Dub is to the Thunder's success.
With this, the hope is that after such an extended period of rest, Williams' hamstring will be completely healed up heading into Game 1 of the third round and will be a full-go from there on out as Oklahoma City looks to become the first repeat champion since the 2018 Warriors.
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