Currently occupying the top spot in the Western Conference standings, the Oklahoma City Thunder's vision has been fully realized. After two short years of missing the postseason altogether, OKC lost the play-in game to Minnesota in 2023 and now find themselves right alongside the Timberwolves at the top of the conference a year later.
Everyone who said the Thunder would be tanking for years upon years has been proven wrong, and Sam Presti looks like a genius for helping the team get to this point while stacking up a massive collection of draft picks in the process.
Some of those draft picks will still be used to select players to add to OKC's core. As we approach the start of March Madness and all eyes turn to college basketball's most prestigious event, there are several prospects that the Thunder will want to keep an eye on.
1. Dalton Knecht - Tennessee
One of the most electric talents in NCAA hoops this year, Dalton Knecht has been the best player for the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers all season. Coming over to Knoxville as a transfer from Northern Colorado, Dalton terrorizes defenses with his versatile scoring ability and deep shooting range from beyond the arc.
He has been one of the top scorers in a talented Southeastern Conference this year, and has the chance to help lead Tennessee to a deep run in the NCAA tournament after their Elite Eight appearance last year. A fifth year senior, Knecht will have the age and experience to be NBA-ready from day one.
The Thunder will want to keep a close eye on him to see how he performs when the lights are brightest during March Madness. Knecht's sharp-shooting prowess and elite scoring skill make him an intriguing draft prospect for Oklahoma City.