3 players Thunder likely regret not taking in NBA Draft after Summer League finale

The OKC Thunder likely wish they could have made a few alterations to their 2024 NBA Draft decisions.
2024 California Classic - Miami Heat v Golden State Warriors
2024 California Classic - Miami Heat v Golden State Warriors / Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next

Tristan da Silva

Outside of having a potential need for another big man to serve as an enforcer down low, the Thunder could seriously use a traditional power forward within their talent pool, for Hartenstein is a natural pivot and, as noted earlier, their primary four in Jalen Williams boasts a build of a natural two or three.

In many ways, Tristan da Silva seemed to be exactly what Oklahoma City could have used for at the position heading into draft night, and, through three outings in this summer's tournament, such a sentiment only seems to have been strengthened.

From his athleticism to his highly-touted scoring prowess, da Silva's play was as advertised during Las Vegas play, as he finished with top-flight averages of 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals.

His size (6-foot-8 with a 6-foor-10 wingspan) and shot creation make for a lethal combination on the offensive side of the ball, while his shooting stroke (cashed in on an incredibly efficient 60.7 percent of his attempts from the floor and 58.8 percent from deep) should already be worrying opposing teams heading into the regular season.

Alongside the likes of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic project to have one of the more versatile and positionless collections of frontcourt talents in the game moving forward.

If only his talents would have been broght to the Thunder to formulate an upfront trio of him, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren instead.

manual