4 Young players Thunder should develop, 1 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
Develop: Dillon Jones
This was one of the surprise selections of the first round in 2024. Jones played four years at Weber State where he kept improving. The 22-year-old averaged over 20 points and five assists with nearly ten rebounds per game during his senior year. He is a versatile option, but there are serious questions about how his game translates to the NBA.
The Thunder love players that can dribble, pass, and shoot. Jones was a career 32.0 percent 3-point shooter at Weber State, but he can certainly make plays and create for others. His fit in Oklahoma City is questionable, especially with his on-ball reliance, but Sam Presti and the front office clearly saw something they liked to take him at 26th overall.
Most projected Jones to be a second-round pick. He has a 6’11 wingspan but was not a defensive lockdown option in college. He did most of his scoring inside the arc and those things won’t come easy in the NBA.
The Thunder believe in his skill set, and Dillon Jones would not be the first player to be significantly better at the next level. Oklahoma City must find out what they have. Jones is already 22, so his rookie contract is crucial. If the 6’5 wing hasn’t blossomed in a few years, it is time to move on.