The NBA Finals have wrapped up, which means franchises are gearing up to execute their off season strategy. This process starts with the draft. Yes, the NBA Draft is a few short days away, with plenty of star power and diamonds in the rough waiting to hear their respective names called. For Oklahoma City Thunder fans, they are patiently waiting to see what moves Sam Presti makes to kick off their off-season.
I previously wrote about the teams needs heading into this year’s draft. Play-making and shooting are where this team is lacking around their star point guard Russell Westbrook. Oklahoma City will only have their first round pick in this years NBA draft, slotted at 21.
While not in the lottery, Sam Presti has always had an ability to find talent in the late. He snagged Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson with the 24th pick in their respective draft classes.
Considering needs, contracts and lack of cap space, the Thunder will need to be creative heading into the draft this year. Here are the 3 most likely options for the Thunder to explore for the 2017 NBA Draft.
Trade Up
Players such as Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell and Justin Jackson have all risen up many GM’s draft boards. The consensus has been that they are all late to fringe lottery picks. They will not be there at 21 for Oklahoma City so trading up into the lottery maybe in their best interest. Attaching Alex Abrines, Doug McDermott or Domantas Sabonis to the 21st pick maybe enough to get them in the lottery.
Trade Down
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be capped out after the extensions of Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams, so trading away a bad contract will be necessary. The most likely domino to fall is Enes Kanter. With two years and over $36 million due, the Thunder could attach this years pick to a team willing to take on his contract (paging Brooklyn Nets). Kanter is more than serviceable, so the Nets could be enticed to take on this package for one or both of their first round picks.
Reach for the stars
This scenario is where fans close their eyes and hope for the best. The best available prospects projected around the time OKC picks will probably be international players. If they take a big man, he’ll struggle to find time. Sam Presti may have to reach on some projected second round talent to find the help this roster will need. Wings such as Josh Hart, Tyler Dorsey or Dillion Brooks could all be players Sam Presti considers.
Whatever the Oklahoma City Thunder decide to do this NBA Draft, fans will certainly be keeping their eyes close starting draft night.
