How Can OKC Fill Roster Needs in NBA Draft?
Oklahoma City made the play-in tournament, won a game in the postseason and now gets to prepare to add another piece to the rotation in the lottery of the NBA draft.
The Thunder drew the No. 12 pick and will likely have their choice of multiple high level prospects that could fill various needs in OKC. After an impressive season exceeding many expectations for the unit, the Thunder are now in a position to round out an already established roster rather than creating a new rotation like they have been in previous years.
The Thunder don’t have to focus on drafting a player who can both immediately start and have a major impact on all aspects of the game. Instead they can select key areas and fill those more precise areas. They could decide to go multiple directions with the pick depending on which need they choose to focus on and who the teams ahead of them select.
The Thunder placed a massive emphasis on shooting since the end of the 2021-22 season, especially from 3-point range. It paid off with the acquisition of Isaiah Joe and other players finding their shooting strokes from deep. However, OKC could still improve from beyond the arc and continue to rise up the league rankings, as the Thunder ranked 17th in the league.
If the Thunder choose to focus on that route, UCF forward Taylor Hendricks provides the strengths needed. Hendricks is a solid 3-and-D forward who can impact an NBA roster relatively quickly. He shot 39.4% from beyond the arc. The UCF forward would be a good answer to other Thunder needs as well including forward depth and defensive versatility.
Oklahoma City had a strong defense at times last season, but Hendricks would slide into the rotation and be able to defend multiple positions both on the wing and in the paint.
It’s unlikely for Gradey Dick to still be on the board at the Thunder’s pick, but if he slides to No. 12 he would be another obvious selection for 3-point shooting.
It was no secret OKC struggled to defend the true centers in the NBA throughout last season, but they were able to make due. While Chet Holmgren offers reinforcements in the paint, OKC could still use more size in the paint.
Derek Lively will likely, based on draft rankings, be the next best center available when OKC selects at No. 12. While Lively is being projected closer to the No. 20 range, the Thunder have never shied away from drafting their guy no matter the position.
The 7-foot-1 shot blocker would add good size and ability to the Thunder’s interior presence. Lively will likely be viewed as a project to fill into his abilities, but has the physical tools to be a talented big man at the next level.
Whether it be shooting, floor spacing, rebounding or defense OKC will have the chance to select a prospect that fills that need in the first round. Hendricks, Dick, Lively are options, but the Thunder could easily fill out the card for Jordan Hawkins, Keynote George or Nick Smith Jr. too. No matter the direction, the Thunder are trending forward.
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