NBA Mock Draft: OKC Thunder Make Consecutive Lottery Selections
The Oklahoma City Thunder have exceeded expectations this season, and are just seven wins away from hitting their preseason projected total.
In addition to the team's success, OKC is also set to have two lottery picks in the NBA Draft this summer, which should help Mark Daigneault and company fill a few of the holes on their roster.
On Tuesday, Yahoo's Krysten Peek published a new mock draft that slotted the Thunder at No. 10 and No. 11 overall.
With the No. 10 pick, Peek matched French wing prospect Tidjane Salaun with Sam Presti. Salaun is reminiscent of a few other prospects Presti has taken swings on in recent years.
At just 18-years-old, Salaun is listed as 6-foot-9, 200 pounds. Playing for Espoirs Cholet in one of the top French basketball leagues, the talented wing is averaging 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
In addition to his youth and positional size, Salaun is also a good defender who can guard multiple positions. The three aforementioned traits all align with what Presti has coveted in past draft prospects.
Salaun's skill set seems like it would be a good fit in OKC, as the versatile wing wouldn't be asked to be a primary scorer or creator and could focus on improving his perimeter shot and playing defense early in his career.
At No. 11, Peek slotted Duke big man Kyle Filipowski to the Thunder. Listed at 7-feet-tall and 248 pounds, Filipowski's size alone would add an element to Oklahoma City's roster that the team has been missing all season.
Additionally, the Blue Devils' sophomore standout is a good passer and a decent 3-point shooter which would help Filipowski fit well in Daigneault's offensive system that values smart decision-making and solid shooters.
So far this season, Filipowski is averaging 17 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.
With Filipowski already being 40 pounds heavier than Chet Holmgren, the Massachusetts native could be a good option against some of the stronger big men that the Thunder will face.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
