NBA Mock Draft: OKC Thunder Select Stretch Forward in Lottery
On Monday, March 18, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor released an updated NBA mock draft.
In his projection, the Oklahoma City Thunder had just one first round pick, which Sam Presti received from a trade with the Houston Rockets a few years ago. It is possible that OKC could have two first round picks this summer, as a trade with the Utah Jazz awarded the Thunder a top-10 protected pick.
Right now, the Jazz are slotted at pick No. 9, meaning that their selection would not convey to Oklahoma City. If Utah's pick ends up outside the top 10, however, OKC will have two picks in the first round.
In O'Connor's mock draft, the Rockets pick that will go to the Thunder, is at No. 11.
With their lone pick in the first round The Ringer's draft analyst paired Colorado forward Tristan Da Silva with Oklahoma City.
Listed at 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Da Silva operates as a stretch forward with good playmaking and perimeter scoring ability. The Buffaloes senior is averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season while shooting 48.2% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range.
Hailing from Munich, Germany, Da Silva is teammates with Cody Williams, the younger brother of OKC standout Jalen Williams and a potential top five pick in this year's NBA Draft.
The two helped lead Colorado to its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2021, where the Buffaloes will meet Boise State on Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. in one of the First Four games.
If Da Silva and Williams are able to take down the Broncos, Colorado will face the Florida Gators in the Round of 64.
With his positional size, perimeter shooting touch and passing acumen, Da Silva would seemingly be a solid fit in Mark Daigneault's system. While some teams may not be as interested in Da Silva due to his age, the senior forward should be more prepared to contribute early as he is an older and more seasoned prospect.
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