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OKC Thunder: Omari Moore’s Downhill Ability Provides Upside in Second Round

Omari Moore significantly boosted his draft stock after a big combine performance and could be an option for OKC in the second round.

The NBA combine each year helps sleepers stand out and improve their stock.

This year was no different as a couple of draft sleepers stepped into the spotlight with strong showings at the combine. San Jose State’s Omari Moore was one of them.

Moore is a big guard with plenty of strong skills and untapped potential. He measured in at just under 6-foot-6 without shoes and with a wingspan of just under 6-foot-10.

Moore flew under the radar playing at San Jose State, but in the off-season he’s greatly improved his draft stock and NBA outlook.

Moore played four seasons with the Spartans playing 117 games and starting 105 of them. As expected his best season came this last season where he averaged 17.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

He is a creating guard who can get downhill and attack the rim. He can score at multiple levels and has shown an improved 3-point shot as he’s gotten older and more experienced, though it still needs some work. In his third season he shot a career best 42.9% on a very limited 2.6 attempts per game.

Oklahoma City continues to build out its bench and push toward the finishing of the rebuild. A player like Moore who can play the two and has a larger frame and can play both on and off the ball could fit in nicely. The pressure won’t be on Moore to compete immediately as the Thunder have guards to play immediately as he could develop his skills.

The Thunder have a history of having bigger bodied guards on the roster and Moore could be the next in line in the second round.

Pick No. 50 provides the Thunder plenty of options at plenty of different positions, but Moore is a player who has continued to impress and has the skill set to fit into the OKC rotation.


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