Why Kevin O'Connor Says the 2024 Draft Class is Advantageous for OKC Thunder
On a recent episode of The Mismatch, popular NBA writer Kevin O'Connor spoke briefly about the 2024 draft.
For months, draft analysts have been warning basketball fans that the upcoming class is much weaker than in previous years and that teams at the top of this year's draft won't get the same value that could be had in 2025.
While O'Connor agrees that the first few picks in the 2024 NBA Draft aren't at the same level as other classes, he admitted that this year is still a good cycle for teams like the Thunder.
"The thing with this year’s draft class is… this is a weak draft if you’re only looking at the top two, top three, for stars. It is a good draft if you already have an established core," O'Connor said.
For Oklahoma City, who likely won't be picking near the top of the draft anyway, this is an ideal scenario. Sam Presti and company have three first-round picks in the 2024 draft and an established core in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in addition to a slew of solid role players.
"It’s easier to find somebody in this year’s draft class that fits next to those guys. It’s a good role player draft," O'Connor added. "So in that sense, that’s where I’d look at it for a team like the Sixers, a team like the Thunder, where you already have a core. This is a good draft for you to find enhancing pieces who complement stars."
Given Mark Daigneault's system and the play styles of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren, adding a big wing who can play defense and knock down shots from the perimeter would be a big-time addition to the roster.
Additionally, Oklahoma City has struggled on the boards this year, meaning that Presti could also target a role player who is a solid rebounder. With three first-round picks, OKC has the ability to fill a variety of needs on the roster in the upcoming draft.
Players like Kevin McCullar Jr., Kyle Filipowski, Tidjane Salaun, Ron Holland, Ryan Dunn, Dalton Knecht, Oso Ighodaro, Kel'el Ware and Bobi Klintman are a handful of names that could fit in OKC and will likely be selected within the Thunder's draft range.
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