Could the Thunder Benefit From Houston Rockets 2024 First-Round Draft Pick?
The Oklahoma City Thunder has built a talented squad that has plenty of youthful depth. They've done this while also holding onto 37 future draft picks. They have 15 first-round picks and 22 second-round picks over the next seven years.
Again, the Thunder has plenty of talent now. They're 2-0 on the season as they await their home opener against the Denver Nuggets, who are coming off an NBA Championship.
What's helped the Thunder take a leap is their consistent addition of solid talents. They've consistently hit on their draft picks. They added what seems to be a hit in Cason Wallace with the No. 10 pick this past season.
How long with the Thunder continue to do this? Given the trajectory of the picks they own, they have the ability to open their championship window in the next couple of seasons and maintain that championship window for years.
For example, the Thunder owns the Houston Rockets first-round pick this season, though it has a top-four protection on it. If the Rockets pick is pick No. 4 or better, they get the rights to it. Otherwise, the Thunder receives it.
This could be huge for the Thunder. Through two games, the Rockets are 0-2 with losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic. Though it's early, the Rockets don't project to be a playoff team, but they added Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet in free agency this offseason.
In short, the Rockets are going to be okay, but they likely won't be a playoff team, meaning there's a solid the Thunder could get the Rockets pick in the lottery.
This allows for even more flexibility for the Thunder. They'll have options when it comes to what to do with the pick, and they'll be able to address a need they don't quite know they have yet.
For a team that could very well end up playing postseason basketball, still getting a lottery pick to use is an incredible luxury and one of the many benefits of the way Sam Presti has rebuilt the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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