Evaluating the OKC Thunder's Draft Options with 2024 Rockets, Clippers Picks
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s pick stash has been one of the bigger storylines in the NBA over the last few years, with general manager Sam Presti hoarding draft assets for a variety of reasons.
The 2024 NBA Draft, despite being up in the air talent-wise, will be one of the first times OKC has cashed in on selections with an abundance of talent already.
A recent Draft Digest mock draft gives an interesting look at some of the lineup versatility those picks could offer:
Ryan Dunn at No. 11 (via HOU)
Virginia’s Ryan Dunn has been a fast riser in the 2024 cycle. At 6-foot-8, Dunn has gained a quick reputation as one of the best defenders in the entire bunch.
In nine games so far this year, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and a whopping 2.6 blocks and steals per game. His shooting — just 21% on 2.1 threes attempts per game — is a big question mark. But his defensive impact stands far above most glaring issues.
Dunn might not be a longtime starter capable of pouring on points nightly, but he’d at least be another strong back pocket defensive option for Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to throw at the opposition.
Dunn would be an easy throw-in for the likes of Kenrich Williams, Aaron Wiggins and more defensively.
Izan Almansa at No. 13 (via LAC)
Almansa, a 6-foot-10 forward who’s currently making his name for the Ignite, is an intriguing option for the Thunder in 2024.
So far in 10 games, Almansa is averaging just 8.0 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 52% overall. But his more than two-to-one assist-to-turnover ration — currently 2.2 to 1.0 — is a big positive and indicative of a potential fit with OKC.
There are certainly issues — he’s hitting on just 17% of his threes and 45% of his free throws — but his potential pairing as a connective savant next to Chet Holmgren in the front court is an interesting one.
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