NBA Mock Draft: Thunder Select Another Guard?

Could Oklahoma City add another guard to an already great backcourt?

Now that the lottery has been finalized, the Oklahoma City Thunder officially landed the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The late part of the lottery always produces talent, especially at this slot in recent years.

Oklahoma City drafted Jalen Williams at No. 12 overall last year, who ended up being one of the best rookies in his class. Who could the Thunder look to target this June?

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report recently released a mock draft for the 2023 class following the lottery, which gives insight into where some of the top players in the upcoming rookie class could land. His projection has the Thunder selecting an elite guard with two-way upside at No. 12 overall.

While OKC is already loaded at the guard position with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort, Cason Wallace does enough to still fit into what the team wants to do. He’s a solid facilitator and shooter, but is known for his perimeter defense.

At the point of attack, there’s fewer better than Wallace in this class. While he likely wouldn’t be an immediate starter, he could be a bench spark early in his career and eventually evolve into more of a first teamer. Furthermore, this would make a potential trade of Lu Dort down the road easier to manage, as Wallace has quite a few similarities.

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