NBA Mock Draft: Thunder Snag Talented SEC Guard in Lottery

Oklahoma City was able to grab a talented playmaker with size and defensive acumen in a recent mock draft.

With less than a month until the NBA Draft, Kyle Boone of CBS Sports slotted Arkansas guard and former 5-star recruit Anthony Black to the Thunder at pick No. 12.

Black has been frequently slotted in the top 10 during the pre-draft process, meaning Oklahoma City would likely jump at the opportunity to select the Duncanville, Texas, native.

Black was ranked No. 15 in the 2022 high school recruiting class according to 247Sports, crowned as the nation's No. 1 point guard and the No. 2 player in Texas. When Black was in high school, Eric Bossi of 247Sports compared the Razorbacks leader to Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham. 

Listed at 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds, the talented ball-handler's positional size and effort on defense make him an ideal fit for Sam Presti and the Thunder. In recent drafts, OKC's selections of Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams indicates that the front office values players who are big for their position. 

In addition to his height, Black's age is another enticing factor for Oklahoma City, who has prefered to draft younger players since beginning its rebuild. The Arkansas standout will be 19 on the day of the draft and won't turn 20 until midway through his rookie year. 

In his lone season with the Razorbacks, Black averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game. The defensive standout earned SEC All-Freshman Honors in 2022-23, helping lead Arkansas to the Sweet 16. 

Scouts rave about Black's all-around ability, as the talented guard can get to the basket, pass and defend. 

Black's biggest flaw, however, is his shooting from long range. The Duncanville High School product shot 45.3% from the field and 30.1% from deep in 36 games at Arkansas. 

If Black's shooting concerns cause the talented playmaker to slide out of the top 10, his ancillary abilities could make him the perfect fit for OKC. 

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