Thunder Could Add Leadership, Experience at No. 50 in Jalen Wilson

Last season, Jalen Williams proved how important it is to have rookies ready to play right away. After spending multiple seasons in college, the savvy skills were evident almost right away. When his opportunities grew, Williams rose to the occasion every time.

In the NBA Finals, Christian Braun, Denver's No. 21 overall pick, became an indispensable piece for the Nuggets. After leading Kansas to a National Championship the year prior, Braun was ready to play right away and the NBA Champs were a better team because of it. The 6-foot-6 guard spent three seasons at Kansas, working on his craft and perfecting the little things.

Could another Jayhawk be this year's version of Braun, but a bit further down on the draft board? Jalen Wilson spent four years at Kansas and averaged double digit points in three of the four. This past season, though, he took his game to another level, becoming the Jayhawks best player.

Wilson averaged 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, earning 2022-23 Big 12 Player of the Year honors and a consensus All-American spot. Over the course of his career in Lawrence, Williams snagged two All-Big 12 honors and a National Championship to his name.

The 6-foot-6 wing will be ready to contribute to an NBA team right away and is a proven winner at the highest level in college. Oklahoma City has a handful of project players that could be special with time in Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski — and even struggling prospects like Tre Mann and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

The Thunder could add veteran experience and a winning mindset late in the draft in someone like Wilson. The Kansas wing can fit into any system and was able to play on the perimeter much more as the Jayhawks' go-to scorer in 2022-23.

Last offseason, Sam Presti showed he wasn't afraid to select older prospects — even in the lottery. If Wilson is available at No. 50, he'd be a low-risk, high-reward candidate for a Thunder team that looks ready to take the next step.

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