Thunder Select Arkansas Guard Nick Smith Jr. in Recent Mock Draft

With the Thunder on the cusp of making the NBA Play-In game, their 2023 NBA Draft odds have taken a hit. Luckily for them, there’s a bevy of serviceable players to grab in the 10 to 16 range that they could have their eye on.

In Kevin O’Conner’s most recent mock draft on The Ringer, he has Oklahoma City selecting Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. twelfth overall.

It would certainly be an interesting selection for the Thunder, who have a pretty crowded backcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and even Jalen Williams, at times.

At 6-foot-5, Smith has a smooth offensive game that makes each shot, dribble move and pass look seamless and easy. He’s not the strongest or fastest player, but his combination of handling and on-ball poise make him a potent threat to score the basketball. He’s also got what is likely the smooth floater in the 2023 class.

Thus far, Smith has had an up-and-down, injury-riddled season. Which could be one of the only reasons he sneaks into Oklahoma City’s range. He’s averaged 14.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 39 percent overall, 34 percent from beyond the arc and 74 percent at the line.

He’s put up several high-octane offensive performances, but has yet to find any efficiency overall or beyond the arc.

Smith would make an intriguing fit with Oklahoma City. He’s likely going to be a fine 3-point shooter and has functioned off-ball well next to Anthony Black at Arkansas. But to maximize him down the road, he’s going to need the ball in-hand. And with Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, the emerging Williams and potentially even 7-footer Chet Holmgren down the road, those on-ball minutes might already be shored up.

O’Conner at least thinks highly of Smith’s pairing with the current roster: “There probably isn’t a better backcourt fit than Smith to pair with Oklahoma City’s primary playmakers. Smith can keep the ball moving while scoring stays his main thing.”

Of course, the Thunder don't value labeling positions the same way most teams do, so adding another "guard" may only come with the label.

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