Pre-Draft Outlook
It’s hard to have a better outlook than the Thunder. They have pulled off the executive hat trick of a contending roster, manageable cap sheet and cache of Draft picks. That’s the dream, and it’s about to get more real when Oklahoma City gauges its options with two more first-round picks (Nos. 15, 24). Pay days are never too far away in the era of short-term contracts, and general manager Sam Presti plays chess to everyone else’s checkers in that regard. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are eligible for rookie contact extensions this year. Expect Presti to have already outlined and executed his Draft day plan with that in mind.
The Way To Go
Stats can be misleading in the playoffs, when small sample sizes and specific opponents skew the numbers. That being said, it’s hard to ignore how poorly the Thunder have shot from beyond the arc in the postseason (31.9% through the first two rounds). It’s also worth remembering that Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren — vital anchors to the Thunder’s stifling defense — missed a combined 75 games last season. If OKC doesn’t trade up or out of these spots entirely, affordable shooting or big man insurance are probably the most useful margins to fill for a team that is the envy of most, if not all.
— Matt Petersen
Here’s a quick look at OKC’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
G: Alex Caruso
G: Luguentz Dort
G: Isaiah Joe
G: Nikola Topić
G: Cason Wallace
G: Aaron Wiggins
G/F: Jalen Williams
G/F: Kenrich Williams
F: Ousmane Dieng
F: Dillon Jones
C/F: Isaiah Hartenstein
C/F: Chet Holmgren
Free Agents
G: Alex Ducas
G: Adam Flagler
G: Ajay Mitchell
F: Jaylin Williams
C: Branden Carlson