With the disappointment of the recent playoffs still very real for Thunder fans, the draft is a way to look forward and get ready for the season ahead. A season where Thunder fans remain desperate for a title.
The 2014 playoffs highlighted a number of issues that have plagued the Thunder for many seasons and are still yet to be fixed. After a successful regular season, a lack of post scoring, a lack of consistent perimeter shooting, poor perimeter defense and no reliable scoring option other than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Oklahoma City possess the 21st and 29th picks with the former coming via Dallas as last remaining piece of the James Harden trade. These two picks give General Manager Sam Presti the chance to continue his excellent track record of late and continue to find valuable pieces through the draft.
With these picks, the Thunder have three choices in front of them:
1. Keep both picks and bring two rookies onto the 2014/15 roster
2. Package both picks in attempt to move up the draft
3. Trade one or both picks for established NBA players
Here we'll analyse these scenarios and see what the Thunder can get from these picks.
Keeping Both Picks:
With Sam Presti's proven expertise at finding talent through the draft, it is extremely plausible that the Thunder keep both their picks in an attempt to fill their needs with young talent. Here are some potential targets that have been linked with the Thunder that would considerably help the team.
1. Adreian Payne, 6-10, Power Forward, Senior
Adreiane Payne out of Michigan State brings size, perimeter shooting and a nicely developed post-game to a Thunder team very much in need of each of those skills. He showcased his range, shooting 42% from deep in his final year as a Spartan and emerged as a go-to scorer, leading the Spartans with 16.4PPG. The Thunder could definitely use his perimeter shooting, size and post-game as an offensive injection off the bench behind Serge Ibaka. Despite his offensive tools, he struggles to use his physical tools on the defensive ends, is at times found to be unfocused and has a questionable motor.
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris
2. TJ Warren, 6-8, Small Forward, Sophomore
When the defensive intensity stepped up during the playoffs, the inability for players not named Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook to create their own shot was instrumental to the Thunder's demise. Cue TJ Warren. After spending two seasons as the go-to guy at North Carolina State brings a polished offensive game with the ability to score inside and out. At 6-8, with a 220 frame, he holds the physical tools to make it in the NBA. He plays hard with a great motor and rebounds well for his position.
NBA Comparison: Caron Butler
3. Clint Capela, 6-11, Power Forward/Centre, International
As with many international prospects, Capela has fluctuated up and down mock draft meaning the Thunder could end up taking him with the 21st or 29th pick. Sam Presti is famous for his ability to look long-term in the draft and Capela looks to be a perfect 'draft-n-stash' as he continues to dominate the Euroleague for Swis team Chalon. An athletic big man with extreme potential will look to develop further in Europe and will certainly be a long term pick for the Thunder. Currently has a tendency to look lazy and unengaged, a trait that the Thunder will most definitely look to turn around as he continues to improve. Despite his inability to contribute immediately, he will add much needed post scoring when he decides to test the NBA in the future.
NBA Compairson: Amir Johnson
Packaging the Picks to Trade Up
With the Thunder holding both the 21st and the 29th pick, Sam Presti has the option to package the two and reach for a late lottery pick. This will allow the Thunder to add a player who will have an immediate impact in the coming season and potentially be a missing piece the Thunder desperately need to gain a championship. Some of these players are:
1. Elfrid Payton, 6-4, 185 pounds, Point Guard, Junior, Louisiana Lafayette
The man who has been sky-rocketing up mock-drafts is now well and truly out of the Thunder’s reach at the 21st pick. The reason behind this is reportedly due to a number of fantastic individual workouts which has created serious buzz around the mid-major point guard. With a 6-7 wingspan, Payton is a defensive presence and is extremely aggressive and determined. Despite playing against lesser opposition, Payton looks to have all the tools of a successful point guard; a deadly crossover, great court vision, effective pull up jumper and fantastic athleticism. Although the Thunder look to be set at the guard position, if Payton is still on the board, his upside and proven skill is possibly to good to pass up.
NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo
2. Gary Harris, 6-5, 205 Pounds, Shooting Guard, Sophomore, Michigan State
Gary Harris provides a stable, offensive weapon who is capable of running an offense as he did at Michigan State. Extremely wide arsenal, is a good jump shooter and is can get to the rim with an array of crafty moves. He is a solid pick in the late lottery as he knows his game and has a high basketball IQ. Harris, despite being young for a Sophomore, does have the advantage of being able to contribute immediately due to the well-rounded and developed game. In a system dominated by stars, Harris will provide an extra ball handler as well as someone who can create their own offense.
NBA Comparison: Arron Afflalo
3. Nik Stauskas, 6-6, 207 Pounds, Shooting Guard, Sophomore, Michigan
After shooting just 32.3% from 3pt during the postseason, it became clear that the Thunder’s current floor spacers are not the shooters they once were. Nik Stauskas is possibly the purest shooter in this year’s draft, showcased by his 44% 3pt during his time at Michigan. He is more than just a spot-up shooter and is equally adapt coming off screens and shooting off of the dribble. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrooks ability to get to the rim and draw double teams, without floor spaces the paint can become clogged which seriously limits Durant and Westbrooks effectiveness. Stauskas could come to the Thunder and contribute from Day 1, keeping defenders honest and opening up the paint for the Thunder stars to shine.
NBA Comparison: JJ Reddick
Trade one or both picks for established NBA players
The third and final option for the Thunder front office is to go all in for a 2014/15 championship and to trade one or both of these picks for a proven, established NBA player. With the quality of this year’s draft, the Thunder are likely to gain good value for these picks as many teams are on the outside wanting in:
Oklahoma City Give: #21 Pick, New York Knicks Give: Iman Shumpert
Like with Afflalo, Shumpert provides excellent perimeter defense which the Thunder are in a desperate need of. During the past season, the Thunder allowed Isaiah Thomas to drop 38, Gerald Green to drop 41 and Jodie Meeks to post a career high 42 against a Thunder defense who seemed content on giving up open 3 after open 3. Shumpert has the defensive ability to change that and give the Thunder an X-Factor they need to fight for a championship.
These two trades look extremely similar and will both benefit the Thunder in the upcoming season. A line up of Westbrook/Afflalo or Shumpert/Durant/Ibaka/Perkins will provide the Thunder with a balance that has been absence in each of their championship runs. It allows Reggie Jackson to remain a sparkplug off of the bench and allows Coach Brooks to use an array of small ball line-ups such as Westbrook/Jackson/Afflalo/Durant/Ibaka. That looks borderline unstoppable.
Verdict:
All in all, the Thunder front office is faced with the decision to look for a championship now or look ahead and to continue developing. After gaining productive players draft after draft, now seems to be the time for Sam Presti to go all in after a championship now. Two players who have been made available fit into the Thunder perfectly and clearly fill some of the wholes that lead to an early playoff exit. In the end, Westbrook, Ibaka and Durant weren’t enough and it became painstakingly clear that the Thunder roster needed an upgrade. We’ll all see how it pans out come draft night but don’t rule out some Sam Presti draft-day magic!