The Oklahoma City Thunder wants to be very serious in its reconstruction. The franchise is embracing a process worthy of the glorious Sam Hinkie by accumulating draft picks in the hopes of getting their hands on one or two future superstars capable of securing the team at the top in a few years.
We will still have to wait a little to judge but the group is interesting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort and maybe soon Chet Holmgren. Especially since the leaders still have an absolutely mind-blowing collection of picks.
To give you an idea, the Thunder have more first-round picks through 2027. than all NBA and NFL franchises from Los Angeles! 16 against 13. Crazy. Even if it is also explained by the fact that the Clippers sent most of their own picks to OKC as part of the transfer of Paul George in 2019.
Afterwards, it remains to be seen what GM Sam Presti will be able to do with all this. Some towers are protected, others expected in the middle or even at the bottom of the table. But all it takes is an injury or a change in scenario at the Clips or the Lakers for the Thunder to hit the jackpot. With the health conditions of Kawhi Leonard et Anthony Davisor even the end of his career approaching for LeBron James, it can do it.
Either way, these picks may end up being included in a package to get veterans back the day the young players are ready to return to the top-8 in the Western Conference. For a small market like Oklahoma City, there aren’t many other options.
Our Mock Draft 2022 at D-1
