Related: Ideal Jabari Smith landing spots in 2022 NBA Draft. By the time summer league starts, itll be nearly 11 months since Holmgren suffered his Lisfranc injury. Analysis: Phillips had six interceptions in 2022, and he has the toughness and instincts to excel playing inside or outside cornerback at 5 This might be a selfish one in that it would be fun to watch Miami develop Brown from afar. Its either going to be Gonzagas Chet Holmgren or Smith going No. The offense would continue to run through Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green and Christian Wood. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaden Hardy (G League Ignite: Guard, G League, 6-4) 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Chet While Holmgren can struggle to create in the half court, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Williamson would ease the burden. 14. Projected Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks, Ideal Jabari Smith landing spots in 2022 NBA Draft, 1st round, 2nd pick: Jabari Smith, F, Auburn, 1st round, 12th pick: AJ Griffin, F, Duke, 1st round, 17th pick (from Rockets): Jalen Duren, C, Memphis, 2nd round, 34th pick: Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee. If hes available at two, Presti and Co. would be doing cartwheels. More:Will Thunder's Josh Giddey make All-Rookie first team? Still, Hardy is a high-upside shot creating talent and he was better as the G League season went along in 2021-22. Mathurin has long been a favorite in this space, and his offensive skill set is a lot of fun. 1 for different teams, but Banchero should ultimately have the edge with the league's worst offense. But that doesn't mean Holmgren's career will play out the same way. The Thunder also own swap rights with the LA Clippers, meaning they could their pick if its better than OKCs. The Thunder ruled Holmgren out for the entire 2022-23 regular season, but his status for 2023 Summer League is currently unknown. Smith and Holmgren both have legitimate cases here as well. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | He is also an adept scorer with the upside to be a real star at the NBA level. With SGA, Giddey, Smith and wing Luguentz Dort acting as building blocks in Oklahoma, some might believe that the team should draft a center with the second of its two lottery picks. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Can he hold up to the physical toll of the NBA? That is inherently reasonable given Smiths ability to shoot at his size (610) and the scheme versatility he may present on defense. You could argue this is maybe the worst spot for Ivey and, honestly, it would be easier to slide him to No. 8 pick. 13. WebRoundtable mock draft: Thunder make 2 trades, get Kuminga and Sengun. Considering how productive Jalen Williams has been this season, he mightve already outgrown summer league participation. The Oklahoma City Thunder will have three picks in the first 34: No. Much has already been made of Atlantas need for a secondary creator in the wake of an early playoff exit against Miami. He was incredibly productive at Ohio State, and enough scouts in NBA circles seem to view him as a top-20 guy. Rookie Wire mock draft: Who do Thunder use their 6 picks on? In fact, if Brunson stays, I would cross this one off. DRAFT: June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. NBA mock draft 2022:Who will the Thunder select with three first-round picks? The Clippers, which owe their first-round pick to the Thunder, will face the Timberwolves in the play-in tournament Tuesday night. His injury has hurt his case, Jaylen Hoard, Georgios Kalaitzakis making most of NBA opportunity with Thunder, How to watch the Thunder in 2021-22 NBA season. His role wouldn't appear much different from the one he played at Gonzaga, where he shot 73.7 percent inside the arc and 39 percent from deep while finishing second in the nation in box plus-minus. The Magic could go a few different directions with this selection (including a popular No. The Magic could use a productive forward such as Murray, who can find ways to score off the ball by getting out in transition, cutting, shooting and crashing the glass. If the Pistons want to go a bit safer, they could lean in the direction of Keegan Murray or A.J. 2 to the Thunder continues to be Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren. If the Blazers choose to make the pick, Duren brings a highly intriguing skill set with a 75 wingspan and a monster frame. Who will the Thunder select with three first-round picks? Though they may have gotten off to a slow start to their full-fledged rebuild this past campaign, finding themselves in and out of the play-in tournament picture through the first half of action, once the injury bug started to chomp down on key players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the coaching staff opted to bench Al Horford, it was evident that the tank came into full effect during half number two. The Thunder also finished near the middle of the pack defensively (No. 17), so Presti may feel more pressure to improve and balance out the offense. The Thunder ruled Holmgren out for the entire 2022-23 regular season, but his status for 2023 summer league is unknown. 5, which could motivate the Houston Rockets to take needs and fit into account. 7), and Carolina Panthers (No. Ousmane Dieng and Jaylin Williams are likely safe bets to play in a handful of summer league games. 9). 10 in this mock draft to the Orlando Magic. 1 overall pick. Kessler doesnt help the Bucks a ton right now with Brook Lopez on the team and both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis able to play center. The Nuggets need defensive help in a significant way and Beauchamp can provide it. Whoever lands the No. Say OKC finishes eighth in the reverse standings. The NBA officially announced the dates for 2023 summer league, an event expected to be headlined by presumed top-two picks Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. For general manager Sam Presti and Hes raw offensively at 19 years old, but Johnson can still make an impactsimilar to the way Patrick Williams did this season in Chicagowith his tools, athleticism and developing skill in an off-ball role. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. However, theres still crucial games to be played to determine the final draft lottery odds. As of now, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold the fourth-worst record in the NBA. As such, they would have the fourth-highest lottery odds if the season were to end today. Outside of that top pick, the Thunder also have two more first rounders. If you watched ESPNs draft lottery broadcast, you will know that Smith is generating real hype, and many scouts view him as the top guy. 6 overall pick Josh Giddey as the core of a Thunder franchise that remains stocked with future draft capital just waiting to be cashed in. The Thunder own two draft picks in this mock draft. He can create. The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue to build from scratch through the draft, and only three teams will have a better chance of winning the 2022 NBA lottery. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Orlando Magic: Keegan Murray (Iowa, PF, Sophomore). NBA Summer League is set to take place July 7-17 in Las Vegas. The Oklahoma City Thunder (28-33) are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers (29-33) on Wednesday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This might be his floor come Draft night. This is a swing pick for the Nets and, by the way, Brooklyn can still choose to defer this selection to 2023 if they so choose. The Thunder already have Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and, adjusting for position, Banchero is on the short list of best passers in this class. Seems like a Warriors guy. The Thunder own four total picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. They will make their first selection after the Magic, who won the NBA Draft Lottery last month. Round 1, No. 11: Ousmane Dieng, NZ Breakers (acquired in trade with Knicks) 2. Chet Holmgren 11. Ousmane Dieng 12. Jalen Williams 34. Jaylin Williams Perhaps, a team like the Houston Rockets picking at 17 might make sense. Chatter will continue over the next five-plus weeks, and especially during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, but there are at least four candidates Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey for the top spots and the potential for real fireworks. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. With that out of the way, lets dive into a rapid reaction mock draft of the first round. Staying put will likely lead to a best-player-available search that finds Jaden Ivey difficult to resist. Presti has ultimately added some keeper prospects, with Giddey looking like one of the league's top triple-double threats and best passers, Tre Mann flashing dynamic scoring ability and Luguentz Dort giving the team a valuable perimeter defender. Long-term, Kessler could be a lot like Lopez on defense, as he was arguably the best single rim protector in college basketball this season. Thunder draft picks 2022: Who did Oklahoma City pick? Sochans two-way potential is suffocating and he showed real flashes at Baylor. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images). Holmgren profiles as an elite rim protector and shot-changer in the paint; many really smart analysts talk about Holmgren's instincts on the defensive end as "off the charts." Jonathan Givony In the short term, Johnson would earn minutes with his ability to apply pressure as a slasher and defender. Houston has been firing bets on upside dating back to the 2021 draft, and this is another example. Early on, hed focus on transition offense, driving, ball-moving and defense until his handle and shooting catch up. The Thunder wont be a playoff team, and OKC isnt going to push to make the play-in tournament. His slender frame is where most of the doubt begins and ends. In the short term, he'd play to his strengths as a catch-and-shoot player to build confidence. NBA Draft 2022: 10 players OKC Thunder could target at No. His offensive skill package leaves a lot to be desired right now, which leads to him dropping from a previous lottery projection. The 2024 draft class is headlined by Bronny James, LeBron James son. Offensively, Holmgren's ability to stretch the floor as a shooter is a perfect complement for Gilgeous-Alexander, who is one of the most aggressive drivers in the league and becomes almost impossible to keep out of the paint on a spaced floor. Elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings are a solid winner from the evening, jumping from the No. It may hurt to land at No. The Thunder will have a 12.2% chance of landing the No. LOS ANGELES The Pacers and Pistons had already lost by the time https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/category/nba-draft/mock-draft, For The Win mock draft: Thunder get Keon Johnson with pick 16, ESPN mock draft: Jonathan Kuminga falls to Thunder at No. He can guard. He'll have the Los Angeles Clippers' and Phoenix Suns' first-rounders to round out the roster. Detroit Pistons: Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona, SG/SF, Sophomore). January 6, 2022 9:00 am ET Now that we have seen an extended stretch of college basketball, there is a new player who has emerged as the projected No. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. That would give AJ Griffin an edge as an 18-year-old wing shooter. By avoiding Duren at 12 and trading up for him a handful of spots later, the Thunder also find value. 1 pick. Jun 23, 2022 at 8:33 pm ET 2 min read Getty Images With the No. If the Thunder lost to the Clippers, OKC would finish solo fourth. 1 wing defender, but hell be good in a secondary defensive role. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Chet Holmgren, a 7-foot stretch big with guard skills and potentially game-changing defensive ability. In this case, Smith seems like a strong fit next to Myles Turner, whose rim protection would make up for the 18-year-old's lack of shot-blocking. The Thunder have an opportunity to take a huge step forward in their rebuild. A special shooter at 6'10", Smith would thrive in a lineup with passers such as Haliburton and Malcolm Brogdon. Sports (6/20), No. Griffin. Mock Draft / 2 years ago 75 shares Post-trade deadline 2022-23 Oklahoma City Thunder roster. He could play to his strengths as a play-finisher around the basket or behind the arc. ), Jonathan Givony, ESPN (6/21), No. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 34: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee, Krysten Peek, Yahoo! After a 138-88 loss to the Clippers, the Thunder ownthe fourth-best odds meaning OKC will have a 12.5% chance at the No. The ideal next team-building step for the Oklahoma City Thunder would be to upgrade a frontcourt that featuresDarius Bazley, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Isaiah Roby. Not even close. With the No. He has the highest ceiling in this draft and, for that reason, should go no lower than here. The team will be able to add another elite talent to its core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey on June 23. Jun 24, 2022 8:00 AM EDT The Oklahoma City Thunder owned the lottery on Thursday night, taking three players in the top 12 selections. Obviously that doesnt ensure anything for Baldwin Jr., but the former top-five prospect still has the length and shooting acumen to bring substantial upside. Defensively, there are some concerns, but there is enough to work with in terms of basketball IQ and frame to get by. If the Thunder beat the Clippers in the season finale, OKC and Indiana would finish in a tie for fourth. 8. Hes the kind of prospect that I can see a team falling in love with, particularly with his defensive aptitude at 68 with power and athleticism. Between his 7'5" wingspan and leaping ability, he'll give the guards an easy-basket target and the team a rim protector to move forward with. Holmgren also has a built-in tie with former high school teammate Jalen Suggs, and his ceiling is sky-high. The Thunder ended up jumping in the lottery after entering the night with the fourth-best and 12th-best (via the LA Clippers) odds. Oklahoma City have won 14 out of their last 26 games against Los Angeles. The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue to build from scratch through the draft, and only three teams will have a better chance of winning the 2022 NBA lottery. CBS Sports Gary Parrish gives the Thunder's pick an A+. 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Auburn's Jabari Smith is new top pick by Magic, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren slips to No. Dieng is far away at this point, but the Rockets are one of the franchises that should be willing to wait. Once again, the Thunder have three picks, and they can take some swings. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 11. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. If not here, Dieng should find a landing spot in the first round somewhere. The Thunder landed the No. He'd get immediate reps, late-game shots and a green light to continue strengthening his three-point shooting. For one, he's not nearly as skilled as Durant. Before we preview the 2022 Oklahoma City Thunder draft, lets check in on the picks that they have. He fits a major need. The Thunder could offer up their 30th pick and a future first-round pick to a squad in Houston that has to continue adding draft capital. 2023 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Arkansas backcourt, SEC prominent in lottery. Overall Pick: 58. LOS ANGELES The Pacers and Pistons had already lost by the time the Thunder and Clipperstipped off Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, which left just two scenarios in the upside-down standings. Trade with Knicks ) 2, Krysten Peek, Yahoo willing to wait 75 wingspan and a light. Top pick by Magic, Gonzaga 's Chet Holmgren slips to No there are some concerns, but the are! 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Until his handle and shooting catch up could target at No the LA Clippers ) odds cross this off!, Gonzaga 's Chet Holmgren slips to No more: will Thunder 's Josh on! Shot creating talent and he showed real flashes at Baylor shot creating talent and he showed real at!