During the 2022 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder made one of many greatest splashes. They entered the occasion with two lottery picks, however concluded the night time with three gamers in that vary.
Adding three prime-12 picks and an early second rounder means there’s going to be an actual crunch because it pertains to competing for minutes early on. The group incoming consists of Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. A rebuilding crew, the Thunder will use the upcoming season to essentially check these prospects and the others on the roster to see what they’ve.
The method issues are trying now, it seems Oklahoma City has a trio of gamers that can be a part of the primary core in Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
The Rookie Class
Chet Holmgren (Center | No. 2 Overall)
Perhaps probably the most distinctive participant on this total class, Holmgren has the potential to impression either side of the ball at an especially excessive degree.
Ousmane Dieng (Wing | No. 11 Overall)
A uncooked prospect with a ton of upside, Dieng is a jumbo wing that’s an underrated facilitator and defender.
Jalen Williams (Guard | No. 12 Overall)
After a stellar displaying in NBA Summer League, Williams appears to be a elegant prospect that is able to compete for minutes instantly.
Jaylin Williams (Forward | No. 34 Overall)
A glue man that’s identified for drawing prices and doing the little issues, Williams may take a while to carve out a big position within the NBA.
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Roles and Opportunities
There must be loads of time to go round this season in Oklahoma City, particularly because the season goes on. As we have seen for the previous two years, the Thunder are all about roster exploration down the stretch because the playoffs are out of attain.
While the crew could also be much less aggressive in shutting down stars late within the season through the 2022-23 marketing campaign, it is virtually assured each participant on the 15-man roster will get the prospect to start out a couple of video games sooner or later.
Furthermore, the Thunder are loaded at guard however haven’t got a lot depth on the wing or within the frontcourt. With every of those 4 incoming rookies having the flexibility to play outdoors of the guard spot, they need to have the chance to earn massive minutes.
Holmgren will possible be a day one starter, whereas Jalen Williams might be one of many first gamers off the bench. Dieng has a ton of upside however will possible wrestle early in his profession. As such, he might spend fairly a little bit of time within the G League. Jaylin Williams will possible play extra minutes with the Blue through the core of the season with some alternatives to play up with the Thunder in sure conditions.
The Thunder have been one of many worst 3-level taking pictures groups final season, however ought to enhance on that entrance with Holmgren and Williams being confirmed from past the arc. Oklahoma City was surprisingly good defensively through the 2021-22 marketing campaign, however can be even higher this season with what Holmgren and Dieng carry to the desk.
It’s clear that the Thunder will not be a contender this season, but when they’re capable of knock down triples and play good protection, they’re going to be a reasonably robust crew to beat.
Projections
There’s an actual likelihood the Thunder find yourself with two gamers on the NBA All-Rookie groups. Holmgren must be a favourite for NBA Rookie of the Year whereas Jalen Williams might sneak right into a Second Team All-Rookie slot. Regardless, all 4 of those rookies will log a ton of minutes this season.
For Holmgren and Dieng, the early struggles might be related. Both have skinny frames and might want to modify to the bodily model of play on the NBA degree. On the flip aspect, each Williams’ are bodily prepared for the NBA. What’s fascinating about that dynamic is that Holmgren and Dieng have the 2 highest ceilings of the 4, displaying Thunder GM Sam Presti’s dedication to constructing for the long run.
Struggles are anticipated for these younger Thunder rookies, however that is a part of the method. Oklahoma City is trying forward two or extra years when it comes to when these prospects actually have to be prepared.
Overall, Oklahoma City has among the best rookie lessons for the upcoming season. With the chance to bounce between the G League and NBA, there must be loads of developmental minutes to go round.
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story by The Texas Tribune Source link